WHAT TO DO WHEN BABY’S CRYING DRIVES YOU MAD

■ Acknowledge that all babies cry, and some cry more than others.

■ Crying is your baby’s natural way of communicating with you. Have your baby examined by a doctor if you think the crying is excessive, as it may be as a result of illness, colic, reflux or teething.

■ It’s okay to put your baby down in a safe place, like their cot, and just walk away for a while to calm yourself down.

■ Sleep deprivation accounts for some cases of shaken baby syndrome. If you’re up all night with a crying baby, try to catch up on sleep during the day if possible. Ask family and friends to help out with the baby, so you can get some rest.

■ Learn how to comfort your crying baby as best you can. Speak to your local baby clinic for tips and advice. Ask for support. Remember, asking for help is not a sign that you’ve failed as a parent.