Baby's first year : Crying

In the Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, Tracy presents practical, simple and yet individualised advice about early infant behaviour and development so that any parent, grandparent or carer can interpret what a baby is 'saying' and give them what they need. Price: £9.99

All babies cry in the first year of their life. Some may cry more while some may cry less. You must never lose control and shake the baby as this could endanger her life. Some of the suggestions below may work for you but even if they don't, try to keep your cool and think of it as a phase which will slowly but surely end:

• Let the baby suckle at your breast for comfort or for satisfying her hunger
• Swaddle your baby and cuddle her, holding her close to give her a feeling of security
• Rock her rhythmically in your arms (or pram). Sometimes a drive may also help to soothe your baby
• Give your baby a colourful toy so that she is distracted and forgets crying altogether
• Pat her and stroke her to calm her. A massage may help
• Sometimes a warm bath may help to soothe instantly
• See if your baby is too hot or cold and dress or undress her appropriately
• You can use saline nose drops to relieve a blocked nose if you think your baby is crying because of that
• A wet nappy can sometimes cause a baby to cry or it may be an irritating nappy rash - clean your baby and leave her without a nappy for some time
• If it is colic pain, just be patient and hold your baby in the position that she likes best

If your child is crying in an unusual way and seems to be in pain, contact the doctor straightaway