Connecting & communicating

Crying

Your baby may cry for many different reasons, eg they are hungry, tired, bored, teething, in pain or unwell.

It is also normal for some babies to cry when their parent or caregiver leaves the room or when they are frustrated.

Now your baby is getting older, you may be able to stop their crying by distracting them with toys, reading books, showing them things in the room, or going for a walk.

Trying to comfort a crying baby can leave you feeling frustrated, exhausted, desperate and angry. Read more about ideas that may help you cope with the crying.

Never shake or smack your baby as you can easily hurt them.

If your baby is crying for longer than usual they may be unwell. If you are worried about your baby’s crying, contact your doctor.

Separation anxiety

Around 8 months, babies often become quite clingy and can seem frightened by strangers. You may find that your baby refuses to go to friends and family they used to happily play with or be cuddled by.

Your baby may also cry when you leave the room. This stage is normal and usually it does not last long. Your baby is learning the importance of their caregiver.

It may help if you say when you are leaving and wave goodbye. If you are going into another room call out in a calm voice (eg ‘Mummy will be back very soon’). Your baby may show they are upset by throwing themselves backwards, stiffening their body and crying.

It may help to talk calmly to them, distract them with something or cuddle and reassure them.