When a baby cries, people expect mothers to instinctively know the reason but it isn't always that straight forward. Many parents need time to get to know and understand baby's needs before being able to quickly pinpoint exactly what is troubling them.

Below is a brilliant checklist that I have created which can be worked through quickly and easily (even by Dads) to establish the most likely cause of why your baby is crying. (Hint... print this out & stick it to your fridge!) Is baby hungry? When was his last feed? Is baby tired? When did he last sleep? Is he kicking his legs / writhing? Is there silence followed by a high scream? Is he making straining noises? – He may have wind, colic or constipation. Nappy may need changing. Is baby bored? Try a change of scenery or play with him. Check baby’s temperature, make sure he’s not too hot or too cold. A baby needs one more layer of clothing / bedding than an adult.

If your newborn baby won't stop crying, swaddle them, take them into a dark room and hold them close so that they can hear your heartbeat and say sshhh calmly and repetitively. This will make them feel as though they are back in the womb. They will feel safe and secure and stop crying.

Babies do cry, but it is always for a reason. Its even more distressing when you feel like you have done everything and they are still crying.

If you follow a simple routine you can work out the reasons why your baby is crying .Starting a log of your babies sleeping and feeding patterns will help you see when they are crying for food or if they are tired. If you anticipate your babies feed time before they are too hungry, they won't need to cry. If you put your baby down for a nap before they are overtired, they won't need to cry. This way you have already eliminated two of the main reasons that cause your baby to cry.

To give you an idea - Newborn babies can only stay awake for 1 hour before getting tired whereas a 6 month old baby can only stay awake for 2 hours before needing a nap.

Your baby is communicating with you, so try and listen for his different types of cries and you will soon learn and be able to respond.

Don't let anyone tell you that it is normal for a baby to be crying for long periods of time and not be able to be soothed. A baby crying for over 2-3 hours in a 24 hour period is excessive and is trying to let you know that there is something which needs dealing with, whether its overtiredness (start a sleep log) or medical for example reflux or a form of milk intolerance (you need to see your GP).