Skip to content

UNDERSTANDING CRYING

What follows does not come from AtyKids: these are public health authority recommendations, quoted with their source.

  1. Never shake a baby: it can cause serious or fatal brain injury.

    Who recommends it

  2. When an adult feels they are losing control, stop the interaction with the baby.

    Who recommends it

  3. Put the baby somewhere safe, for example their crib, on their back.

    Who recommends it

  4. Leave the room for a few minutes, long enough to regain your composure.

    Who recommends it

  5. Calming yourself comes before calming the crying; go back regularly to check that the baby is safe, without picking them up until you have regained your composure.

    Who recommends it

  6. Ask someone to take over: a relative, a person you trust, or professional help.

    Who recommends it

What this page does not do

It does not replace a health professional, describes no symptom, and does not tell you whether a baby is alright.

Go further