Crying is normal behavior for babies and they'll cry for different reasons. Try feeding your baby, as they may be hungry or thirsty. Newborns have very small tummies so they need to feed frequently.
Babies often cry when they're tired, so getting your baby to sleep may help. Try soothing them before putting them in their cot or going for a walk. A change of scenery can help. Too much stimulation though can be overwhelming. Try taking your baby somewhere calm to settle them.
Babies like to be held and touched, this helps reassure them that you are close by. Try holding them in your arms or a sling, swaddling, massaging or rocking them. Try changing your baby's nappy. If you've just fed your baby they might have wind. Try holding them upright and patting their back.
Crying is normal for babies but if you've done everything you can and you feel it's excessive, then it might be good to get some extra support. Your health visitor or a breastfeeding counselor could help you understand why your baby's crying.
The reasons could include colic or a feeding problem. Colic is when a baby cries inconsolably. This can be really hard to cope with so talk to your health visitor or GP about what you can do to help your baby.
Feeding problems can also cause a baby to cry, such as difficulty with latching on or tongue-tie, a condition that affects the way a baby's tongue moves in their mouth. Reflux can also affect feeding. This is when a baby's stomach contents come back up, which can be painful. Your health visitor or breastfeeding counselor can help provide practical tips and support. If your child has difficulty breathing or if they're also vomiting, or have diarrhea or constipation call your GP.
Dealing with a crying baby can make parents feel stressed and anxious particularly when there doesn't seem to be an obvious or medical reason. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's OK to put your baby down in a safe place, such as their cot, and go to another room to get a few minutes break. Try not to feel that you're doing something wrong, and always ask your partner, family or friends for support.
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