Why Is My Newborn Crying So Much and What Do I Do?
Understanding why newborns cry, the PURPLE crying phase, colic, evidence-based soothing techniques, and when to seek medical help - with Singapore context.
Common Reasons Newborns Cry
Crying is a newborn's only form of communication. They cannot tell you they are hungry, uncomfortable, or overstimulated - so they cry. Most crying in healthy newborns has a clear cause that can be addressed.
| Reason | Clues | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Hunger | Hands to mouth, rooting, sucking motion | Offer breast or bottle |
| Wind / gas | Crying after feeds, pulling legs up, arching back | Burp position: over shoulder or face-down on lap; bicycle legs |
| Overstimulation | After visitors, noisy environment, being passed around a lot | Dark, quiet room; reduce handling; skin-to-skin contact |
| Temperature | Sweaty neck (too hot) or cool mottled skin (too cold) | Remove a layer or add a layer; adjust air-con setting |
| Nappy discomfort | Wet nappy, nappy rash, or tight nappy tabs | Check and change nappy; apply barrier cream for rash |
| Tiredness | Eye rubbing, yawning, glassy eyes, turning head away from stimuli | Swaddle and settle in quiet sleep space |
| Pain or illness | High-pitched cry, inconsolable, fever, refusing feeds | Check temperature; seek medical advice |
Singapore HDB context: Many Singapore parents worry about noise from their baby disturbing neighbours. Normal newborn crying is not your fault and you are not obligated to keep your baby silent. Focus on your baby's needs first. Most reasonable neighbours understand this phase passes.
The PURPLE Crying Phase - Normal but Overwhelming
PURPLE crying is a term coined by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome to describe the normal peak of infant crying that happens in the first few months of life. It is NOT a medical condition - it is a developmental phase.
What PURPLE Stands For:
P - Peak of crying (starts around 2 weeks, peaks at 6-8 weeks, then gradually improves)
U - Unexpected (can come without obvious reason)
R - Resists soothing (may not stop despite your best efforts)
P - Pain-like face (baby may look distressed even when not in pain)
L - Long lasting (can go 30-40 minutes or more)
E - Evening clustering (often worse in late afternoon and evening)
Confinement period pressure: Many Singapore families experience significant pressure from family members during the first month to "find out why the baby is crying" or that the crying means the baby is not being fed enough. Knowing about PURPLE crying can help you explain to family members that persistent crying in the first 6-8 weeks is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with you or the baby.
Colic and Evidence-Based Soothing Techniques
Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week, in an otherwise healthy baby under 3 months old. It affects about 10-25% of infants and usually resolves by 3-4 months. The cause is unknown.
| Soothing Technique | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swaddling (tight wrap) | Good evidence | Mimics the womb; only until baby can roll (usually 3-4 months) |
| White noise | Good evidence | Continuous "shush" sound or fan noise; very popular in Singapore HDB homes |
| Rocking / gentle motion | Good evidence | Car rides, baby swings, or gentle swaying while holding baby |
| Skin-to-skin (kangaroo care) | Good evidence | Baby on bare chest; regulates temperature, heart rate, and stress |
| Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri | Moderate evidence | May reduce crying in breastfed babies with colic; ask your PD |
| Gripe water / simethicone | Weak evidence | Widely used in Singapore but clinical evidence is limited; low risk |
When Crying Means Something Medical - and It Is OK to Step Away
Seek Help If Crying Is Accompanied By:
- - Fever 38C or higher (emergency in under 2 months)
- - Green or yellow bile in vomit
- - Rash, swelling, or signs of injury
- - Crying is inconsolable for 3+ continuous hours
- - Baby is not moving one limb
- - Cry sounds completely different from usual (very high-pitched)
It Is OK to Step Away
If you have tried everything and your baby is still crying and you feel overwhelmed, it is safe to put your baby down in a safe place (cot, flat surface) and walk away for 5-10 minutes. Take deep breaths. Call a friend or family member.
Never shake a baby. Shaken Baby Syndrome can cause permanent brain damage or death. If you feel you might lose control, put baby down and call someone immediately. KKH's 24-hour helpline is 6225-5554.
Postnatal support in Singapore: If you are struggling with the demands of a crying newborn and feeling very low, you may be experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety. The National University Hospital (NUH) has a Postnatal Depression Helpline and the Association for Women's Action and Research (AWARE) offers support. You do not have to cope alone.