Baby is hungry

Baby needs changing

Baby is in pain (eg. teething or colic)

Its all too much ... lots of noise, lots of visitors, too hot, too cold

Baby has had a shock ... a sudden noise or change in temperature

Baby is tired but fighting sleep

Baby can see their favourite toy but can't reach it

Baby needs a cuddle

Try and stay calm yourself. Easier said than done if you are shattered but your baby will pick up your anxiety and will be harder to comfort.

Rhythmical motion (eg. sway, rock, walk, dance) ... comfort your baby while you get fit ... two for the price of one! A ride in the car may also do the trick but it's best to save this for emergencies because if you or your baby become dependant on the car as a means of comfort your petrol bill will shoot sky high.

Sing to your baby ... start quite loud and gradually get quieter.

Talk to you baby is gentle soothing tones ... the words don't matter so you could read a magazine or book you are interested in as long as it sounds calming.

Rhythmical sounds (eg. the washing machine, the hoover).

Pre-recorded classic or calming music ... if this works it can be extremely valuable as it means you don't have to do all the work!

Take it in turns with your partner so you both get a break. Leave the room when it's not your turn so you each get chance to relax.

Put your baby down some where safe (eg. the cot or strapped in to a car seat), leave the room and close the door. Give yourself a few moments to calm down.

Phone some one you feel comfortable talking to (eg. a relative, a friend or the help lines shown above). This does not make you a failure it means that you care about what is best for you and your baby.

Give your baby to some one else to take care of for a little while. It may be distressing to leave your baby crying and walk away but your baby is safe, with some one who loves them, and you need the break.

Try not to leave it until you are desperate before you ask for support. It's natural to think you should be able to handle every situation but some times you do need help.

Cry-sis - support for families with babies who persistently cry - click here

Infacol - advice for dealing with persistent crying - click here

NSPCC - coping with crying babies - click here