Why Does the Baby Cry So Much?
Quick Answer
Babies cry because it's the only way they can tell you what they need. They can't talk yet, so crying is how they say 'I'm hungry,' 'I'm tired,' 'my diaper is wet,' or 'I want a hug.' It might seem like a lot, but every baby cries -- and it does get easier over time.
Explaining By Age Group
Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation
You know how when you want something, you can just say it? Like, 'I'm hungry!' or 'I want to play!' You can use your words to tell people what you need. That's because you're a big kid who learned to talk!
But babies don't know any words yet. They can't say, 'Hey, I'm hungry!' or 'My diaper feels yucky!' The only thing they know how to do is cry. So whenever they need anything at all, they cry. It's like their only word for everything!
Babies cry when they're hungry, when they're tired, when they're too hot or too cold, when their tummy hurts, or even when they just want a cuddle. That's a lot of reasons! No wonder it seems like they cry all the time.
It can be really annoying to hear the baby cry so much, and that's okay to feel. But the baby isn't trying to bother you -- it's just trying to tell the grown-ups something. As the baby gets older, it will learn to talk, and the crying will get much, much less.
Ages 6-8 More Detail
If you have a new baby brother or sister, you've probably noticed they cry A LOT. Sometimes it might feel like they never stop! It can be really frustrating, especially when you're trying to play, sleep, or watch something.
Here's the thing: crying is the only way babies can communicate. Think about it -- they can't talk, point, or write a note. When a baby is hungry, the only way to let someone know is to cry. When their diaper is wet, they cry. When they're sleepy, they cry. Crying is their version of talking.
Different cries actually mean different things. Some parents learn to tell the difference. A hungry cry sounds different from a tired cry, which sounds different from a 'something hurts' cry. It's like the baby has different tones of voice, even though it's all crying.
Newborn babies cry the most during the first few months. It usually starts getting better around 3 to 4 months old, when they start to learn other ways to communicate, like smiling, cooing, and making little sounds.
It's totally normal to feel annoyed or frustrated by all the crying. You're not a bad sibling for feeling that way. If the crying gets to be too much, it's okay to go to another room, put on headphones, or ask a grown-up for help. Taking a break is perfectly fine.
Ages 9-12 Full Explanation
If you've been around a newborn, you know they cry. A lot. The average newborn cries for about 2 to 3 hours total per day, and some cry even more. It can be exhausting for the whole family, especially older siblings who didn't sign up for a tiny alarm that goes off at random times.
Babies cry because it's their only form of communication. They haven't learned words, gestures, or facial expressions yet. Every need -- hunger, tiredness, a wet diaper, gas, being too warm, wanting to be held -- comes out as crying. Think of it as a baby's version of texting, except there's only one message: 'HELP!'
There's actually a peak period for crying that doctors sometimes call the 'Period of PURPLE Crying.' It happens around 2 weeks to 3-4 months old, and during this time, babies can cry for hours for no obvious reason. It's not because something is wrong -- it's just a stage of development that all babies go through. The brain is growing rapidly, and everything is new and overwhelming for them.
Sometimes babies cry because of colic, which is when a baby cries for long stretches and nothing seems to help. Nobody fully understands why colic happens, but it's not dangerous and it goes away on its own, usually by the time the baby is 3 or 4 months old. It's really tough for families though.
If you're frustrated by the crying, that's completely normal. Even parents feel frustrated -- it's built into human biology for a baby's cry to be hard to ignore. The best thing to do when you're overwhelmed is remove yourself from the situation. Go to your room, listen to music, or spend time outside. It's not your job to fix the crying.
The good news is that it gets better. As babies grow, they learn to communicate in other ways -- babbling, pointing, making faces, and eventually talking. By the time your sibling is about a year old, the constant crying will have calmed down a lot. Hang in there.
Want explanations personalized for YOUR child's exact age?
Download WhyBuddy free on the App Store. Get instant, age-appropriate answers to any question your child asks.
Tips for Parents
Why does the baby cry so much can be a challenging topic to discuss with your child. Here are some practical tips to help guide the conversation:
DO: Follow your child's lead. Let them ask questions at their own pace rather than overwhelming them with information they haven't asked for yet. If they seem satisfied with a simple answer, that's okay — they'll come back with more questions when they're ready.
DO: Use honest, age-appropriate language. You don't need to share every detail, but avoid making up stories or deflecting. Kids can sense when you're being evasive, and honesty builds trust.
DO: Validate their feelings. Whatever emotion your child has in response to learning about why does the baby cry so much, acknowledge it. Say things like 'It makes sense that you'd feel that way' or 'That's a really good question.'
DON'T: Don't dismiss their curiosity. Responses like 'You're too young for that' or 'Don't worry about it' can make children feel like their questions are wrong or shameful. If you're not ready to answer, say 'That's an important question. Let me think about the best way to explain it, and we'll talk about it tonight.'
DO: Create an ongoing dialogue. One conversation usually isn't enough. Let your child know that they can always come back to you with more questions about why does the baby cry so much. This makes them more likely to come to you rather than seeking potentially unreliable sources.
Common Follow-Up Questions Kids Ask
After discussing why does the baby cry so much, your child might also ask:
Is something wrong with the baby if it cries all the time?
Usually, no. Crying is a normal and healthy thing for babies to do. It's how they tell the world they need something. However, if a baby seems to be in pain or the crying is very different from usual, parents should check with the doctor just to be safe.
Why does the baby cry more at night?
Babies don't know the difference between day and night yet. Their tiny bodies haven't learned a sleep schedule. They wake up whenever they're hungry or uncomfortable, whether it's 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning. This is why new parents are so tired!
Can I do anything to help the baby stop crying?
Sometimes! Gently rocking the baby, singing softly, or offering a pacifier can help. But sometimes nothing works and that's okay. The most helpful thing you can do is be patient and give your parents a hand with small tasks so they can focus on the baby.
Is it okay to feel annoyed by the crying?
Absolutely. Feeling annoyed by constant loud crying is a totally natural human reaction. It doesn't make you a bad sibling. Even your parents feel frustrated sometimes. What matters is how you handle the frustration -- take breaks and talk about your feelings.
When will the baby stop crying so much?
Crying usually peaks around 6 to 8 weeks and starts getting much better by 3 to 4 months. As the baby grows and learns other ways to communicate, like making sounds and pointing, the crying goes down a lot. By their first birthday, most babies cry way less than they did as newborns.
You Might Also Want to Explain
Want explanations personalized for YOUR child's exact age?
Download WhyBuddy free on the App Store. Get instant, age-appropriate answers to any question your child asks.