NSPCC - Help and advice - Your family - Coping with crying babies

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Coping with crying babies

All babies cry and some babies cry a lot. This is perfectly normal. Babies can't tell us what they want, so they cry to attract our attention when they need something. Often you will know exactly why your baby is crying. It may be from hunger, because of a wet or dirty nappy, from tiredness, or perhaps from frustration at not being able to reach a toy. But sometimes it can seem as if nothing will stop your baby crying. This can be an anxious time. You may worry that there is something seriously wrong with your baby, or be afraid that he's never going to stop.

Helping your baby settle

Most parents have favourite ways to help their baby settle. If your baby cries inconsolably, you might like to try some of these suggestions.

Let your baby suckle. If she is bottle-fed try giving her a dummy. Some babies find sucking their thumb soothing instead.
Cuddle or stroke your baby.
Hold him close, gently rocking and swaying, talking and singing to him.
Gently rock your baby in the pram or take her out for a walk or drive.
Find things to look at or listen to - music, a baby rattle, or a mobile above the cot.
Give your baby a warm bath.

If your baby always cries at a particular time, and is difficult to comfort, this could be caused by colic or trapped wind after feeding. Talk to your Health Visitor, who will be happy to help you.

Crying can be a sign of illness. If your baby's crying seems different from usual, or if you notice anything else unusual about the way he looks or behaves, don't hesitate to contact your GP.

Reached the end of your tether?

A crying baby can be exhausting and stressful. When they cry during the night it can be a particularly lonely time for parents. But the last thing you should do is lose your temper. Shouting at or getting rough with a baby who won't stop crying will only make matters worse. Whatever your feelings or thoughts, never shake your baby. Shaking babies is very dangerous.

Remember, this difficult time won't last for ever. If you feel you can't cope and need a break - and we can all feel like this sometimes - it's very important not to overreact from frustration. Give yourself time to think through some alternative options to stop your baby crying.

You could:

put the baby down safely and comfortably in the cot or pram and leave the room for a few minutes
ask someone else to look after your baby for an hour or so
if you've reached the end of your tether or simply want someone to talk to, call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000.

We're not only here for people who believe children are at risk from harm. Our trained counsellors are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer parents and carers the advice and support they need. You can talk to them for as long as you need to - we're here to help.

Other useful addresses

The Cry-Sis Helpline
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 08451 228 669
Website: http://www.cry-sis.org.uk/
(Serene provides support and non-medical advice to parents/carers of excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies and young children.)

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