Crying can be difficult for a tired caregiver. Plan a safe way to pause and notice when a change in crying calls for professional advice.

Use a safe brief pause when overwhelmed

Place baby on their back in a safe empty crib before stepping away briefly to calm down. Check back promptly and ask for help rather than leaving baby on a sofa.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

A safe pause can protect both of you.

Sources: NHS · Soothing a crying baby ↗

Never shake a baby

Shaking can cause serious injury even when a caregiver feels desperate or intends it to be gentle. Choose a safe pause and seek support instead.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Shaking can seriously injure a baby.

Sources: NHS · Soothing a crying baby ↗

Seek advice for an unusual cry with poor feeding

A change in the baby’s usual cry together with not feeding needs medical advice. More intense soothing should not be used to avoid an assessment.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Changes with poor feeding need attention.

Sources: NHS · Soothing a crying baby ↗

Read it. Try it. Come back to why.

Read one point at a time, then use the linked scenario to check your understanding. The practice is a chance to return to the explanation and reflect, rather than a measure of parenting ability.

Practise all 3 questions →