Babies and crying (ICON)

Crying is your baby’s way of letting you know they need something.

Your baby may be crying because they are:

• trying to connect with you
• hungry
• tired
• uncomfortable, for example a wet or dirty nappy
• feeling unwell
• in need of comfort or closeness

Sometimes babies cry even when all their needs are met. Your baby may just need you, your touch or your voice.

Trying to comfort your baby can often help them feel calmer.

You could try:

• talking in a calm voice, humming or singing
• playing a soft, repeating sound (for example, white noise)
• holding your baby close or having skin‑to‑skin
• going for a short walk outside together
• giving your baby a warm bath

These ideas may not always work straight away but will help your baby feel safe and close to you.

You may need to try more than one thing and that’s okay.

Some babies can be hard to calm at times.

This does not mean you are doing anything wrong.

All babies cry, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming.

Looking after yourself

If your babies crying is getting to you:

• make sure your baby is somewhere safe, like a cot
• step away for a short time

Take a moment to calm yourself, such as:

• listening to music
• stretching or breathing slowly
• calling a friend or family member

When you feel calmer, go back and check on your baby.

You and your baby

Taking care of yourself helps you respond to your baby in a calm and caring way.

Keeping your baby safe

It can be very hard when a baby keeps crying, but it is important to stay calm and gentle.

Never:

• shout at a baby
• handle a baby in a rough or forceful way
• shake a baby

Shaking a baby can cause serious harm, including:

• Brain injury
• Disability
• Death

Getting help and staying safe

• Cry-sis Helpline: Call 0800 448 0737, Lines open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm.

• ICON offers simple, trusted advice on coping with your baby’s crying.

Who else you can talk to

You can also speak to:

• Your GP
• Midwife
• 0 to 19 practitioner
• Local Family Hubs or Children’s Centres

When to get medical help

If you are worried your baby may be unwell:

Contact your GP, or Call NHS 111 (or visit the 111 website) Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

In an emergency: Call 999

• The Baby Check app from Lullaby Trust can help you check your baby’s symptoms and decide whether they need medical attention for babies under 6 months of age. The app guides you through simple checks and it also reminds you to trust your instincts and seek help if you are worried.

• West Yorkshire Healthier Together: Visit this website for trusted NHS advice for babies, children and young people, created by local doctors and healthcare teams in West Yorkshire. It helps you understand common childhood illnesses, what to do when your child is unwell, and when to get medical help.