A baby's cry can be upsetting and frustrating. It is designed to get your attention and you may be worried that something is wrong with your baby.

Your baby may start to cry more frequently at about 2 weeks of age. The crying may get more frequent and last longer during the next few weeks, hitting a peak at about 6 to 8 weeks.

Every baby is different, but after about 8 weeks, babies start to cry less and less each week.

Babies cry for many reasons - most commonly because they are uncomfortable or are unwell. This may be due to colic, reflux, constipation or infection amongst other things.

Below ares some things to look out for if your baby is crying that may suggest they are unwell.

If your child has any of the following:

  • Becomes pale, mottled or abnormally cold to touch
  • Becomes stiff for a prolonged period or has rhythmic, jerky movements or arms or legs that does not stop when you touch it (a fit/seizure)
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction)
  • Becomes floppy or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Is going blue around the lips or has difficulty breathing
  • A rash that does not disappear with pressure (see the “Glass Test”)
  • Is under 1 month of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above






You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Becomes increasingly sleepy and not consistently waking for feeds
  • No wet nappies in the last 8 hours
  • Has a dry mouth or sunken fontanelle (soft spot on head)
  • Is getting worse or you are worried
  • Is between 1-3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)






You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS Wales 111

  • None of the above are present
  • Continues to feed well
  • Has plenty of wet nappies






Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, ring your GP surgery or call NHS Wales 111


Colic

Colic can cause excessive, frequent crying in a baby who appears to be otherwise healthy. It’s a common problem that affects up to one in five babies. Although the cause is unknown, it is likely to be due to intestinal discomfort like bowel cramping.

Colic tends to begin when a baby is a few weeks old. It normally stops by four months of age, or by six months at the latest.

Looking after a colicky baby can be very frustrating and distressing, but the problem will eventually pass and is usually nothing to worry about.

Signs and symptoms of colic include:

  • Your baby often starts crying suddenly.
  • The cry is high-pitched and nothing you do seems to help.
  • The crying begins at the same time each day, often in the afternoon or evening.
  • Your baby might draw their legs up when they cry.
  • Your baby might clench their hands.
  • Your baby’s face might flush.
  • The crying can last for minutes or hours. A baby with colic cries for 3 hours a day or more.
  • The crying often winds down when your baby is exhausted or when they have passed wind or poo

What can you do to help your baby?

Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop. Babies can cry for reasons such as if they are hungry, tired, wet/dirty or they are unwell.

Check these basic needs and try some simple calming techniques:

  • Talk calmly, hum or sing to your baby
  • Let them hear a repeating or soothing sound
  • Hold them close - skin to skin
  • Go for a walk outside with your baby
  • Give them a warm bath

These techniques may not always work. It may take a combination or more than one attempt to soothe your baby.

If the crying won't stop what should you do?

Not every baby is easy to calm but that doesn’t mean that you are doing anything wrong.

Don’t get angry with your baby or yourself. Instead, put your baby in a safe place and walk away so that you can calm yourself down by doing something that takes your mind off the crying. Try:

  • Listening to music, doing some exercises or doing something that calms you
  • Call a relative or friend - they may be able to calm your baby or may be able to watch them

After a few minutes when you are calm, go back and check on the baby.

It’s normal for parents to get stressed, especially by their baby crying. Put some time aside for yourself and taker care of your needs as well as your baby’s to help you cope.

Handling a baby roughly will make them more upset. Shouting or getting angry with your baby will make things worse. For help and support, take a look at the ICON website: http://iconcope.org/parentsadvice

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

NHS 111 Wales

Website: NHS 111 Wales

NHS 111 Wales (Option 2) telephone service is available 24/7 and can be used for urgent mental health advice and support.

 

Meic

Website: www.meiccymru.org

Meic is the helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. Chat online, freephone 080880 23456, or text 84001.

 

 

C.A.L.L. Community Advice Listening Line

Website: www.callhelpline.org.uk

Provides a confidential mental health listening and emotional support line which is open 24/7. Call 0800 132 737 or text ‘help’ to 81066.

 

 

Shout

Website: www.giveusashout.org

Text ‘shout’ to 85258 anytime, day or night.

 

 

Childline

Website: www.childline.org.uk

If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

 

 

Samaritans

Website: www.samaritans.org/wales/samaritans-cymru/

Call 116 123 free, anytime, day or night.

 

 

Papyrus

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK. We are open 9am–midnight every day.

 

 

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) for men

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Need help? Call our helpline 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year on 0800 58 58 58.

 

 

DAN 24/7 - Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

Website: www.dan247.org.uk/

Freephone 0808 808 2234, or text DAN to 81066.

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  • Try to stay calm.
  • Tell them you are there for them and that you are not upset or angry.
  • Tell them you are pleased they have told you they are having thoughts of harming themselves and that you are able to help them through this time.
  • Listen to what they are saying even if they are venting anger or other negative emotions at you.
  • Listen without interrupting.
  • Validate their thoughts and feelings – they are real and important.
  • Try to be emotionally available and present for your child.
  • Once things appear to be settling please encourage your child to relax as the day/ evening progresses and make some suggestions for things you can do together to distract them from their thoughts (see below for some ideas).
  • Try to proactively manage any potential conflicts or arguments within your immediate environment.
  • Be mindful of excessive use of mobile devices but that young people really need to feel connected to others at times of distress.

If you are concerned that your child/ young person is at risk of harming themselves, please ensure the following:

  • All medications (prescribed/ over the counter/ vitamins) are removed and/ or locked in a strong lockable medical box or locked cupboard.  Medication needs to be stored in this way in all houses where the young person stays, including grandparents, foster carers, step parents and residential homes.
  • All sharp objects, such as knives and razor blades, to be removed and/ or stored securely.
  • Ensure the young person has not got a stock of medication or sharp objects in their room or amongst their property.
  • Other environmental risks in your home should be considered, e.g. removing ropes, ties, dressing gown ties.
  • Do not allow your child/ young person to go out alone or with friends during times of distress and when they are voicing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
  • Monitor your child/ young person’s mood and behaviour closely.
  • Increase your presence and supervision of your child at home, if needed remaining awake or checking on them during the night.
  • Ask them about thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
  • ​​​​Look out for any warning signs in your child/ young person that they might be struggling.

  • Distract yourself - watch a film or TV programme, play a computer game that absorbs your mind, or read a book you’re really interested in
  • Get creative – drawing, mindful colouring, taking photos, listening to music, singing
  • Get moving – walk, run, dance, do an exercise or yoga video
  • Comfort yourself – have bubble bath or shower, eat something you like, stroke a pet, cuddle up tightly in a blanket, rock/ hug yourself, spray a favourite perfume

 

Alternatives to self-harm when the urge to harm is very strong:

  • Hold ice in your hand for as long as you can
  • Step under a cold shower briefly
  • Run your hands under cold water
  • Snap an elastic band against your wrist
  • Hit a cushion against the wall or bed
  • Punch a punch bag or pillow
  • Go for a fast paced walk or run up and down the stairs several times
  • Tear or scrunch up paper

Improving the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of expectant mothers, infants, children and young people throughout Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Area.

(N.B: The Family and Therapies team at ABUHB is NOT responsible for the content on the webpage links that we refer to in our resource sections and linked information to external sites. All information was accurate and appropriate at the time the webpage was created.)

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