All babies cry sometimes. They have to. Even entirely healthy newborns will cry for somewhere between one and three hours each day. Unable to do anything for themselves, babies rely on someone else to provide them with the food, warmth and comfort that they need. Crying is a baby's way of communicating one of those needs. As a new parent, it can sometimes be difficult to work out what your baby is telling you - is (s)he hungry, cold, thirsty, bored, looking for a cuddle? In the early days, when you have not yet learned to work out what your baby needs, this crying can be upsetting. However, you will gradually begin to recognize your baby's different crying patterns and, as you get to know her better, will be able to anticipate her needs.

Fortunately, babies' cries usually vary with these different needs. Within the first few weeks of life you will become able to recognize your baby's different cries and respond more quickly to their needs. At this stage it is impossible to spoil a baby with attention so if (s)he cries you should pick up your baby for a cuddle and find out what it is (s)he wants. This also reassures your baby that you are there for him or her.

Here is a fact sheet which will help you to identify the reasons why your baby may be crying and suggest some steps that you can take to help soothe your baby:

Newborn and young babies

Whilst getting to know your baby's cries will help you narrow down the need, it will often be a matter of trial and error. The first things to try are offering your baby a feed and checking whether (s)he needs a nappy change. Next you might give your baby something to suck, rock or pat or simply talk to your baby. If none of these help then check to see if (s)he is too hot or too cold.

Colic

While crying is normal, some babies seem to cry for no reason. They are not easily calmed, and they cry for long periods of time. These babies are often referred to as having colic.

Crying due to colic is often more high pitched than usual crying. Your baby may also draw up their legs and become red in the face. This crying tends to occur at the same time every day, usually the late afternoon or evening and is not helped by any of the usual remedies. Colic can start as early as three weeks and continue until about twelve to 16 weeks. The cause of colic is unknown. You should try a range of methods to soothe your baby, for example:

• Rocking
• Walking
• Frequent feeding
• Rubbing or massage
• Music
• A change of room or environment
• A drive in the car

It is not advisable to use medicines to give your baby relief without first consulting your pediatrician.

Nappy rash

Nappy rash is a skin irritation that occurs on the skin of a baby in the nappy area. Various things can cause the irritation including:

• ammonia, which is found in urine and faeces
• alcohol, which is sometimes used in baby wipes
• a change in diet e.g. from breast milk to formula
• strong detergents/soap additives, which have been used to clean terry nappies

However, not all nappy conditions are nappy rash. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include heat rash, dermatitis (eczema) or thrush.

Symptoms of nappy rash vary from mild sore red spots to cracked or broken skin and even blisters. You may also be able to smell ammonia strongly on the nappy.

Treatment of nappy rash is usually simple, and the problem should clear up after a few days:

• change the nappy as soon as it is wet/dirty
• let your baby play without a nappy as much as possible, so their bottom is exposed to the air
• if you're using a barrier cream, stop using it, it could be causing the rash or preventing the rash from healing
• avoid using plastic pants
• keep your baby's bottom dry, but don't use talcum powder

If the rash lasts longer than three days, gets worse or shows signs of being infected, (inflammation, discharge or your baby develops a fever,) ask your pediatrician.