What can I do when my baby's crying feels overwhelming?
Put your baby in a safe place, take a brief pause and ask someone you trust to help. Never shake a baby. Contact local emergency services if you can’t keep anyone safe.
The short answer
If crying feels too much, place your baby in a safe cot or another safe place, step into another room briefly and return to check on them. Ask a trusted person for help. Never shake a baby. Contact local emergency services if you can’t keep yourself or your baby safe.
Put your baby somewhere safe
If you feel close to losing control, place your baby in a safe cot or another safe place. Make sure they are safe, then step into another room for a short pause. The NHS guidance for a crying baby suggests setting a time limit, such as 10 minutes, and going back to check on your baby.
Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause brain damage. If another trusted adult is available, ask them to take over while you calm down.
Ask someone to stay with you
Call a partner, friend, family member, midwife, health visitor or local health service. Say plainly that the crying feels overwhelming and you need support. Ask for a specific task, such as staying with you, taking over care for a short time or helping you contact a health professional.
If you’re worried about your own wellbeing, tell someone you trust and contact a local health professional. You don’t have to manage the situation alone.
Get help if your baby seems unwell
Contact a local health professional if your baby cries constantly, can’t be consoled, has a cry that sounds different from usual or seems unwell. Use your local emergency service if you think you may hurt yourself or your baby, or can’t keep either of you safe.
When it is useful, a short note about when crying happens may help you explain the pattern to a doctor. A record can’t check your baby or replace urgent help.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.