Why Babies Cry a Lot in the First Month
Crying is the primary way newborns communicate with the world. Since they cannot speak or express themselves in any other way, crying becomes their tool to let caregivers know when something is wrong, when they need comfort, or even when they’re simply adjusting to life outside the womb. In the first month, crying is especially common because babies are still learning to adapt to their new environment.
- Hunger
One of the most common reasons newborns cry is hunger. Their tiny stomachs cannot hold much milk, so they need to be fed frequently—sometimes every 1.5 to 3 hours. If a baby cries and it has been a while since the last feed, hunger is likely the cause.
- Discomfort (Wet or Dirty Diaper)
A wet or soiled diaper can make a baby uncomfortable. Since they can’t change it themselves, they cry to get attention.
- Sleepiness or Overstimulation
In the womb, babies were used to darkness, warmth, and gentle sounds. The outside world—with bright lights, loud noises, and constant activity—can overwhelm them. Sometimes they cry simply because they are tired or overstimulated and need help settling down.
- Gas or Colic
Newborns often swallow air while feeding, which can cause gas or tummy discomfort. Some babies experience colic, which means they cry intensely for several hours without an obvious reason. This usually peaks around 6 weeks of age and gets better over time.
- Need for Comfort and Security
Babies crave closeness. After spending 9 months in the womb, they feel safest when they are held, rocked, or wrapped snugly. Crying can be their way of asking for touch, warmth, and reassurance.
- Temperature Changes
If a baby feels too hot or too cold, they may cry to signal discomfort. Newborns have difficulty regulating body temperature, so they depend on caregivers to dress them appropriately.
- Pain or Illness
Although less common, crying can sometimes be a sign that the baby is unwell. A high-pitched, inconsolable cry may indicate pain or illness, in which case a doctor should be consulted.
- Adjustment to the Outside World
The first month of life is often called the “fourth trimester.” Babies are adjusting from the quiet, snug womb environment to the outside world. Crying can simply reflect this adjustment process.
Is Crying Normal in the First Month?
Yes. It’s normal for newborns to cry for 1 to 3 hours per day in the first month. The amount usually increases until about 6 weeks, then slowly decreases as the baby grows and develops other ways to communicate.
How Parents Can Soothe a Crying Baby
Feeding on demand
Burping after feeds
Changing diapers regularly
Swaddling or gently rocking
Playing soft music or white noise
Offering skin-to-skin contact
Checking the baby’s temperature
Consulting a doctor if crying is excessive or seems unusual
Normal Behavior of a 1 to 3-Month-Old Baby
During the first three months, babies grow and develop rapidly. This stage is often called the “fourth trimester” because infants are still adjusting to life outside the womb. While each baby develops at their own pace, here are some common behaviors and milestones you can expect between 1 to 3 months:
- Crying as Communication
Newborns primarily cry to express hunger, discomfort, sleepiness, or the need for comfort.
In the first month, crying can last 1–3 hours a day, often peaking around 6 weeks.
By the end of 3 months, crying usually starts to decrease as babies learn other ways to communicate.
- Feeding Patterns
Babies usually feed every 2–3 hours in the first month.
By 2–3 months, some may begin stretching to 3–4 hours between feeds.
Growth spurts (around 6 weeks, 2 months, and 3 months) can temporarily increase feeding frequency.
- Sleep Behavior
Newborns sleep a lot—about 14–17 hours in 24 hours, but not in long stretches.
At 1 month: babies wake often for feeding, both day and night.
By 3 months: many babies may start sleeping for longer stretches at night (4–6 hours).
- Movement and Reflexes
At 1 month: movements are mostly reflexive (startle reflex, rooting reflex, sucking reflex).
By 2 months: babies begin to control their head a little when on their tummy.
By 3 months: many can hold their head steadier, kick stronger, and may start batting at toys.
- Social and Emotional Development
Around 6–8 weeks, babies begin to show their first real smiles (called “social smiles”).
By 2–3 months, they start recognizing parents and may respond to voices with cooing or excited movements.
They enjoy being held, cuddled, and may calm when they hear familiar voices.
- Communication and Sounds
At 1 month: babies mainly cry.
By 2 months: cooing and gurgling sounds begin.
By 3 months: they may respond to voices with coos, smiles, or by moving arms and legs.
- Vision and Attention
At 1 month: babies can focus on objects about 8–12 inches away (like a parent’s face).
By 2 months: they begin tracking moving objects with their eyes.
By 3 months: they start to recognize familiar faces and may stare at colorful or high-contrast objects.
Summary
From 1 to 3 months, babies:
Cry often but gradually learn other ways to communicate.
Feed frequently, with short sleep cycles that slowly get longer.
Show early smiles, cooing, and body movements as first signs of social interaction.
Begin to control head movement and explore the world visually.
👉 These behaviors are normal and healthy signs of growth. Every baby is unique, so some may reach these milestones earlier or later.