Becoming a dad

Suddenly you have a little person living with you! It will take some time to learn what your baby's cries, gurgles and coos mean. You will soon be able to tell if your baby is hungry, tired or needs attention. Signs of a hungry baby can include sucking on hands, rooting and smacking lips, while jerky limb movements and glazed stares can often be due to a tired baby.

Infant crying and how to cope

A baby's crying can be upsetting and frustrating, it is designed to get your attention, and this may make you feel like something is wrong with your baby. It is normal for a baby to cry more frequently at 2 weeks of age. The crying may get more frequent and last longer from 2 weeks until hitting a peak at 6 to 8 weeks. Every baby is different but after 8 weeks most babies settle and cry less frequently. Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop.

1. Speak calmly, hum or sing to them
2. Let them hear a repeating or soothing sound
3. Skin to skin or hold them close
4. Go for a walk outside with your baby
5. Give them a warm bath
6. Consider offering the baby a feed

These techniques will not always work. It may take a combination or more than one attempt to soothe your baby.

ICON Cope is an organisation which provides support and strategies for coping with a crying baby.

If you think something is wrong with your baby because they won't stop crying speak to your Health Visitor, GP, Midwife or call 111.

My baby won't stop crying, what can I do now?

Not every baby is easy to settle but this does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Don't get angry with your baby or yourself/partner. Instead, put your baby in a safe place and take a minute to calm down. Do something that calms you down, listen to a song or call a relative for support. After a few minutes when you are calm go back and check your baby. It is normal for parents to get stressed, especially when they cry.