Baby Fussiness 101: Causes and Solutions

Sep 10, 2025

All babies cry. It helps them to communicate, and some babies cry more than others. While crying is a normal part of infancy, frequent or prolonged fussiness can be distressing for parents. Understanding the potential causes and effective soothing techniques can help parents provide the best care for their baby.

Common Causes of Fussiness

Babies cry for a variety of reasons, including1:

  • Hunger: Signs include rooting, sucking on hands, and increased alertness. Crying is a late sign that baby is very hungry.
  • Dirty diaper: Discomfort from a wet or soiled diaper can lead to fussiness.
  • Temperature sensitivity: Babies may cry if they are too hot or too cold.
  • Teething: Sore gums can cause irritability, drooling, and increased chewing.
  • Spit-up and reflux: Some babies experience discomfort due to reflux or frequent spit-up.
  • Gas and digestion issues: Bloating and gas buildup can lead to crying and restlessness.
  • Constipation or diarrhea: Irregular bowel movements can cause discomfort.

How to Soothe a Fussy Baby

There are several ways you can help calm your fussy baby, depending on the cause of their distress2:

  • Establish a comforting routine: Swaddling, rocking gently, offering a pacifier, or playing soothing sounds like white noise can help comfort your baby and make them feel secure.
  • Feed slowly and burp often: Taking breaks to burp your baby during and after feeds can help reduce gas build up and spit-up.
  • Create a calm environment: Dim the lights, lower noise levels, and minimize stimulation to help your baby settle.
  • Use tummy time and gentle movement: Holding your baby upright or giving them supervised tummy time can sometimes ease digestion and reduce gas.
  • Consider supplementing with probiotic L. reuteri: This probiotic has been clinically shown to reduce crying time in colicky breastfed babies and helps support a healthy and balanced gut flora.

Remember, it is normal for babies to have periods of fussiness, especially in the first few months. However, if your baby’s crying seems excessive, is difficult to soothe, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, vomiting, or diarrhea, speak with your healthcare provider for advice and support.

References:

1. Unicef Parenting, n.d. How to soothe a baby: Mini Parenting Master Class video. Accessed February 2025. URL: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/how-soothe-baby#transcript 
2. Caring for Kids, 2021.Colic and crying. Accessed February 2025. URL: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/colic_and_crying