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3. She's overtired

Young babies can't handle too much stimulation. Lots of visitors, or a very busy day can unsettle her and make her extremely tired. But this doesn't mean she'll recuperate by sleeping for eight hours.

She's more likely to do the opposite and keep you awake all night. Try swaddling her in a sheet or blanket to make her feel safe and secure. (Young babies usually love being swaddled, it reminds them of being in the womb). But if you want a peaceful life, the best solution is to limit visitors and activities in the early days of your baby's life.

4. She has 'colic'

Its the five letter word that sends a shiver up the spine of even the most hardy, fearless parent - which isn't surprising. A baby with colic will cry and cry and cry, and no matter what you do, you can't seem to comfort them.

The crying often starts in the early evening when you're tired and desperate to unwind, and continues for several hours until you're too exhausted to care.

Instead of relaxing with a glass of wine, you will find yourself doing the most bizarre things. From practising the colic 'dance' (a weird series of steps and sways designed to soothe her), to pacing round the garden, feeding her anti-colic drops, switching on the washing machine so she can hear the noise (the spin cycle works best), massaging her tummy - and if all else fails, bundling her into her car seat at 2am and going for a drive.

Nobody really knows what causes colic - an immature digestive system, slow bowel movements, swallowing too much air, or drinking cows milk are all popular theories. But we do know that a lot of babies get it (around 15 per cent) and it does eventually ease, usually at around three months. So get through these difficult weeks as best you can by doing any or all of the above. And remember, thousands of other parents will be doing exactly the same.

If you're close to despair, put her down in her cot where she's safe and have a ten minute break.
Call a friend or relative, or contact Cry-sis a support group for anyone finding it hard to cope with a crying baby. Helpline number 08451 228 669 or go to www.cry-sis.org.uk

- Next: more help and advice on why babies cry

For more information go to

- Advice on getting your baby to sleep through
- Read in-depth info on colic
- Lots of information on kids' health
- www.babycentre.co.uk
- www.netdoctor.co.uk

By Kate Corr

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• Next: Why is my baby crying? Part 3

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