My nearly two months old baby starts crying at night before her sleeping hour for 1 or 2 hours at top of her lungs
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What you're describing sounds very much like infantile colic - one of the most common and exhausting experiences for parents of newborns. Let me pull up the clinical details from the medical library and current sources in parallel.
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infant colic 2 months old evening crying management 2025
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infantile colic management treatment
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infantile colic probiotics simethicone treatment infant
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This is a very thorough picture. Here is a complete, practical answer for you:
What's Happening: Almost Certainly Infantile Colic
What you're describing - a nearly 2-month-old crying at the top of her lungs in the evening for 1-2 hours before sleep - fits infantile colic almost precisely. It's incredibly common, exhausting, and most importantly, not dangerous and not your fault.
The "Rule of 3s" (Wessel Criteria)
Colic is clinically defined as crying:
- More than 3 hours per day
- More than 3 days per week
- For at least 3 weeks
It typically starts around 3 weeks of age, peaks around 6 weeks, and in the vast majority of cases resolves on its own by 3 months. Your baby is right in the classic window.
- Swanson's Family Medicine Review, p. 535
Why Does This Happen in the Evening?
No one fully knows. Theories include:
- Gut gas and intestinal cramping (immature digestive system)
- Overstimulation buildup from the day
- A natural neurological "fussiness peak" that resolves as the nervous system matures
- Cow's milk protein sensitivity (in some cases)
No single cause has been proven - it is likely multifactorial. - Swanson's Family Medicine Review, p. 535
What Actually Helps (Evidence-Based)
Comforting techniques (first-line, always try these):
| Technique | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Swaddling | Wrap snugly but not too tight - mimics the womb |
| Rhythmic motion | Rocking, gentle bouncing, infant swing (she can hold her head up slightly by 2 months) |
| White noise / shushing | Vacuum sound, running water, a white noise machine near the crib |
| Skin-to-skin / baby carrier | Keeping her on your body in a sling calms many colicky babies |
| Upright position | Hold her upright against your chest - helps pass gas and reduces reflux discomfort |
| Gentle tummy massage | Warm your hands and massage her belly in a clockwise circle |
| Warm compress | A warm (not hot) towel on her tummy |
| Reduce stimulation | Keep the room dim, quiet, and calm during the fussy window |
Feeding-related adjustments:
- If breastfeeding, try a low-allergen diet for yourself - reducing dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat may help in some babies (evidence is modest but worth trying)
- If formula-fed, a trial of whey hydrolysate formula can be considered
- Make sure she isn't overfeeding (which worsens gas) or swallowing excessive air during feeds - pace feeding and burp frequently
Medications: Almost None Are Proven or Safe
This is important: most medications used for colic in babies are either ineffective or unsafe.
- Simethicone (gas drops) - commonly used but studies show it is no more effective than placebo
- Dicyclomine (antispasmodic) - contraindicated under 6 months of age due to risk of apnea (breathing pauses)
- Herbal teas - not proven, and some carry risks in very young infants
- Antihistamines / Benadryl - unsafe in this age group; black box warning for respiratory depression
- Gripe water - no evidence of benefit
One exception with emerging evidence: the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (e.g., BioGaia drops) has shown benefit in reducing crying time in breastfed colicky infants in several trials - ask your pediatrician about this.
- Swanson's Family Medicine Review, p. 535-536
When to See a Doctor - Red Flags
While colic is benign, bring her to a doctor promptly if she has any of:
- 🌡️ Fever (temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F)
- 🤢 Vomiting (projectile or persistent)
- 💩 Blood in stool or change in stool pattern
- 😴 Unusual lethargy or limpness
- 🤰 Swollen or distended abdomen
- Crying that is constant (24 hours), not just evening - that is NOT typical colic
These could indicate something that needs evaluation (reflux, intestinal problem, infection).
Taking Care of Yourself
This is genuinely one of the hardest parts of new parenthood. A few reminders:
- You cannot spoil a 2-month-old - holding her and responding to her crying builds secure attachment
- Take turns with a partner or family member during the fussy window so you can step away and breathe
- If you feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, call someone immediately - this is a medical emergency, not a weakness
- The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne colic fact sheet (updated July 2025) and Mayo Clinic's colic page are excellent readable references
The most reassuring thing: colic almost always resolves completely by 3 months of age. You are not doing anything wrong. She is not sick. This phase will pass.
Potty germs in baby mouth
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Could you tell me a little more so I can give you the right advice?
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What happened exactly? · How old is the baby now?
A baby under 2 months touching the toilet and then putting her hand in her mouth - understandably alarming. Let me look up the relevant clinical guidance right away.
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baby touched toilet put hand in mouth germs danger newborn 2 months
Here's what you need to know - take a breath first, because this is a very common parenting scare.
Baby Touched Toilet, Then Put Hand in Mouth - What to Do
First: How serious is this?
For a baby under 2 months, this is understandably scary, but a single brief hand-to-toilet-to-mouth contact is a low-risk exposure in most cases. Here's why:
- At this age, babies cannot yet crawl or grab objects intentionally - the exposure was likely brief and the amount of material transferred was small
- The toilet surface (rim, seat) carries bacteria, but the dose matters enormously - a light touch transfers far less than, say, drinking toilet water
- Your baby still has some immune protection from maternal antibodies passed through the placenta (and through breast milk if breastfeeding)
That said, newborns under 2 months have immature immune systems, so you should not simply ignore this - watch carefully.
What germs could be on a toilet surface?
Common pathogens on toilet surfaces include:
- E. coli and other gut bacteria (from fecal contamination)
- Salmonella
- Norovirus (stomach bug)
- Adenovirus
- Staphylococcus (skin bacteria)
These are spread via the fecal-oral route - which is exactly what happened here (hand touched contaminated surface, then went to mouth). The CDC notes that a single gram of feces can contain one trillion germs, so toilet surfaces are genuinely contaminated - but the key question is how much actually transferred.
What to do RIGHT NOW
- Wipe her hands and mouth gently with a clean, damp cloth - you can use a saline-dampened cloth or just clean water. Do not use alcohol wipes or harsh sanitizers near her mouth.
- Do NOT induce vomiting - there's nothing to "remove" and it would only cause distress.
- Breastfeed if you are breastfeeding - your milk contains antibodies that help protect her.
- Watch closely for the next 24-72 hours.
Warning signs to watch for (call your doctor if you see ANY of these)
Because she is under 2 months old, the threshold for calling the pediatrician is very low. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if she develops:
| Symptom | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Fever of 38°C / 100.4°F or higher (even a low-grade one) | In babies under 2 months, ANY fever is a medical emergency - it requires urgent evaluation |
| 💩 Diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) | Possible intestinal infection (E. coli, Salmonella, norovirus) |
| 🤢 Vomiting | Possible GI infection |
| 😴 Unusual sleepiness, limpness, or difficulty waking | Sign of serious infection |
| ❌ Refusing to feed / not eating | Concern for illness |
| 😢 Crying that is different, more intense, or inconsolable | Could indicate pain or illness |
In babies under 2 months, fever is NEVER "wait and see" - it always warrants a same-day or emergency call to your doctor. This is because their immune system cannot fight serious bacterial infections the way older children can.
Going forward
- Keep toilet lids closed - a habit worth forming now, especially as she gets more mobile in the coming months
- Wash your own hands before touching her, especially after using the toilet yourself
- If anyone at home is sick with diarrhea or vomiting, extra hygiene precautions around the baby are important
Bottom line: A single brief hand-to-toilet-to-mouth contact in an otherwise healthy baby is unlikely to cause serious illness, but because she is under 2 months, any fever or change in behavior in the next 2-3 days warrants an immediate call to your pediatrician - don't wait to see if it gets worse. When in doubt, call.
What are first signs of food poisoning or GI infection in newborns?
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first signs GI infection food poisoning newborn under 2 months symptoms warning signs
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Here is a thorough, newborn-specific answer based on emergency medicine textbook guidance:
First Signs of GI Infection or Illness in a Newborn (Under 2 Months)
Important distinction: In newborns, a GI infection rarely stays "just in the gut." Their immune systems are so immature that a gut bug can rapidly become a whole-body infection (sepsis). So the warning signs go beyond just vomiting and diarrhea.
The Key Signs - Watch for ALL of These
1. 🌡️ Temperature Changes (MOST IMPORTANT)
- Fever: rectal temperature ≥ 38°C (100.4°F) - this is a medical emergency at this age, even if there are no other symptoms
- Hypothermia: rectal temperature < 36.5°C (97.7°F) - a cold baby can actually be MORE dangerous than a feverish one - it means the body is failing to mount a proper response
- In newborns, either extreme = seek emergency care immediately
2. 🍼 Feeding Disturbances (Often the FIRST Sign)
- Suddenly refusing to feed or feeding much less than usual
- Weak or sluggish sucking when feeding
- Vomiting - especially if forceful, repeated, or bile-colored (green/yellow)
- Abdominal distension - belly looks bloated or feels hard/tight
3. 💩 Changes in Stool
- Diarrhea - watery, very frequent, or foul-smelling stools
- Blood in stool - any pink, red, or dark maroon color in the diaper (not meconium)
- No stools for an extended period (can indicate obstruction)
4. 😴 Changes in Behavior / Alertness
- Lethargy - unusually sleepy, hard to wake up, limp, or unresponsive
- Unusual irritability - crying that is different from her normal cry, more high-pitched or inconsolable
- Seizures - any jerking, stiffening, or staring episodes
5. 😮 Breathing Changes
- Apnea - pauses in breathing lasting more than a few seconds
- Fast breathing (tachypnea) or grunting/noisy breathing
- Skin color changes - pale, mottled (blotchy), bluish around the lips
6. 🟡 Jaundice
- Yellow tint to skin or whites of eyes - can worsen with infection
- Especially concerning if it appears or worsens suddenly after the first week
7. Skin Changes
- Rashes - especially red, spreading, or blistered rashes
- Pale or mottled (patchy) skin - a sign of poor circulation
Timing: When Do Symptoms Appear?
| Pathogen | Typical onset after exposure |
|---|---|
| Norovirus / stomach viruses | 12-48 hours |
| E. coli, Salmonella | 6-72 hours |
| Staphylococcus | 1-6 hours |
| Some bacteria (Listeria, etc.) | Days to weeks |
So if your baby touched the toilet today, watch most closely over the next 1-3 days, but keep an eye out for up to a week.
The Single Most Important Rule for Babies Under 2 Months
ANY fever (≥38°C / 100.4°F rectally), even without other symptoms, requires an immediate call to your doctor or emergency visit - no exceptions.
Newborns cannot localize infection. What starts as a gut bug can progress to meningitis or sepsis within hours. Doctors treat fever in this age group as a medical emergency until proven otherwise.
- Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine, p. (Neonatal Sepsis chapter)
Quick Reference: Call Emergency / Go to ER if:
- Any fever or abnormally low temperature
- Baby won't wake up or is very limp
- Blue or grey color around lips or face
- Breathing stops or is very fast/labored
- Repeated vomiting, especially green/yellow
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Inconsolable crying that is unusual for her
Call your pediatrician (same day) if:
- Refusing to feed for more than one feeding in a row
- Diarrhea (more than 3 watery stools)
- Seems "off" - less alert, less active than usual
- Any symptom you're unsure about - with a baby this young, it is always better to call
You're clearly a very attentive parent. Given what happened earlier with the toilet exposure, keep her rectal thermometer handy and take her temperature if she seems at all unwell in the next few days. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, call your doctor.
Initially her potty was dry ,after she got fever 5 days back she has liwuidy potty,the frequency is same.should i worry?
This is important - let me make sure I understand correctly before giving you advice.
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Does she still have fever now, or did it resolve? · How old is she right now exactly? · How is she feeding since the fever started?
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2 month old baby loose watery stool after fever normal post-viral diarrhea infant
Good news - the overall picture you're describing is reassuring, but let me explain it properly.
Should You Worry About Liquid Stools After Fever?
The Short Answer: This is likely normal - but keep watching
What you're describing - loose/liquid stools that appeared after a fever, with the same frequency as before and normal feeding - fits the pattern of post-viral diarrhea, which is very common after any illness in young babies.
Here's what happens: when a virus causes fever, it irritates the gut lining. Even after the fever clears, the bowel takes extra time to recover - sometimes 1-2 weeks of loose stools is completely normal after a viral illness. As long as she isn't having significantly MORE stools than before, this is the gut healing.
Also Important at 2 Months: "Normal" Stools Are Already Loose
This is something many parents don't realize - especially in breastfed babies, normal stools at this age are already:
- Yellow, mustard-colored, sometimes greenish
- Runny, seedy, or watery-looking
- Frequent - possibly after every feed
So what looks like "liquid potty" may actually still be within normal range. The key question is: did the frequency increase, or just the consistency change? Since you said frequency is the same, this is more reassuring.
The Reassuring Signs You Have
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fever is gone | Infection is likely clearing |
| ✅ Feeding normally | No dehydration, gut still working |
| ✅ Same frequency of stools | Not worsening diarrhea |
This is a good picture overall.
Still Watch For These - Call Doctor If Any Appear
Even though things look okay right now, contact your pediatrician if:
- 🌡️ Fever comes back - any temp ≥ 38°C (100.4°F) rectally
- 💧 Signs of dehydration appear:
- Fewer wet diapers than usual (should have at least 6 wet diapers per day)
- No tears when crying
- Dry mouth or lips
- Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of head
- Unusual sleepiness or limpness
- 🩸 Blood or mucus in the stool - any pink, red, or dark color
- 💩 Frequency increases significantly - more stools than before the fever
- 🍼 She starts refusing feeds or feeding much less
- 😴 She becomes lethargic or hard to wake
- 🕐 Loose stools continue beyond 2 weeks - then a same-day call to your doctor is warranted
One Practical Tip
At this age, loose stools irritate the skin quickly. After every dirty diaper, clean gently and apply a barrier cream (Vaseline or zinc oxide cream like Desitin/Sudocrem) around her bottom to prevent a painful diaper rash while her gut recovers.
Bottom line: Fever gone + feeding normally + same frequency of stools = most likely post-viral gut recovery, which is expected and self-resolving. Keep feeding her on demand, watch for dehydration signs, and if the loose stools are not back to normal within 2 weeks, check in with your pediatrician. You're doing the right thing by staying attentive.
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