The witching hour has stretched into its third hour: you've fed, burped, rocked and shushed, and your baby is still crying. You are not failing. Long stretches of crying in the early weeks are one of the most normal — and most exhausting — parts of newborn life.
Why babies cry so much in the early weeks
Around 2 weeks of age, crying tends to ramp up, peaks at about 6–8 weeks, and settles down by 3–4 months. Researchers gave this stage the name the Period of PURPLE Crying — not because of any color, but as a reminder of its features:
- P — Peak of crying (worst around 2 months)
- U — Unexpected (comes and goes for no clear reason)
- R — Resists soothing (may not stop no matter what you try)
- P — Pain-like face (even when nothing is wrong)
- L — Long-lasting (can go for hours a day)
- E — Evening (often clusters in the late afternoon and evening)
"Colic" is the older word for this same pattern: a healthy, well-fed baby who cries hard for long periods. It is a stage, not a disease, and it is self-limiting — it ends on its own.
A calm soothing routine to try
There's no magic order, but working through a few steps gives you something to do while the wave passes. Try one for a few minutes before moving on:
- Feed — offer a feed in case of hunger or comfort sucking
- Burp and check for trapped wind
- Check the diaper — wet, dirty, or a stray thread or tight clothing
- Hold close — skin-to-skin or carried upright against your chest
- Movement — a slow walk, gentle rocking, or a stroller stroll
- Sound — white noise, shushing, or a quiet hum
- Fresh air — stepping outside can reset both of you
The Australian Breastfeeding Association and Australia's Raising Children Network note that some evening fussing and cluster feeding is normal and does not mean your milk supply is low. If you're worried about feeding, your pediatrician can weigh baby and check things over.
When you feel overwhelmed — the most important part
Crying that won't stop can push any loving parent to the edge. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, tense or panicked, that is the moment to put your baby down safely and step away.
This is not giving up — it is one of the safest, most responsible things you can do. Babies come to no harm from crying for a short while in a safe place while you steady yourself.
Look after yourself too
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Share the load with a partner or support person, swap shifts, and rest when you can. Relentless crying is a known trigger for low mood and anxiety in parents — if you're feeling flat, hopeless, or unusually anxious, please reach out to your doctor or pediatrician. (See our guide on postnatal mood.)
When to talk to a doctor
Most crying is normal, but check in if something feels off.
| Have a chat with your doctor / nurse | Seek urgent care |
|---|---|
| Crying sounds different or unusually high-pitched | Any fever in a baby under 3 months |
| Poor feeding or fewer wet diapers | Trouble breathing, blue or very pale color |
| Vomiting, blood in poop, or a swollen tummy | Baby is floppy, very drowsy, or won't wake to feed |
| You're worried, or not coping | A fall, injury, or you fear baby may have been shaken |
Regional note
Guidance here aligns closely across Red Nose (AU), Raising Children Network (AU), the AAP / HealthyChildren (US) and WHO: support a back-to-sleep, safe-crib environment, never shake, and the period of intense crying resolves on its own. Your pediatrician, your doctor or your pediatrician's after-hours nurse line are good first ports of call.
This guide is general wellness information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or pediatrician, who know you and your baby.