10 reasons babies cry, and how to soothe them: photos

Hunger is one of the most common reasons that your newborn baby will cry.

Your baby's small stomach can't hold very much, so if she cries, try offering her some milk. She may be hungry, even if her last feed doesn't seem very long ago.

Your baby may find it hard to get to sleep, particularly if she's over-tired. Your baby's sleep cues will tend to be whining and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and going quiet. Help her by teaching her to soothe herself to sleep.

If your baby is less than five months old, she may cry in the late afternoon and evenings. This is normal, but it can be very stressful for you. Persistent crying in an otherwise healthy baby is traditionally called colic.

Cuddling and swaying with your baby, going for a drive, or creating white noise, like from a hairdryer, may soothe your crying baby.

Your baby may protest if a wet or soiled nappy is bothering her. If her tender skin is being irritated, she will probably tell you by crying. Always use barrier cream at nappy changes, and if possible, give your baby nappy-free time.

Your baby will need lots of cuddling and reassurance to comfort her. Try a baby sling to keep her close to you, perhaps swaying and singing to her while you hold her.

If your baby cries during or straight after a feed, she may have wind. Wind is simply the air in your baby's tummy, which she's swallowed as she feeds, or even when she cries. Patting or rubbing your baby's back are good ways to burp her.

Take care not to overdress your baby, or she may become too hot. She will generally need to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.

Your baby may hate having her nappy changed, or being bathed. She may not be used to the feeling of cold air on her skin. But you will soon learn how to perfect a quick nappy change, if this is the case.

Be aware of changes in your baby. If she's unwell, she'll probably cry in a different tone to her usual cry. It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous or high-pitched.

Nobody knows your baby as well as you do. If you feel that there may be something wrong with her, call your GP, midwife or child health nurse.

If your baby has received a lot of attention and cuddles from doting visitors, she may become overstimulated. Take your baby somewhere calm and quiet to help her settle down.