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My baby is crying - I.C.O.N cope

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I – Infant crying is normal

C – Comforting methods can sometimes soothe the baby

O – It’s OK to walk away

N – Never, ever shake a baby

Crying is completely normal. There are lots of different ways to soothe a crying baby - sometimes they will work, other times they won’t and this is ok. Crying is how a baby communicates with you and it’s supposed to get your attention. Whilst it can be upsetting or distressing it's normal to feel like this.

Though babies cry a lot, you can expect crying to reach its peak when your baby is around 6-8 weeks old. This can be a challenging time. If you feel like you can’t cope, it is ok to put your baby down in safe place (like their cot) and take a few minutes to calm yourself. Keep checking on the baby every few minutes until you feel calm enough to soothe them. Never ever shake your baby.

Always ask for help if think you need it. There is a lot available, whether it is from family, friends, professionals or online resources. Focus on getting the right kind of support that will help you and remember... I.C.O.N cope.

baby and dad
 
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My baby is crying - click the titles to open more information

  • Crying Curve

  • Crying Animation

What you can do to help

Starting points

  1. Are they hungry?
  2. Are they wet or dirty?
  3. Are they tired?
  4. Are they too hot or too cold?
  5. Are they in pain?
  6. Do they want to be held?
  7. Is there too much going on around them?

If your baby is crying constantly

There are several reasons that can cause a baby to cry excessively such as colic or illness, particularly if it does not sound like their normal cry. Click the links for more detailed advice.

Thinking ahead

It can be helpful to think ahead and focus on what you can do to help yourself when your baby is crying. Writing down a small plan, make a note in your phone, or even bookmark/favourite this webpage; these things can all help. You might want to ask yourself:

  • Who can I go to for help with crying?
  • What will I do if I need a few minutes to myself?
  • What makes me feel better?
  • What makes me feel calmer?

Who can help?

  • If you’re worried or feel like you can't cope, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. **Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**
  • Cry-sis is a charity that supports parents struggling with an unsettled baby. You can call 08451 228669 between 9am and 10pm every day.

  • Even in the middle of the night if you have no one to support you and you are worried about how you are feeling, you can call 111 for support.

  • You can always go to see your GP to discuss concerns.

  • Young Minds Parents Helpline - Call 0808 802 5544 for free support Monday-Friday  from 9.30am-4pm.

  • If your aged 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635 443 **Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**

  • Childline - young people under 19 can call 0800 1111 for free support 7.30am-3.30am every day.

  • See, Hear, Respond - Best Beginnings and Barnado's are providing free online support to pregnant families and new parents struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Need More Information?

(ICON) - iconcope.org/ - trusted online resource with detailed information

See, Hear, Respond - Best Beginnings and Barnado's free online support

Soothing a crying baby - nhs.uk

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Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

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