Is this normal for a baby? How to tell ordinary from urgent
5 min read
Quick answer
Most things that worry parents at 2am, such as crying, fussing in the evening and wanting to be held, are normal for a baby. Some signs are not and need help quickly. A high temperature in a young baby, breathing problems, floppiness or a rash that does not fade when pressed are reasons to call NHS 111 or 999.
- Crying is common in young babies, especially in the evening
- Under 3 months, a temperature of 38°C or more needs a call to NHS 111
- Some signs always need 999, whatever the time
- You know your baby best; if something feels wrong, get advice
- Constant worry can be a sign you need support too
Is this normal for a baby? What is usually fine
A lot of baby behaviour that looks alarming at night is normal. The NHS says all babies cry, some more than others, and that crying tends to increase from around 2 weeks old and then gradually reduce at around 3 months.
- Crying when hungry, tired, windy, bored or overstimulated
- Crying because of a wet or dirty nappy, or being too hot or too cold
- Wanting cuddles and to be held close
- Crying a lot at one time of day, most often the afternoon or evening
- Seeming unsettled around feeds, which your health visitor can help with
Is my baby's crying normal?
Crying is how babies communicate. Common reasons the NHS gives include being hungry or tired, needing a nappy change, wind, feeling too warm or too cool, wanting to be held, being bored, or having had too much going on.
What matters most is a change. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if your baby cries in a way that is unlike their normal cry, cannot be comforted, is not interested in feeding or has a high temperature.
When is a baby's temperature not normal?
A high temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or more. Because young babies can become unwell quickly, the NHS gives lower thresholds for calling NHS 111 at younger ages:
- Under 3 months: a temperature of 38°C or above, or if you suspect a high temperature
- 3 to 6 months: a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or above, or if you suspect a high temperature
- Any age: a high temperature lasting 5 days or more
- Any age: a high temperature with other signs of illness, such as a rash
- Any age: not wanting to eat, not their usual self, or signs of dehydration such as nappies that are not very wet
Signs that are not normal: when to call 999
Call 999 (or your local emergency number) straight away if your baby:
- Has skin, lips or tongue that look blue, grey, pale or blotchy
- Is floppy, unresponsive or harder to wake than usual
- Has difficulty breathing, grunting, very fast breathing or their stomach sucking in under their ribs
- Has a fit (seizure)
- Has a rash that is still visible through the side of a glass pressed firmly against it
- Has a stiff neck or seems bothered by light
- Has gone 8 hours or more without a wet nappy
What to do when you are not sure
If it is not an emergency but you are worried about your baby's health, call NHS 111 or your GP. For everyday questions about feeding, sleep, weight or development, your health visitor is a good first contact. You are not wasting anyone's time by asking.
Searching late at night can make worries feel bigger. When a question is about your baby's health, a trained person who can ask about your baby will give you a clearer answer than a forum.
Is it normal to worry this much?
Many new parents worry a lot, especially when they are short of sleep. But constant worry, fear or anxiety is one of the signs of postnatal depression the NHS lists, along with low mood and feeling unable to cope. It can affect mums, dads and partners. If worry is taking over, talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor.
If you cannot cope, or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, get help straight away rather than waiting. If you think you might not be able to keep yourself or another person safe, phone 999 or go to A&E now (or use your local emergency number). In England, NHS 111 gives urgent mental health help: call and choose the mental health option. Samaritans are also there to listen on 116 123.
Sources
We check this guide against these sources. It is general information, not medical advice: speak to your health visitor, GP or paediatrician about your own baby.
Questions parents ask
Is it normal for my baby to cry for no reason?
Babies cry for a reason, but it is not always obvious. Tiredness, wind, boredom or too much stimulation are common causes. Try feeding, a nappy change, holding them close or gentle background noise. If the crying is unlike their usual cry, cannot be soothed or comes with a high temperature, contact your GP or NHS 111.
What temperature is too high for a baby?
A high temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or more. The NHS advises calling NHS 111 if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a baby aged 3 to 6 months has 39°C or higher. Call 999 if a high temperature comes with floppiness, breathing problems or a rash that does not fade.
Is it normal for my baby to cry every evening?
Yes, it can be. The NHS says many babies have a time of day when they cry a lot and cannot be comforted, most often the afternoon or evening. If the crying is unlike their normal cry, never seems to stop, or comes with a high temperature or poor feeding, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Should I call 111 or 999 for my baby?
Call 999 (or your local emergency number) for emergencies: breathing difficulty, blue or grey skin, floppiness, a fit, a rash that does not fade when pressed, or no wet nappy for 8 hours. Call NHS 111 or your GP for urgent worries that are not life threatening, such as a high temperature or not feeding.