Guidance and support in Emergencies
Here you will find an overview of helpful measures, emergency numbers, and professional support services.
A compact four-step plan to help you stay calm in moments of acute stress and keep your child safe.
Overview of key emergency numbers and contacts for professional support in acute crises.
Directory of suitable services and counselling centres offering professional support in your area.
Emergency Plan
Crying, sleeping and feeding problems can be very exhausting and stressful for you parents.
If you find yourself on the brink of being overwhelmed by stress and negative emotions to the point where you feel you might lose control over your yourself, please seek help immediately!
It may seem hard to imagine, but in acute crisis situations like this, there is a risk of seriously harming your child – even if you not want to.
Never shake your child under any circumstances! Even light shaking can cause permanent brain damage or death of your child!
4 Steps:
1. Interrupt the situation immediately.
Take your child — even if he or she cries — to a safe place (e.g. crib, playpen, etc.) where he or she cannot reach any dangerous objects.
2. Step away from the situation.
Leave the room until you feel more calm and in control of yourself.
3. Ask for help.
This could be your partner, but also relatives, friends or neighbors who could come to you immediately.
Official emergency numbers for acute emergencies:
Police: 110
Crisis service: 0180 655 3000 (available 9 am – midnight)
4. When the acute crisis is over.
Seek professional support to prevent situations like this in the future.
By clicking on Contact Points, you will find a list of suitable contact points for professional help in your area. These services can provide you with long-term professional support in coping with child crying, sleeping and/or feeding problems.