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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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.
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