When baby is fussy and nothing seems to settle them, start with the basics. Try each one for around two minutes before moving on to the next.
- Hunger. Offer a small feed even if it isn't “time”. Early hunger cues are subtle — rooting, sucking hands, smacking lips.
- Wind. Hold baby upright on your shoulder for 1–2 minutes and gently pat their back.
- Nappy. Even a small wet patch can be uncomfortable.
- Temperature. Feel the back of the neck. Aim for a room around 16–20°C. Add or remove one layer.
- Overtired. Dim the lights, lower the noise, and try slow steady movement.
- Overstimulated. Move to a quieter room. One person, less light, less noise.
- Comfort. Skin-to-skin, slow shush, a baby carrier — sometimes closeness is what helps most.
Squirming, arching, pulling knees up, or falling asleep mid-feed then waking 10 minutes later can all be signs of trapped wind. Try a different winding position — over the shoulder, sitting on your lap, or across your lap tummy-down.
A full step-by-step guide is on the how to wind a baby page.
Overtired babies often look wired rather than tired. Watch for glazed stare, eye-rubbing, ear-pulling, or sudden bursts of activity that don't quite fit the moment.
The fix is usually less, not more — dim lights, quieter voices, slow movement, and an earlier sleep. See our newborn sleep tips for rough awake-window guidance.
Teething often starts somewhere between 4 and 10 months. Many babies are unsettled when a tooth is coming — dribble, chewing on hands, sore-looking gums or one flushed cheek can all be signs.
A high fever, diarrhoea or vomiting is unlikely to be teething. See the teething baby help page for what may help and what is worth a call to the pharmacist or GP.
Many babies are far more unsettled in the late afternoon and evening, especially between weeks 2 and 12. By the end of the day, a small nervous system can be full.
Lower the lights early. Hold baby close, skin-to-skin if you can. Offer feeds little and often — cluster feeding is normal in the evening. Try a baby carrier and a slow walk, inside or out. Tag-team with someone where you can.
A fussy baby is hard work. Drop your shoulders. Take one slow breath out. Drink a glass of water and eat one small thing. Message one person — “It's a hard one today.” counts.
If you ever feel close to losing control, place baby safely on their back in their cot and step away for a minute or two. That is safe. Needing a pause is not failure. Never shake a baby.
- A cry that sounds very different — high-pitched, weak, or pained
- Fever (37.5°C or higher under 3 months; 38°C at any age)
- Difficulty breathing, laboured breathing, or blue lips
- A non-blanching rash, projectile or green vomit, repeated vomiting
- Refusing feeds for several hours, fewer wet nappies than expected
- Baby is unusually floppy, stiff, or hard to wake
- You feel close to losing control — please reach out to a trusted person, your GP, or NHS 111 today
Frequently asked questions
Why is my baby so fussy?
Most fussiness in young babies comes down to hunger, wind, tiredness, overstimulation, or needing closeness. Sometimes it's teething, reflux discomfort, or simply a witching hour (more common in the late afternoon/evening between weeks 2 and 12). Working through a calm checklist usually helps you find what's behind it.
How long is it normal for a baby to cry?
Newborns often cry 1–3 hours a day in total, with a peak around 6–8 weeks. Inconsolable crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day, 3 or more days a week, for 3+ weeks in an otherwise healthy baby is sometimes called colic. Speak to your GP or health visitor if you're worried — they can help rule out reflux, allergy or other causes.
What should I try first when baby won't settle?
Run the basics: feed, nappy, wind, temperature, overstimulation. Try one thing for around two minutes before moving on. Hold baby upright, skin-to-skin if you can, dim the lights and lower the noise. A baby carrier and a slow walk are often surprisingly effective.
When should I see a GP about a fussy baby?
Seek help today if baby has a fever, breathing difficulty, a non-blanching rash, projectile or green vomit, fewer wet nappies than expected, or a cry that sounds very different (high-pitched, weak or pained). If baby seems unwell, very floppy or very stiff, or you feel something isn't right, contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services.
Is it okay to put baby down if I'm overwhelmed?
Yes — absolutely. If you ever feel close to losing control, place baby safely on their back in their cot or another safe sleep space, close the door, and take a minute or two to breathe. That is safe and good parenting. Never shake a baby.
A calmer first year, one day at a time
Calm Mum is the practical, no-jargon guide for the first year with a new baby. Start free in under a minute — no card needed.
Calm Mum is educational support, not medical advice. It does not replace your GP, midwife, health visitor or emergency services. If you are worried about your baby's health, seek advice from a healthcare professional.