Parent Questions · Newborn · Birth–7 Days
Crying is how a newborn tells you they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable, or simply need to be held. Most crying, even a lot of it, is normal and settles as the weeks pass. This guide covers how to soothe your baby, what colic and trapped gas really are, and the change in cry that means it is time to call us.
Pick the worry that fits your baby and open it for a clear answer, with what is usually normal, when to see a doctor, and when to go straight to hospital.
Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, tiredness, wanting contact or discomfort.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Most crying has a simple cause, but a newborn who cries unusually and also feeds poorly or looks unwell should be examined.
Crying after feeds may mean the baby is still hungry, has swallowed air, has a shallow latch, is overstimulated or needs close contact.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Before blaming 'gas', check whether the feed was effective and whether the baby remains well.
Newborns do not yet understand day and night. They often feed and wake frequently overnight, especially during the first weeks.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Night waking is expected; safe soothing and shared caregiving are more useful than trying to impose a schedule.
Calming works best by first checking basic needs, then using close contact, skin-to-skin care, gentle rocking, soft voice and a quiet environment.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Feed if hungry, change the nappy, adjust clothing, hold securely and ask another trusted adult to take over if you feel overwhelmed.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: If you are becoming frustrated, place the baby safely on the back in the cot and step away briefly, never shake.
Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, tiredness, wanting contact or discomfort.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Most crying has a simple cause, but a newborn who cries unusually and also feeds poorly or looks unwell should be examined.
Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, tiredness, wanting contact or discomfort.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Most crying has a simple cause, but a newborn who cries unusually and also feeds poorly or looks unwell should be examined.
Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, tiredness, wanting contact or discomfort.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Most crying has a simple cause, but a newborn who cries unusually and also feeds poorly or looks unwell should be examined.
Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, tiredness, wanting contact or discomfort.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Most crying has a simple cause, but a newborn who cries unusually and also feeds poorly or looks unwell should be examined.
A newborn cannot be spoiled by responding to crying. Prompt, gentle comfort supports feeding, bonding and safety.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: In the first week, respond to crying rather than using controlled-crying methods.
Crying is a newborn's main way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, tiredness, wanting contact or discomfort.
Crying settles with feeding, skin-to-skin contact, holding, changing or gentle soothing, and the baby is otherwise alert and feeding well.
Crying is persistent or different from usual, feeding is reduced, vomiting occurs, there is abdominal swelling, fever, rash, injury or poor weight gain.
A weak or high-pitched cry, inconsolable crying with marked sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blue colour, seizures, green vomit, severe abdominal swelling or fever.
✅ What you can do: Check feeding, nappy, clothing and temperature; hold the baby close, use gentle rocking and reduce noise. Never shake a baby and avoid ghutti or unprescribed remedies.
⭐ Zango Clinic’s view: Most crying has a simple cause, but a newborn who cries unusually and also feeds poorly or looks unwell should be examined.
These answers help you know what to watch for at home. When something does not feel right, or a red-flag sign appears, a quick consultation is the safest next step. Book a clinic visit or ask on WhatsApp.
These answers help you know what to watch for. When something does not feel right, a quick consultation is the safest next step.