Help! My baby won't stop crying

It can be as distressing if you don’t know why your baby's crying but it's her way of communicating her feelings to you - and she needs you to respond. 

Communicating with you
When your baby cries - particularly if she cries a lot - it can be worrying and draining. But remember that at this early age, crying is your baby’s only way of telling you that she needs something.

‘It doesn’t mean that there’s anything “wrong”, it could simply be that she needs attention and a cuddle,’ says health visitor, Jackie Walsh.

It's normal for a baby to cry from one to three hours every day in her first three months, although it seems to settle down after about six weeks, when she finds another way of communicating - smiling!

Reasons why she might be crying
There can be many reasons why your baby is crying. These can include:

* Hunger
A rhythmic cry that starts with a whimper and becomes louder and more sustained means your baby is hungry. Feeding her will probably calm her down. Even if you've recently fed her, she may not have had her fill and is demanding more.

* Pain
This cry begins with a high yell or shriek. It's followed by a second or so of silence as your baby takes a breath and then becomes more vigorous. Check to see what could be causing her discomfort and, if in any doubt, consult your GP.

* Dirty nappy
Some babies dislike the feel or a wet or soiled nappy and will let you know straightaway when they want changing!

* Colic
Colicky babies make quite a different sound from a normal baby. Colic can start at around three weeks after birth and symptoms include your baby going red in the face, drawing her knees up to her stomach and crying uncontrollably for several hours at a time.

* Too hot or cold
Newborns like to feel warm and secure, so often changing their nappy or clothes is enough to set them off crying. As you get more adept at doing these, your baby will cry less.

* Comfort
Your baby may just want your attention and to be held close. Walking her round, singing and making soothing noises may all help to calm her.

* Traumatic birth
Research has shown that a traumatic birth, such as a long delivery, very quick delivery, the umbilical cord around the neck, or the use of ventouse or forceps, can all cause distress to your baby due to minor injuries. Cranial osteopathy is becoming increasingly popular as a way of treating babies who've suffered during birth.

* Over-stimulation
While babies love attention, they can become overwhelmed by too much stimulation, particularly after being surrounded by a lot of people or after a day when you've been rushing from one place to the next. If this happens, let her have some quiet time to calm down.

* Tiredness
Babies don’t always go to sleep when they’re tired, but become fractious and whingy, until put in the right environment for sleep, such as a Moses basket or cot. You'll soon recognise the signs of when it’s time to put your baby down for a nap.

If your baby is crying more often or for longer periods than usual, or if she starts crying in a different way, it may mean something is wrong, so seek your GP’s advice.
Who can help?
If you are finding it difficult to cope with your crying baby, there are organisations that can offer advice and support:

* Cry-sis
Telephone advice on coping with a crying baby. Call 08451 228 669, seven days a week. Or log on to www.cry-sis.org.uk

* Parentline
For support and advice if you feel stressed. Call 0808 800 2222 or visit www.parentlineplus.co.uk.

* The Medical Advisory Service
A helpline staffed by trained nurses who can advise you about treating colicky babies. Call 020 8994 9874, 6pm-9pm Mon-Fri.

* Osteopathic Information Service
Will help you find a qualified practitioner in your area. Call 020 7357 6655, 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri, or visit www.osteopathy.org.uk