All babies cry, and some cry a lot. Babies cry most in the first year of life, and most of all in the first three months.

This is also the time when you are most unsure of your skills as a new parent, and it’s easy to worry that you’re doing something wrong if your baby cries.

But don't assume there is a problem like colic.  Even ‘normal’, ‘average’, entirely healthy newborns may cry for somewhere between one and three hours each day.

They have to. It is the main way of communicating their needs. Some babies cry when they’re being undressed, when any of their senses are over-stimulated (such as by loud noise, bright lights) or if tickled, rocked or talked to when they’re tired, grumpy or impatient for a feed.

Babies do not cry because they are 'spoiled.'  They cry because they need something.  Could your baby be:

Hungry

Before your baby was born, he did not know hunger. Every single nutritional need was met before he felt it. Now, for the first time, he feels an empty stomach. No wonder he cries.

Too hot or too cold

It can help to check that your baby isn’t waking from sleep simply because he’s too cold (if his cot is against an outside wall, it may get chilly in the winter) or too hot (if he’s next to the airing cupboard and the water heater stays on all night). A room thermometer will help to guide you in this: the ideal temperature for your baby’s bedroom is around 18°C (65°F). Use blankets in the cot, so you can add or remove layers as necessary.
DO NOT use a duvet, quilt or pillow before your baby is at least a year old.

Uncomfortable

Like all of us, a baby will protest if his clothes are too tight, or if a wet or soiled nappy is making him uncomfortable.

Tired

Babies will often cry because they need to sleep. If your baby is crying because he is over-stimulated and needs a rest, then all that singing, talking and jiggling about may be keeping him awake when he needs to sleep.

Wanting something to suck

Some babies have a strong need to suck and gain a lot of comfort from it.

Bored

A baby can be lonely, fed up, and in need of a bit of entertainment, just like the rest of us. A crying baby doesn’t mean that he is ‘demanding’ or ‘attention seeking’ but is as much in need of a bit of socialising as you would be if you were tucked up for most of the day in a cot.

Needing reassurance

Some babies need a great deal of reassurance. Adults can be comforted by soothing words. For babies, words and sight are often not enough and they need the safety of close physical contact. Hold your baby if that is what he needs.

Unwell

If there are other signs that he may be ill, such as a rash or a high temperature, then always ask your GP to check your baby.

Tips to soothe a crying baby

Babies cry for all kinds of reasons, but if you think their particular need has been met and they still don’t stop, why not try:

• Switching on the vacuum cleaner or washing machine; 'white noise' will stop some babies crying.
• Swaddling.  Use thin material and keep his head uncovered.
• Walking, or driving him round the block.
• Singing to him (he has no preferences as to which songs at this age).
• A baby sling so he’s close while you get on with other things.
• Getting a grandparent or relative to take over for a couple of hours.
• Music – whatever’s your favourite.
• Gripe water -  there’s always a chance…

How to cope with crying

Sometimes it can be hard to cope when your baby doesn't stop crying.  See our tips on how to cope with a crying baby, or check out some sound advice from baby sleep expert Jo Tantum.  Or, to hear it like it is from a real mum, see mummy blogger Jo Middleton on how to handle a crying baby.