New parents often wonder if there are certain months or times of year when babies tend to cry more. As it turns out, research suggests there are some patterns in when babies cry the most. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind which month of the year babies cry the most and why this might be the case.
The “Colicky” Months
The months when babies cry the most are often referred to as the “colicky” months. Colic is defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant under 3 months of age. It often peaks around 6-8 weeks and improves by 3-4 months. So the months when babies are most likely to cry a lot are:
- Month 2
- Month 3
These early months are challenging for parents, as babies may cry for hours on end, often in the late afternoon and evening. The exact cause of colic is unknown, but likely involves factors like gas, immature digestion, and the baby’s developing nervous system.
Why the 2nd and 3rd Months?
There are a few reasons why the 2nd and 3rd months of life tend to be fussier for babies:
- Growth spurts – Babies experience major growth around 6-8 weeks, needing more calories but also digesting food differently.
- Immature digestion – A baby’s gut and digestive enzymes continue developing over the first few months.
- Sensory overload – Babies become more alert and sensitive to lights, sounds, touch around 6-8 weeks, which can overstimulate them.
- Disrupted sleep – Digestive discomfort can make it hard for babies to sleep well during these months.
In combination, these factors likely contribute to increased crying and fussiness. The good news is colic does improve. After month 3, babies become better at self-soothing, sleeping, and digesting food.
Seasonal Factors
Interestingly, the time of year may also impact how much babies cry. Some research has found connections between seasonality and colic or fussiness:
- Late summer/early fall peak – Studies have noted increases in crying and colic symptoms in August through October, possibly related to seasonal allergies or changes in climate.
- Cold weather aggravation – Colder temperatures may exacerbate babies’ discomfort, with some links seen between colder months and crying.
- Post-holiday fussiness – Babies may pick up on parents’ stress after busy holiday seasons, influencing crying in the early new year months.
However, the evidence is mixed overall on whether season itself increases colic risk. The 2nd and 3rd months of life tend to be fussiest for most babies regardless of the time of year.
Other Factors That May Impact Crying
While the 2nd and 3rd months are often the peak “cry months,” other factors can also influence babies’ fussiness:
- 4-month sleep regression – Many babies start having disrupted sleep around 4 months as their sleep cycles change, leading to more crying from overtiredness.
- Teething – Teething can begin as early as 3 months for some babies, causing extra drooling, chewing, and crying.
- Illness – Ear infections, colds, and other illnesses are common sources of crying in young infants.
- Milestones – Learning new skills like rolling over is exciting but can also be frustrating and lead to crying.
- Personality – Some babies are simply more sensitive or prone to crying than others.
So while months 2 and 3 are often the fussiest, babies may go through periods of increased crying later for other developmental reasons.
Tips for Soothing a Crying Baby
No matter what month it is, having a frequently crying baby is exhausting for parents. Here are some tips for soothing a crying infant:
- Hold and walk with baby close to your chest
- Give a pacifier or try infant massage
- Play white noise or calming music
- Go for a ride in the stroller or car
- Run a warm bath
- Swaddle baby snugly
- Use baby carriers or slings to keep baby close
If crying seems extreme or nothing helps soothe your baby, consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. With time and patience, the excessive crying phase will pass.
When to Worry About Crying
Frequent crying in infants is normal, especially in the early months. However, contact your child’s doctor if:
- Crying is constant and inconsolable for hours
- Crying seems more like screaming or high-pitched shrieking
- Baby seems ill or in pain when crying
- Crying lasts more than 3-4 hours per day on multiple days
- Crying persists after the 4th month with no improvement
While prolonged crying can be frustrating, it’s important to stay calm and patient. With loving support, most babies outgrow the clingy, teary phase as they develop.
Conclusion
The 2nd and 3rd months of life tend to be the peak “cry months” for most babies. Factors like colic, growth spurts, immature digestion, and sensitivities to stimuli lead to increased crying during this period. The late summer through early fall are common times for colicky behavior to emerge. While excessive crying is normal at this age, contact your doctor if your baby’s crying seems extreme or inconsolable. With time, patience, and loving care, most babies start to cry less and sleep better by month 4.
