A constantly crying baby who just would not seem to settle is enough to make any new mum feel distressed.

Before you gave birth, you probably imagined a happy, gurgling bundle of joy, but faced with the sometimes red-faced reality, it is understandable you might think you are doing something wrong.

Well, it is time to stop beating yourself up about it.

Around 30 per cent of babies cry excessively – which is usually defined as crying for more than three hours in a day – for no apparent medical reason.

Crying Causes

Crying is your baby’s way of communicating his needs and often newborns will cry for what might seem like forever, but is, in fact, usually only one to three hours a day. As a new mum it may be bewildering trying to work out why your baby is crying, but you should soon see a pattern and start to understand what different cries mean…

Hunger is the main reason babies cry in the early days and you may be surprised at how often your baby wants to feed. If he seems to be soothed by breastfeeding and is getting the nourishment he needs, that is great, but sometimes babies seem to become even more agitated when they are fed. However, there is often a simple explanation for this.

• Check his position so that most of your nipple is inside his mouth and make sure his nose is not pressed against your breast. It is also a good idea to experiment with feeding positions by lying down or sitting up to see what your baby prefers.
• If you think he is crying because he is still hungry or you are not sure why he is unhappy as you try to feed him, do not struggle on by yourself. It is really worth getting in touch with your doctor, who can advise you about feeding.
• Try to burp him after each feed.

Colic is defined as inconsolable crying that lasts for at least three hours a day, for at least three days a week. If your baby  has colic, he may pull up his legs to his tummy, become red in the face and pass wind. Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep is also common.

• Colic generally starts when a baby is two to four weeks old and can last for three months, often worsening in the evening. As well as painful abdominal gas, another possible cause of colic is a combination of the baby’s temperament and an immature
  nervous system. These factors can make him sensitive to stimulation or change and unable to stop crying once he starts.
• If breastfeeding, look closely at your diet. Some women find that certain foods make their baby’s colic worse. These include cabbage, broccoli, beans, onions, garlic, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.
• Let your baby suck on your clean finger. A sterilised dummy can also help.

My Baby Won’t Settle!

If you know your baby is well-fed with a clean nappy yet the crying persists, it is worth checking that he is comfortable in the following ways:

• Is his nappy too tight? Is the label on his bodysuit irritating his sensitive skin?
• A baby’s hands and feet are normally quite cold, so feel his tummy to gauge his true temperature.
• Regardless of how young your baby is, make time each day to talk to him and sing him songs or tell him stories using your best ‘singsong’ voice. Your baby may find the gentle lilt, sound and tone of your voice soothing.
• Give him a change of surroundings or try sitting him in a bouncy chair.

You might just have to face the facts that you have a baby who is crying purely because it is his nature. Take comfort in the fact that his grumpy moods would not last forever and will one day change into gummy grins. Some babies are just more needy than others and once you have accepted this, it is easier to find strategies to help. Some experts believe that you cannot spoil a baby by responding to his needs as soon as he cries. Research has shown that a baby who is comforted whenever he is in distress becomes a happier, more confident child.

Some classic technique that might help calm him:

• White noise – place him near the vibrations of a working vacuum cleaner, washing machine or dryer or get a CD of white noise.
• Get in the rhythm – the gentle, constant motion of a rocking chair, baby swing, or even the car may lull him to sleep.
• Carry him – find a sling that suits you both so that you can get on with things.
• Bundle him up – newborns like to feel snug and secure like they were in the womb, so try swaddling him in a blanket.
• Massage with mum – gently rubbing your baby on his tummy or back can ease his distress, or cuddling him close to you in a warm bath can be calming.

If the crying continues…

You have tried everything you can to comfort your baby and he is still fractious. Now it is time to take care of yourself by following the support strategies below:

• Remind yourself there is nothing wrong with your baby and crying would not hurt him.
• It is OK to put your crying baby down in his cot while you take a breather and some time out.