Newborn won't settle at night: why, and what to do

What's probably happening

At 0–8 weeks, a fed-and-burped baby fighting sleep at night almost always reduces to one of these — in rough order of likelihood:

• Trapped wind. Legs pulling up, arching, fussing.
• Overtired. Past the wake window (typically 45–90 minutes including the feed).
• Still hungry. Common in evenings and at growth spurts (weeks 2–3, 6).
• Wants to be held. Normal at this age.
• Day–night confusion. Resolves around week 6.

When to escalate

If you need a break:

• After 30 minutes with no progress, or any time frustration builds: put the baby on their back in the cot (crib). Step out for 5 minutes. Hand over to a partner if one is in the house.

Get immediate medical care:

• Fever > 38°C in a baby under 3 months.
• Crying nonstop for 2 hours despite the steps above.
• A high-pitched, weak, or unusual cry that's different from their usual.