All babies cry, so don't be alarmed if your baby spends much of her time in tears. It can be somewhat overwhelming, though, so here we've provided some top tips on how to deal with a crying baby.

There are lots of ways to help a crying newborn, try…

- Rocking her back and forwards in your arms, on a rocking chair or in her pram

- Sing soothing songs to her, she loves to hear your voice. Play nursery rhymes, classical music or your favourite radio station to calm her (and you) down

- Carry her in the baby sling. She will feel warm, secure and close to you, and you can be hands-free for a while

- Feed your baby

- Give her a comforter like a dummy, or a bit of cloth that smells like you. (An old T-shirt that smells of you may do the trick)

- Give your baby a warm bath, this can also help colicky babies relax and feel sleepy before bedtime

- Stroke your baby rhythmically. Try massaging her with baby oil before bed, or stroking her temples very gently
If it all gets too much, put your baby down somewhere safe (her cot, pram or bouncer) and leave the room for a few minutes whilst you calm yourself down. Try not to be angry with your baby for crying. She is only communicating to you in the only way she knows how.

It’s worth it because…
No matter how much your baby cries, she still only has eyes for you. It is amazing how quickly she stops crying when comforted by mum and even the smell of you when you enter the room can settle your baby. Research shows that even a four-day-old baby will stare at her mum’s face longer than anyone else’s. It will not be long before you see her first smile and those days and nights of pacing up and down your house with a crying baby will be a distant memory.

You can talk to other mums about how to deal with a crying baby in the Guide to baby area of our chat forum. If you prefer, you can join a group to discuss this or any other related topic.

Last Modified: 13/05/2007