Important
If you think there is something wrong with your baby or the crying won’t stop speak to your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor.
If you are worried that your baby is unwell, visit NHS 111.
Coping with my baby crying
Video courtesy of Newcastle Hospitals YouTube channel
Remember it is normal for a baby to cry
... and it will stop
All babies cry, and some more than others. Crying is your baby’s way of telling you they need comfort and care.
Coping with a crying baby can be very hard and stressful. It can be very difficult to work out what they need.
Babies start to cry frequently from around two weeks of age and some cry more than others. If you are worried your baby may be ill, always seek medical help.
Why are they crying?
Sometimes it's easy to work out what they want, and sometimes it's not.
The most common reasons for crying are:
- hunger
- a dirty or wet nappy
- tiredness
- wanting a cuddle
- wind
- being too hot or too cold
- boredom
- overstimulation
There may be times of the day when your baby tends to cry a lot and cannot be comforted. Early evening is the most common time for this to happen.
What can I do to help my baby?
Comfort methods can sometimes soothe baby.
- Talk calmly, hum or sing to your baby
- Let them hear a repeating or soothing sound
- Hold them close – skin to skin
- Go for a walk outside with your baby
- Give them a warm bath
These techniques may not always work. It may take a combination or more than one attempt to soothe your baby.
Take five minutes to watch this helpful video from Little Minds Matter Bradford:
Here are some more ways to help sooth a crying baby
If you’ve done all the normal checks, your baby is not ill, you’ve tried all the ways to soothe your baby and you feel yourself reaching that point of exasperation – take a break! It’s OK to walk away if the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you and remember this will pass – the crying will stop.
- It’s okay to walk away if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you.
- After a few minutes when you are feeling calm, go back and check on the baby.
What not to do
Handling a baby roughly will make them more upset. Shouting or getting angry with your baby will make things worse.
Sometimes parents and people looking after babies get so angry and frustrated with a baby’s cry they lose control.
They act on impulse and shake their baby. Shaking or losing your temper with a baby is very dangerous and can cause:
- Blindness
- Learning disabilities
- Seizures
- Physical disabilities
- Death
Remember: Never, ever shake or hurt a baby.
ICON have made a video about this really important topic.
Visit the ICON website for helpful tips and support on coping with a crying baby.