Why does the newborn always cry in the afternoon?

It is possible that newborns often cry in the afternoon due to physiological factors, or it could be caused by conditions such as bloating or intestinal colic.

1. Physiological factors

Newborns have relatively fast metabolism during the day, so feeding intervals are usually short. If not fed for a prolonged period, newborns may become hungry and tend to cry frequently. Additionally, if they spend too much time playing during the morning, exhaust their energy, or fail to fall asleep on time for their nap, they may also tend to cry excessively in the afternoon.

2. Bloating

If a newborn is overfed, lies down immediately after eating, has insufficient physical activity, or experiences irregular bowel movements, bloating may occur, leading to crying episodes.

3. Intestinal colic

If caregivers fail to provide adequate warmth for the newborn—such as when room temperature is too low or there's a sudden drop in environmental temperature—the baby's abdomen may get cold. This can stimulate the intestines, causing contraction of the intestinal smooth muscles and resulting in abdominal pain, which often leads to persistent crying.

There are many potential causes for a newborn crying frequently in the afternoon. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and, if necessary, follow medical advice for treatment.