CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

6 Reasons Baby Might Be Fussy—and What to Do

Not sure why baby is upset? Here are the common culprits as well as some simple solutions to try.
save article
profile picture of Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
Updated March 27, 2026
graphic of baby crying with nighttime illustrations

As a parent, the difficult truth is that sometimes babies just cry. But that doesn’t stop us from doing everything in our power to figure out the root of the problem. Often, fussing or crying is baby’s way of telling you something is wrong—without the words to describe it. If your little one is fussy and you’re at a loss for what might be the cause, we have some common issues that could be the culprit, along with some solutions to help solve (and soothe) them.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support, Cluster Feeding and Growth Spurts American Academy of Pediatrics, Point-of-Care Quick Reference: Colic, 2026 MCN The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, The Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Infant Colic: A Scoping Review, July/August 2022

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mom's hand on colicky baby's stomach
Pediatricians and Parents Answer: Will Gripe Water Help My Baby?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
sad baby crying
When Do Babies Cry Tears?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
mom comforting crying baby at home
What to Do When Baby Won’t Stop Crying
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother holding crying newborn baby
What to Know About the Period of PURPLE Crying
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
dad holding upset, crying baby
11 Reasons Why Babies Cry—And How to Soothe Their Tears
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
tired mother holding crying baby
The US Could Use a ‘Crybaby Ambulance,’ but Here’s How to Get Help Now
By Wyndi Kappes
Soothe Your Colicky Baby With This Viral TikTok Hack
Soothe Your Colicky Baby With This Viral TikTok Hack
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of mother holding the back of newborn baby's head
What to Do When Baby Won’t Stop Crying
By Kristen Kemp
colic in babies, newborn baby crying
Colic 101: How to Help Soothe Your Colicky Baby
By Stacey Feintuch
dad holding crying baby
This Machine Can Reportedly Tell You Why Baby Is Crying
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
hilary duff commensurates about her baby that has colic
Hilary Duff's Newborn Is Suffering From a Condition Every New Parent Dreads
By Stephanie Grassullo
new app chatterbox can decode baby's cries
Shazam For Wails: This App Can Tell You The Reason Why Baby Is Crying
By Sarah Hooper
Will Probiotics Solve Baby’s Colic Problem?
Will Probiotics Solve Baby’s Colic Problem?
By Kylie McConville
ADVERTISEMENT
colic in babies, newborn baby crying
AAP: Probiotics Might Help Colic After All
By Anisa Arsenault
Hot Topic: Cry it Out
Point & Counterpoint: Cry it Out
By The Bump Editors
Retro black and white photo of baby crying in playpen.
Normal Crying Vs. Excessive Crying: How to Tell the Difference
By The Bump Editors
Study Says Letting Baby “Cry It Out” Isn’t Harmful
Study Says Letting Baby “Cry It Out” Isn’t Harmful
By Leah Rocketto
ADVERTISEMENT
Q&A: Why is baby crying?
Q&A: Why is baby crying?
By Conner Herman and Kira Ryan
A Totally Legitimate Guide To Decoding Your Baby's Cries
A Totally Legitimate Guide To Decoding Your Baby's Cries
By Sara Given
Q&A: Dairy and colic?
Q&A: Dairy and colic?
By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List