Trouble with a crying baby?

Babies all over the world have periods of crying which can last for 1 – 3 hours, once or twice a day! This usually improves at around 4 months of age.

Waking up at night is common. Even at 12 months, 25 – 40% of children often wake and may need your help to get back to sleep.

It’s hard to settle a crying baby if you’re upset too! Take some time to calm down.

Try this simple checklist below:

If all else fails, you can call the Karitane Careline.

1. Does your baby need comfort or attention? 

Pick up your baby and offer some cuddles and soothing words!

Wrap your baby if they’re not rolling yet. If you don’t wrap your baby, try to calm them by holding them closely and gently.

Find a darkened quiet space and position yourself so that you and your baby are comfortable.

Continue with gentle rocking until baby is calm.

Try to stay calm yourself – your baby will be more likely to relax!

Follow your instincts, but if your baby has fed in the last 2 hours you might try something else to help your baby settle.

3. Does your baby have a dirty nappy or a rash?

Your baby will find a very wet or dirty nappy uncomfortable. If left unchanged, it could lead to a rash. Use your judgement on whether to change it now!

For rashes, rinse with clean water, pat dry and use a barrier cream. If a rash doesn’t show improvement see your doctor. For more information search: 'Nappy rash fact sheet' in your browser and locate the Westmead Children's Hospital/Karitane guidelines.

4. Does your baby need a burp?

Check that your baby is not too hot or cold by placing your hand on the baby’s chest or tummy.

A good rule on how to dress your baby comfortably is to add one extra layer on what you would normally wear.

In cold weather, if you have a heater in the room, make sure the room is ventilated so that it does not overheat.

In hot weather, you could try to get some cool air into the room, but don’t direct a fan straight onto the cot, or let the room get too cold.

5. Is your baby comfortable?

Check that your baby is not too hot or cold by placing your hand on the baby’s chest or tummy.

A good rule on how to dress your baby comfortably is to add one extra layer on what you would normally wear.

In cold weather, if you have a heater in the room, make sure the room is ventilated so that it does not overheat.

In hot weather, you could try to get some cool air into the room, but don’t direct a fan straight onto the cot, or let the room get too cold.

6. Does your baby want to suck?

Some newborn babies have a strong urge to suck and find this calming, which helps them go to sleep.

If your baby has been fed within the last 1 to 2 hours, then allow your baby to find their own fingers to suck, or offer a dummy. If your baby wants to suck, there’s no reason why he or she should not!

Sucking for comfort is often a stage that passes as they get older.

7. Is your baby overtired?

You might want to check for Tired Signs to understand what your baby might be telling you.

Our Babies Daily Activity Guide is a guide to how much sleep your baby needs.

Within each period of sleep, your baby may wake up and not be able to resettle without your help. Responding consistently to your baby’s sleep needs helps your baby learn good sleep habits sooner. See Sleep Cycles for more information on why your baby might not sleep as long as expected.

Babies (up to 12 months) that sleep in the same room as their parents learn to match their parents sleep patterns. Parents are recommended to follow the Sids & Kids Safe Sleep Environment principles.

8. Are the conditions right for your baby to settle?

Try reducing stimulation by making the room darker and quieter, away from family activity. A gentle regular sound of either soft music or quiet background noise can also help your baby tune out.

If this is not working, try our Settling Your Baby to Sleep – Strategies.

9. Is your baby sick? Does your baby have a fever?

Take your baby’s temperature. It should be between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees centigrade. For more on fever, you can enter Westmead Children’s Hospital Fever Fact Sheet in your search bar and download the pdf. Talk to your doctor if you have any doubts.

Reflux or Colic is another common concern of parents. For information enter  Westmead Children’s Hospital Reflux Fact Sheet in your search bar and download the pdf.

For other common childhood medical issues enter Westmead Children’s Hospital fact sheets in your search bar, or contact Health Direct (1800 022 222) to speak with a registered nurse (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

10. Do you need a break?

Having an unsettled baby for any length of time can be frustrating.

It is important to be aware of how you and your partner are coping and take steps to stay in control.

For ideas on how to manage when you are feeling out of control go to I’ve had enough! What do I do now?

Need some assistance or someone to talk to? Call 1800 022 222