Crying in healthy infants rises from about two weeks, peaks around six to eight weeks, and usually settles by three to four months. It is often worst in the evening and may not stop with soothing. Knowing this is normal is reassuring to most parents.
The single most important thing to say is that if the crying becomes too much, it is safe to put the baby down on its back in a safe cot, step away for a few minutes, and come back calm — and never to shake a baby. Look for red flags that suggest illness: fever, poor feeding, vomiting, a weak or high-pitched cry, or a change from the baby's usual pattern.
- Explain that crying peaks around six to eight weeks and usually settles by three to four months.
- Tell parents it is safe to put the baby down and step away if they feel overwhelmed.
- Warn clearly against shaking a baby.
- Check for fever, poor feeding, vomiting or an abnormal cry before calling it normal crying.
Why it matters
Inconsolable crying is the commonest trigger for abusive head trauma.
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