1. Common reasons babies cry
- Hunger, tiredness, or a wet/dirty nappy.
- Overstimulation, loneliness, or needing a cuddle.
- Wind, reflux, or digestive discomfort.
- Too hot or too cold — check the back of the neck.
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Crying & Soothing
Understand why babies cry and learn gentle ways to calm them.
2. Soothing techniques
- Hold baby close and sway gently; skin-to-skin contact is calming.
- Offer a clean finger or dummy/pacifier to suck.
- Play white noise, shushing sounds, or gentle lullabies.
- Try a warm bath, a fresh nappy, or a change of scenery.
3. Understanding colic
- Colic is often defined as crying more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks.
- It usually peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3–4 months.
- Soothing, burping, and upright cuddles can help; talk to your doctor if you're worried.
When in doubt, ask a professional
This guide is for general information only. If you're worried about your baby's health or feeding, speak with your GP, health visitor, or paediatrician.