Coping with crying

Babies cry to communicate, it is normal for babies to cry. If you are worried about your baby crying, then speak to your GP, midwife or Health Visitor for advice and support. Find out more about The role of a health visitor

If you have any other concerns about your baby, phone 111. Always phone 999 in an emergency.

If you feel like your babies crying is distressing you, it is important to remember that crying is normal. Speak to people around you who may be able to support you.

ICON - Babies cry, you can cope

• I – Infant crying is normal
• C – Comfort methods can help soothe your baby
• O – It is okay to walk away for a moment if the crying is getting to you. Make sure you have left your baby in a safe sleep space and in a safe position
• N – Never ever shake or hurt your baby, it can cause catastrophic injury and even death

If you need to walk away for a moment before returning to continue comfort methods, it is important you know about safer sleep and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs)

Visit The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep for babies: Support for families for more information on how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

For information and advice on keeping children safe healthy, reducing the risk of hospital admissions and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs) visit our Child unintentional injury page.

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Soothing my baby

Babies may cry for lots of reasons, such as when they are:

• Hungry
• Tired
• Wet or dirty
• Unwell

After checking these, here are some simple calming techniques you can try.

• Talk calmly, hum or sing to your baby
• Let them hear a repeating or soothing sound
• Hold them close (skin to skin contact)
• Go for a walk outside with your baby
• Give them a warm bath

If you think there is something wrong with your baby or the crying won’t stop, speak to your GP, Midwife or Health Visitor – The role of a health visitor

If you are worried that your baby is unwell, phone NHS 111.

Families

There are lots of people who may share the caring responsibilities of your baby and/or children.

We encourage you to share the key messages of ICON with anyone supporting the care of your baby. For additional information and advice visit ICON Cope.

Fathers can offer great support right from the start of the pregnancy journey, in Somerset we have a Dads Matter network.