Scientists find out the best way to soothe a crying baby

Walking around, then sitting down and holding baby for up to eight minutes seems to be the most effective technique

Rather than stumbling back to bed in the early hours after finally soothing their crying baby, sleep-deprived parents may want to peruse the latest scientific literature on the transport of altricial mammals.

In an attempt to help those rendered numb by sleep loss, researchers have conducted a series of experiments to find out which approach to wailing infants settles them the best.