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Hey orris, my two month 13 day formula fed baby starts crying at night.. in day she seems fine

Nighttime crying in a 2-month-old formula-fed baby is super common and usually not a cause for alarm. The fact that she's fine during the day is actually reassuring. Here are the most likely reasons and what you can do:
Common causes of nighttime crying at this age:
  1. Hunger - At 2 months, babies still need to feed every 2-4 hours, including at night. Growth spurts (common around 6 weeks and 3 months) can increase hunger suddenly.
  2. Gas / Wind - Formula-fed babies tend to swallow more air than breastfed babies. Gas pain is often worse at night when they've been feeding all day. Signs: pulling up legs, a hard/bloated tummy, passing wind.
  3. Colic - Classic colic follows the "rule of 3s": crying for 3+ hours/day, 3+ days/week, in babies under 3 months. It typically peaks around 6 weeks and often hits worst in the evening/night. It resolves on its own by 3-4 months.
  4. Overstimulation / overtiredness - Daytime activity builds up, and by nighttime babies are overstimulated and struggle to self-settle.
  5. Needs comfort / association - At this age, babies haven't learned to self-soothe yet. Being held, rocked, or hearing your voice is genuinely calming for them neurologically.
  6. Formula intolerance - Less common, but some babies react to cow's milk protein in standard formula. Other signs would include: excessive spitting up, skin rash, loose/mucousy stools.
What tends to help:
  • For gas: Burp more frequently during feeds (after every 60-90 ml). Try "bicycle legs" or gentle tummy massage clockwise after feeds. Keep baby upright 15-20 mins after feeding.
  • For colic: "5 S's" method - Swaddle, Side/Stomach position (while held), Shush (white noise), Swing (gentle rhythmic motion), Suck (pacifier).
  • Feeding: Make sure the formula nipple flow rate is appropriate - too fast causes excess air intake.
  • Routine: A simple wind-down routine (dim lights, gentle feed, soft voice) signals "night" to baby's developing brain.
  • Anti-colic bottles: Brands like Dr. Brown's or MAM reduce air ingestion during feeding.
When to see a doctor:
  • Crying is very high-pitched or sounds like pain
  • Baby is not feeding well or losing weight
  • Fever (38°C / 100.4°F or above)
  • Vomiting forcefully after feeds
  • Blood or mucus in stools
  • Baby is inconsolable for hours and cannot be settled at all
At 2 months and 13 days, this pattern of nighttime crying with a settled daytime is very typical. Most parents find it improves noticeably between 3-4 months as the baby's gut matures and they start developing more predictable sleep cycles. You're doing great - hang in there!
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