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While these suggestions will seem obvious, you will be surprised what sleepless nights, worry or stress can do to your logic and make you forget the most basic steps of calming a baby. Sometimes it is the simplest solution that will calm your crying baby.

Once we get a hang of things, the steps will kick in automatically when the baby is crying. Without thinking we will go through the list of suggestions one by one. It is only in the beginning, when you can't hear the difference between the types of cries and what they mean that it can be stressful.

Make sure your baby is not hungry or needs a nappy change. Ridiculously simple and obvious, but you may find yourself wondering when was the last time you fed or changed your baby. Are you really sure you know? There is no harm in checking.

Check if your baby is wearing the right clothing for the environment, as a baby will cry if he is too hot, cold or in uncomfortable clothing.

Give your baby closeness and maybe a soft massage. Try to be calm while you hold your baby and breathe slowly. Your body may be exhausted, but try to mentally relax as this will transfer to your muscles and will help your baby to be calm.

Move to a quiet and calm space. A hectic surrounding can disturb your baby and stress you both. If you are at home turn off lights and turn down the telly or music. Some babies are not disturbed by sounds, but overstimulation may make it harder for him to settle.

Play soothing music, sing or talk softly to your baby. Some babies can also relax with white noise, such as the vacuum cleaner. You can also buy white noise cd or download an app onto your mobile.

Get moving by either putting your baby in the buggy, baby carrier or even the car. A brisk walk will be refreshing for you both. Your baby will get the benefit of the rocking in the comfort of the buggy or carrier, and you will get some of your anxiety or stress out.

Call a friend or relative to give you some support. You will need rest and having someone take your baby even for half an hour will do you the world of good. At least call someone for a chat, even if it is just a big cry. Avoid calling anyone that will just tell you to get on with it.

If you feel that you are falling apart and can't take one more second of crying, you are better off to put your baby down in his crib and take a few minutes to settle yourself. While it seems heartless to leave a crying baby, it is only to give you a chance to pull yourself together, get a
           few minutes to calm yourself and into a calmer frame of mind.

Try to establish routines; these will benefit both you and your baby. It will be easier to understand and anticipate your baby's needs. A routine will satisfy your baby's needs before they become urgent, such as hunger, tiredness and discomfort.

Why a baby cries

A baby cries to communicate with you, to express what he wants, needs and dislikes. It is easy to relate a baby's crying to hunger, tiredness and discomfort, but simple things like boredom, loneliness and even worry and cause a baby to cry.

If a baby it is worry, fear or boredom that makes your baby cry, try to understand and accept what is causing it. It could be that your baby does not like to be held by strangers or needs to be reassured that you are close by. While we have fantasies of babies sleeping quietly as we drink our latte with a friend in our favourite coffee shop, if it is done on the wrong time the outing can be a nightmare. Don't avoid going out, but try planning it around your baby's sleeping schedule or keep it short and sweet.

A great way to keep a baby entertained during an outing, whether it is business or pleasure, is to have several small snacks and interesting toys. A cuddly bear is not as interesting as a hard chewable toy with colours, textures and soft sounds.