Dr. Wynn will begin seeing patients on August 3, 2026.
Dr. Adam Wynn returns to practice in the same community where his father served as a pediatrician. His clinical interests include general pediatrics, sports medicine, dermatology, and allergy management.
Few experiences are more stressful for a new parent than trying everything you can think of to calm a crying baby. If you’ve fed your newborn, changed their diaper, burped them, rocked them, and they’re still crying, it’s natural to wonder whether you’re missing something— or whether something is wrong.
The reassuring news is that you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, healthy newborns commonly cry two to three hours every day, with crying naturally increasing during the first several weeks before peaking around 6 to 8 weeks of age. In many cases, prolonged crying is a normal part of healthy development—not a sign that you’re failing as a Parent.
At Utah Valley Pediatrics, one of the most common questions we hear from first-time parents is, “Why won’t my newborn stop crying?” Understanding why babies cry—and knowing when to seek help—can give you greater confidence during those long first weeks at home.
Crying is your baby’s first language. Before infants can smile, point, or speak, they use crying to communicate every need. They may be hungry, tired, uncomfortable, overstimulated, too warm or too cold, or simply looking for the comfort of being held.
The transition from the womb to the outside world is also a tremendous adjustment. Bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, changing sleep patterns, and developing digestive systems all place new demands on your baby’s growing nervous system. As a result, even healthy babies have times when they are difficult to soothe.
Many parents assume that persistent crying means they’re doing something wrong. In reality, it often means your baby is developing exactly as expected. While it’s always important to check for hunger, a dirty diaper, or other obvious needs, some crying simply reflects the normal process of adapting to life outside the womb.
Many families notice that their newborn becomes especially fussy during the late afternoon or evening. Parents often call this the “witching hour,” but pediatricians recognize it as part of a normal developmental stage known as the Period of PURPLE Crying.
Developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the PURPLE Crying program helps parents understand that longer crying episodes can occur even in perfectly healthy babies. These crying spells are temporary and usually improve by 3 to 4 months of age.
The PURPLE acronym stands for:
Some babies also experience colic, a term used when an otherwise healthy infant cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days each week, for at least three weeks. Although the exact cause isn’t known, colic is temporary and does not affect a baby’s growth or long-term development.
According to the Mayo Clinic, colic usually improves significantly by 3 to 4 months of age.
| Common Crying Pattern | What Parents Should Know |
|---|---|
| Normal newborn crying | Two to three hours of crying each day is common during the first several weeks of life. |
| PURPLE Crying | A temporary developmental stage that gradually improves as babies mature. |
| Colic | Longer periods of crying in an otherwise healthy baby that usually resolve by 3 to 4 months. |
There is no single technique that works for every baby, but calm, consistent soothing often makes a difference. Sometimes combining several comforting techniques is more effective than relying on just one.
Five common soothing techniques all start with the letter “S”, making them easy to remember:
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that responding to a newborn’s cries helps build trust and secure attachment. You cannot spoil a newborn by providing comfort during these early months.
Most newborn crying is completely normal. However, crying that suddenly changes in intensity or occurs with other symptoms deserves medical attention.
One thing we often tell new parents is simple:
Trust your instincts.
You know your baby better than anyone else. If something doesn’t seem right—even if you can’t explain why—we encourage you to call our office. We’d much rather answer your questions early than have you spend the night worrying.
| If Your Baby… | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Suddenly cries much more than usual | Contact Utah Valley Pediatrics |
| Is feeding poorly or refusing feedings | Contact Utah Valley Pediatrics |
| Has fewer wet diapers than expected | Contact Utah Valley Pediatrics |
| Has repeated or forceful vomiting | Contact Utah Valley Pediatrics |
| Seems unusually sleepy or difficult to wake | Contact Utah Valley Pediatrics |
| Develops a rash with excessive fussiness | Contact Utah Valley Pediatrics |
| Is younger than 3 months with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher | Call Utah Valley Pediatrics immediately for prompt evaluation. |
| Has difficulty breathing, blue lips, a seizure, becomes limp, or is unresponsive | Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 immediately. |
A crying baby is stressful for every parent. Sleep deprivation, physical recovery after childbirth, and learning your baby’s needs can leave even the most prepared mothers feeling overwhelmed.
If you’ve met your baby’s basic needs and feel yourself becoming frustrated, it’s okay to place your baby safely on their back in the crib for a few minutes while you take a moment to regroup. It’s also ok to ask a trusted friend or family member to watch your baby at times to give yourself a needed break. A crying baby in a safe sleep environment is safer than an exhausted caregiver reaching their limit.
Likewise, if you’re experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or difficulty bonding with your baby, let your healthcare provider know. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, treatable conditions, and seeking help is one of the healthiest things you can do for both yourself and your child.
Q: Is it normal for my newborn to cry every evening?
A: Yes. Many healthy newborns become fussier during the evening, especially between 2 and 8 weeks of age. This typically improves as babies mature.
Q: Can you spoil a newborn by holding them too much?
A: No. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to respond to their newborn’s needs. Comforting your baby promotes healthy emotional development and secure attachment.
Q: When does newborn crying get better?
A: Most babies reach their peak amount of crying around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Crying usually becomes less frequent and easier to soothe by 3 to 4 months.
Q: How do I know if my baby’s crying is something more serious?
A: If your baby’s crying is accompanied by poor feeding, fever, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, or if your parental instincts tell you something isn’t right, contact your pediatrician. We’re always happy to help determine whether your baby should be seen.
The first few weeks with a newborn are filled with incredible joy—but they can also bring uncertainty, exhaustion, and questions that seem impossible to answer in the middle of the night.
At Utah Valley Pediatrics, we’ve cared for thousands of Utah County families through those early months of parenthood. Whether your baby simply needs reassurance, you’re concerned about persistent crying, or you’d like the peace of mind that comes from an experienced pediatric evaluation, we’re here for you.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s crying or have questions about your newborn’s health, schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric providers. We’d be honored to help your family through this exciting new chapter.
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