Coping with a crying baby - some helpful tips

It's tough looking after a baby who can't stop crying.

Why does baby cry?

It's normal for baby to cry. Baby is NOT trying to annoy you - although it may feel like that. Here are some things you can try to soothe your crying baby:

1. Cuddle your baby

2. Offer them another feed

3. Change their nappy

4. Make sure baby's clothing is not too tight

5. Make sure baby is not too hot or cold

6. Burp baby (wind pain can make them very uncomfortable)

7. Wrap and hold baby safely in a lightweight blanket

8. Baby may be tired - put them down somewhere safe to sleep.

9. Hold your baby close, massaging their back, singing, humming or talking - see our section on Oriori and Lullabies

10. Put baby in a frontpack or stroller and go for a walk

11. Go for a drive with baby in the car seat.

Put this list on the fridge. It will help you remember what to do when you find it hard to think straight because baby is crying. You may need to do some of these things more than once. And if you are worried that baby is not well, see your doctor or after hours medical centre. It's better to get medical help sooner rather than later.

If baby is still crying, take a break.

If you try all these things and baby still won't settle, you can feel frustrated. This is normal. When you feel upset because baby is crying there are some things you can do to calm yourself down.

• Put baby in a safe place (like their cot or bassinet) and leave the room

• Take a few very deep breaths. This works!

• Do something relaxing like making a cup of tea or whatever works for you.

• Check on baby but don't pick them up until you are feeling calm and ready to comfort them.

• Call a friend, family member or one of the help lines in our support services section. Don't be embarrassed. It's OK to admit when you've reached your limit. It's much better than hurting baby.

Shouting at baby will not make things any better - remember they are not crying to make you feel bad - and NEVER EVER SHAKE A BABY as this could cause an injury to baby's brain that could leave a lasting disability or even death.

Share these messages with your family and other people who look after your baby so they have the knowledge to support you and baby and help to keep baby safe.

See Kidshealth for more information on coping with a crying baby and the dangers of shaking a baby.

If you think your baby might have been harmed, take them to get medical help straight away (111). You could save their life.

See the following video about a real Dad's experience in caring for a crying baby.