Why Is My Baby Crying So Much?

Why Is My Baby Crying So Much?

If you’ve ever found yourself pacing the room with a crying baby, wondering “what on earth can I do to help?” — please know, you’re not alone. ❤️

Crying is one of the main ways your baby communicates in these early weeks, but when it feels constant, it’s completely understandable to worry something might be wrong.

The word colic often gets used to describe long periods of crying, but it doesn’t explain why your baby’s crying — and there can be a few different reasons behind it.

Let’s look at some of the most common ones together 👇

1. Trapped Wind or Gas

If your baby is grunting, wriggling, or bringing their knees up towards their chest, they might have trapped wind.

This can happen because:

• They’ve swallowed air while feeding (both breast and bottle-fed babies can do this)

• Their digestive system is still maturing, and milk can start to ferment a little, creating gas

• They’ve swallowed air while crying

🫧 What can help:

Try gentle winding after feeds and a regular tummy massage to help release any trapped air. These can make such a difference to your baby’s comfort.

(I show you exactly how to do this inside my free course - 5 ways to settle and soothe your new baby (that actually work) — it’s full of simple, connection-based ideas that support digestion and relaxation too.)

2. Reflux or GERD

If your baby often brings up milk, hates lying flat, or coughs and splutters while feeding, reflux might be the reason.

Sometimes reflux can be linked to allergies or intolerances — but often, small changes can help too.

🫶 What can help:

Keeping your baby upright after feeds can ease discomfort. Babywearing can be lovely here — it keeps them close and supported, while helping digestion naturally.

3. Overstimulation

Is your baby clenching their fists, waving their arms, or turning their head away when you try to engage?

The world is a lot for a tiny baby — bright lights, noises, new sensations. Their nervous system is still developing, and sometimes they just need help winding down.

💆 What can help:

Baby massage is wonderful for this. It helps calm their nervous system and supports brain-to-body communication, so they can process the world around them more easily. (I run weekly Giggles baby classes that always include baby massage as well as my online Baby massage Course)

4. Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Did you or your baby have antibiotics? Or was your birth assisted (with forceps or a C-section)?

These can all affect how your baby’s gut is “seeded” — the good bacteria that help with digestion and immunity.

🦠 What can help:

Chat to your GP or health visitor about baby probiotics, and consider keeping a gentle tummy routine to support their little digestive system.

5. Allergies or Intolerances

If your baby has a rash, seems uncomfortable most of the day (not just at “witching hour”), or struggles with feeding and sleep, an allergy could be playing a part.

🌱 What can help:

If you’re bottle feeding, talk to your GP about trying an alternative formula.

If you’re breastfeeding, a food diary can help you notice patterns between what you eat and your baby’s symptoms.

6. The Fourth Trimester

Sometimes, it’s simply adjustment.

Imagine leaving the warm, quiet womb where you were constantly held — and arriving in a bright, noisy world full of space and sound!

Your baby might just be finding their way.

❤️What can help:

Holding your baby close, using womb-like settling techniques (rocking, swaying, shushing), and offering gentle massage can help them feel safe as they transition.

You’re Doing So Well

Having a crying baby can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to find it hard. The good news is there are small, gentle things you can do each day to make them more comfortable — and to help you both feel calmer.

If you’d like some simple, nurturing ways to settle and soothe your new baby that you can start using right away, take a look at my free mini course!

Vicky x