A parent soothing a crying infant

Decoding Infant Cries: What Pediatricians Know (and What Parents Need to)

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into how pediatricians assess and manage excessive crying in infants, bridging the gap between medical knowledge and parental understanding."

Bringing a new baby home is a joyous occasion, but it can also be filled with challenges. One of the most common concerns for new parents is understanding and managing their baby's cries. While crying is a normal form of communication for infants, excessive crying can be both distressing and confusing.

According to a study published in the journal Revista Paulista de Pediatria, excessive crying affects between 9% and 30% of infants under four months old. This has led to numerous consultations with pediatricians, who play a critical role in assessing and managing this issue. However, do pediatricians have the right approach, and are parents getting the information they truly need?

This article breaks down the key findings of the study, translating complex research into actionable advice for parents. We'll explore common diagnoses, treatment approaches, and essential insights to help you navigate the challenges of a crying infant.

What Pediatricians Think: Common Diagnoses for Excessive Crying

When an infant cries excessively, pediatricians often consider several potential diagnoses. The Revista Paulista de Pediatria study surveyed 132 pediatricians to understand their approaches to managing excessive crying. The results revealed some interesting trends.

According to the study, the most frequently considered diagnosis was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for 62.9% of responses. Infant colic was the second most common diagnosis, with 23.5% of pediatricians considering it. Cow's milk protein allergy was also noted but less frequently, at 6.8%.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
Infant Colic: Defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant, following the "rule of threes" (crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks).
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: An allergic reaction to the protein found in cow's milk, leading to symptoms like crying, skin rashes, and digestive issues.

It's important to note that while these diagnoses are common, only about 5% of excessive crying cases are linked to an underlying organic disease. Often, excessive crying is a normal part of infant development. But it’s also seen that many times pediatricians jump to medical solutions quickly.

Turning Knowledge into Action: Empowering Parents

Ultimately, understanding how pediatricians approach excessive crying is just one piece of the puzzle. Parents play a crucial role in advocating for their child's health and well-being. By staying informed, asking questions, and seeking support when needed, you can confidently navigate the challenges of infant crying and create a more peaceful environment for both you and your baby. Sometimes the best medicine is simply reassurance and a gentle hand.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/0103-0582201432218713, Alternate LINK

Title: Pediatrician'S Knowledge On The Management Of The Infant Who Cries Excessively In The First Months Of Life

Subject: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Journal: Revista Paulista de Pediatria

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Ana Carolina C. Marcon, Mário César Vieira, Mauro Batista De Morais

Published: 2014-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and why do pediatricians often think about it when babies cry a lot?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, often called GERD, is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. Pediatricians frequently consider GERD when an infant cries excessively because it can cause discomfort and pain, leading to increased crying. The implications of GERD in infants can range from mild discomfort to more severe issues like esophagitis if left unmanaged. While frequently diagnosed, it is important to confirm it is the issue as it is not necessarily the only cause of excessive crying.

What is infant colic, and how do pediatricians diagnose it?

Infant colic is defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant, characterized by the "rule of threes": crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks. Pediatricians consider infant colic a diagnosis when they can't find another clear medical reason for the crying. While generally not indicative of a serious problem, colic can be extremely distressing for parents. It’s important to rule out other potential causes before settling on a diagnosis of colic.

What is Cow's Milk Protein Allergy, and what does it mean if a baby has it?

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy is an allergic reaction to the protein found in cow's milk, leading to symptoms like crying, skin rashes, and digestive issues. Pediatricians consider this allergy as a potential cause of excessive crying, especially in formula-fed infants. If an infant has Cow's Milk Protein Allergy, they are likely reacting to the formula, so switching to a specialized formula may be a solution. This diagnosis is less common than GERD or colic, but its presence has significant implications for feeding and infant comfort.

What do pediatricians do to help when a baby is crying a lot?

Pediatricians play a critical role in assessing and managing excessive crying in infants, first by trying to understand the underlying cause. Pediatricians often consider conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), infant colic, and cow's milk protein allergy. However, it's also crucial for pediatricians to provide reassurance and guidance to parents, emphasizing that excessive crying is often a normal part of infant development. They can offer support, coping strategies, and advice on creating a calming environment for the baby.

Is excessive crying always a sign of a medical problem?

While excessive crying can stem from medical issues such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or cow's milk protein allergy, most cases of excessive crying in infants do not have an underlying organic disease. This means that often, the crying is a normal part of infant development. This information is crucial for parents to know, as it can alleviate anxiety and encourage them to focus on comfort and soothing techniques rather than immediately seeking medical interventions. Acknowledging this reality can help parents to be more patient and understanding during this challenging phase.