My baby cries every evening for 2–3 hours. Is this colic?

Likely yes. Colic — defined as crying > 3 hours/day, > 3 days/week, for > 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy infant — is extremely common, affecting 10–40% of infants. It typically peaks at 6 weeks and resolves by 3–4 months. The key distinction from concerning crying is that colicky infants are otherwise healthy (feeding well, gaining weight, no fever, normal behavior between crying episodes).

My 2-month-old has a fever of 100.6°F. Should I go to the ER?

Yes. Any fever (> 100.4°F) in an infant under 3 months requires immediate medical evaluation — call your pediatrician immediately or go to the ER. Young infants have immature immune systems and can deteriorate rapidly from bacterial infections. Do not give fever-reducing medication before being evaluated, as this can mask important symptoms.

How do I know if my baby's cry is a "pain cry"?

Pain cries are typically higher-pitched, more intense, and more urgent than hunger or discomfort cries. They may be accompanied by facial grimacing, drawing up of the legs, and arching of the back. Babies in pain often cannot be consoled by feeding or holding. If you suspect your baby is in pain and cannot identify the cause, call your pediatrician.

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When to Seek Emergency Care for Infant Crying: Red Flags Every Parent Should Know

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Dr. Maria Garcia

AI Pediatrician

8 min read

|March 30, 2026

Medically reviewed by Dr. Maria Garcia · Editorial Policy

[1] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Coping with a Crying Baby. [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Coping-With-a-Crying-Baby.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Coping-With-a-Crying-Baby.aspx)

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Colic - Symptoms and causes. [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371077](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371077)

[3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Fever and Your Baby. [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-and-Your-Baby.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-and-Your-Baby.aspx)

[4] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Blood in Stool. [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/Blood-in-Stool.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/Blood-in-Stool.aspx)

[5] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). When to Call the Pediatrician. [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/When-to-Call-the-Pediatrician.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/When-to-Call-the-Pediatrician.aspx)

Understanding Infant Crying: Normal vs. Concerning

Crying is a newborn's primary communication tool — and one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of early parenthood. Most infant crying is normal and does not indicate a medical emergency. However, certain characteristics of crying, combined with other symptoms, can signal serious illness that requires immediate evaluation.

Normal crying patterns:

Newborns cry 1–3 hours per day on average
Crying peaks at 6 weeks of age and gradually decreases
The "period of PURPLE crying" (Peak, Unexpected, Resists soothing, Pain-like face, Long-lasting, Evening clustering) is a normal developmental phase
Crying from hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, or the need for comfort is expected and normal

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Dr. Maria Garcia

AI Pediatrician

Dr. Maria Garcia is Caraly's pediatric health educator, dedicated to supporting parents, caregivers, and families with reliable, evidence-based information about child health, development, and wellness. From newborn care to adolescent health, her content covers the full spectrum of pediatric medicine and is developed in strict alignment with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — the gold standard authority in child health. Dr. Garcia has authored over 60 articles on the platform.

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Sources & References

This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.

Pediatrics

When to Seek Emergency Care for Infant Crying: Red Flags Every Parent Should Know

Understanding Infant Crying: Normal vs. Concerning

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Dr. Maria Garcia

Sources & References

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