What is colic?
Colic is a condition in infants characterized by intense, frequent crying bouts that seem to have no obvious cause. Colic typically starts when a baby is a few weeks old and can last until they are 3-4 months old. The crying often happens at the same time each day, most commonly in the late afternoon or evening hours. Colic is diagnosed when an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, for 3 or more days a week, for at least 3 weeks.
The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it may be related to gas, digestive issues, or an immature nervous system. The good news is that colic eventually goes away on its own as the baby’s digestive system matures. The bad news is that the crying can be very distressing for parents. Colic does not cause any long term harm, but it can put a lot of stress on families during the early months of a baby’s life.
Common signs and symptoms of colic
The main symptom of colic is intense, frequent crying that seems to come out of nowhere and is inconsolable. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Crying that starts and stops without obvious cause
- High-pitched crying, as if the baby is in pain
- Clenched fists during crying spells
- Crying in the evening hours
- Crying episodes lasting from a few minutes up to several hours
- Red face from intense crying
- Hard, swollen abdomen
- Drawing legs upward during crying spells
- Passing gas frequently
- Difficulty sleeping
The crying often happens around the same time each day, most commonly in the late afternoon or evening when the baby is tired and overstimulated. Crying peaks around 6-8 weeks of age and begins improving by 3-4 months old.
What causes colic?
The exact cause of colic is unknown, but theories include:
- Gas and immature digestive system – Babies may have difficulty passing gas or trouble digesting breast milk or formula. This can cause gas pain and cramping.
- Food sensitivity or allergy – Some babies may be sensitive to ingredients in formula or breast milk.
- Overfeeding – Eating too much can lead to indigestion.
- Immature nervous system – A baby’s developing nervous system may have trouble processing sensory input and regulating emotions.
- Intestinal inflammation – Some research links colic to intestinal inflammation or infection.
- Smoking – Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are at higher risk.
- Family history – Colic can run in families.
In most cases, no specific cause of colic is found. It seems to be related to normal immaturity of a baby’s digestive and nervous systems that eventually resolves on its own.
Relieving colic quickly
While there is no instant fix for colic, there are many strategies parents can try to help soothe a colicky baby and provide some relief during crying spells:
1. Hold and comfort the baby
Being held closely often provides comfort. Gently rock, walk with, or sway the baby using rhythmic motions. Swaddling may help calm the baby. Play soft music, sing lullabies, or make shushing noises. Skin-to-skin holding can also help relax the baby.
2. Use white noise
White noise from devices like sound machines, vacuum cleaners, fans, or recordings of heartbeat sounds can help drown out other noises and calm a fussy baby. Playing the noise on repeat provides continuous soothing.
3. Go for walks or drives
The gentle motions and changes of scenery during a stroll or drive in a car, stroller, or baby carrier may distract and calm the baby.
4. Give a pacifier
Sucking can help relax and soothe babies. Offering a pacifier may help calm crying spells.
5. Give a warm bath
A warm bath with gentle massage can relax tense muscles and distract the baby from discomfort. Keep baths brief before bedtime.
6. Use baby carriers or slings
Wearing a sling or baby carrier provides close contact, warmth, gentle rocking, and a calming heartbeat sound.
7. Minimize stimulation
Creating a calm, quiet environment with dim lights, low noise levels, and simple toys reduces overstimulation.
8. Burp frequently during feedings
Burping helps release gas bubbles that may be causing discomfort. Take breaks halfway through feeds to burp.
9. Massage and stretch baby’s legs
Gently bending, bicycling, and massaging the legs can relief gas pain.
10. Monitor feeding amounts
Overfeeding can cause indigestion. Follow hunger cues and avoid forcing too much.
11. Experiment with different formulas or mom’s diet
If the baby seems especially bothered after eating, try different formulas or have a breastfeeding mom modify her diet to see if it helps.
12. Use probiotics
Probiotic drops may help improve intestinal health and digestion. Ask your pediatrician if probiotics are recommended.
13. Use medication
For severe colic, medication such as simethicone drops may provide relief from gas. Consult your pediatrician first.
14. Have patience and take breaks
Colic is frustrating but temporary. Take deep breaths, trade off with a partner, and never shake or hurt the baby.
When to see a doctor about colic
Consult the baby’s pediatrician if:
- Crying exceeds 3 hours at a time or 5 hours total per day
- Crying does not begin to improve after 8 weeks
- Warning signs appear such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the abdomen, etc.
- Strategies for soothing the baby are ineffective
- You feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or may hurt the baby
The doctor can examine the baby to rule out other possible causes and ensure the baby is healthy. Be open with your pediatrician about any frustration and ask for support.
Soothing techniques during colic crying spells
When colic strikes, having a game plan and toolbox of soothing techniques can help get you through the crying spell:
Stay calm
Babies sense parent tension. Take deep breaths and focus on remaining patient. Never shake or hurt the baby.
Experiment with different holds
Try holding the baby upright over your shoulder, cradled in your arms, nested in a baby carrier, lying on your chest, etc. Switch positions if one isn’t working.
Massage
Gently massage the baby’s back, legs, arms, and tummy. Stroke head to toes or trace circular patterns.
Rock and sway
Hold the baby close while rocking, bouncing, swaying, dancing, or walking around. Change speed and direction if needed.
Shushing
Make a strong shhh sound near the baby’s ear to mimic sounds from the womb.
White noise
Turn on a sound machine, fan, recording of nature sounds, etc. to create background noise.
Swaddle
Securely wrap the baby in a blanket like a burrito with arms in to provide comfort and security.
Pacifier
Offer a pacifier for sucking and self-soothing. Try different shapes and sizes to find one the baby accepts.
Skin-to-skin
Remove the baby’s clothing and do skin-to-skin holding against your bare chest under a blanket.
Motion
Go for walks or drives in a stroller or baby carrier. Gently rock or bounce on an exercise ball.
Warm bath
Give a warm bath to help relax the baby right before bedtime when crying tends to worsen.
Dark, quiet room
Minimize noise, lights, and activity by going in a darkened, quiet room.
Check for needs
Ruling out a wet diaper, hunger, or other needs can help narrow down the cause.
Burp frequently
Try burping halfway through feeds and hold upright for 10-15 minutes after.
Have patience
Colic will pass. Take deep breaths and stay positive. Never shake or hurt the baby.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies for colic
Making certain lifestyle changes may help prevent colic episodes:
Burp frequently during and after feeding
Stop halfway through feedings to burp, and keep baby upright for 10-15 minutes after to release trapped gas bubbles.
Avoid overfeeding
Watch for hunger cues and fullness signs. Don’t force the baby to take more than wanted.
Give probiotic drops
Probiotics promote healthy gut bacteria and may ease digestion. Consult your pediatrician first.
Reduce stimulation and noise
Keep the home environment calm with dim lighting, limited guests, soft music/noise, and simple toys.
Avoid tight clothing
Dress the baby in loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t put pressure on the abdomen.
Try anti-gas remedies
Discuss options like simethicone drops with your pediatrician to reduce gas.
Relieve muscle tension
Try gently bicycling the baby’s legs, tummy massage, warm baths before bedtime.
Experiment with formula
If bottle feeding, try different formulas to see if another agrees better with the baby’s digestion.
Adjust mom’s diet
If breastfeeding, mom can modify her diet by eliminating suspect foods to see if it helps. Common culprits are dairy, caffeine, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions, spicy foods, etc.
Use a baby carrier or sling
Wearing the baby in a sling or carrier provides closeness, gentle rocking motions, and your heartbeat.
Home remedies NOT recommended
Some alternative remedies like teas, herbs, and chiropractic care are not recommended and may be dangerous. Always consult your pediatrician first.
Tips for coping with a colicky baby
Having a colicky baby can be extremely stressful for parents. Here are some tips for coping:
- Trade off care duties with your partner to get breaks
- Sleep or nap when the baby sleeps
- Ask family/friends for help around the house
- Wear noise-canceling headphones to briefly mute the crying
- Take deep breaths and stay calm – never shake or hurt the baby
- Go in another room for a short break if needed
- Call a parent support line or hotline to vent
- Join an in-person or online parent support group
- Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed
- Remember colic will pass as the baby’s body matures
- Take care of yourself – eat well, hydrate, exercise, and rest
Having a plan and support system is key to coping. Know that you are not alone and colic will end.
When to seek medical treatment for colic
See your pediatrician promptly if:
- Crying exceeds 3-5 hours daily
- Crying and fussiness gets worse instead of better by 6-8 weeks old
- Your baby has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen abdomen
- Strategies to calm the baby’s crying are ineffective
- You are feeling angry, depressed, overwhelmed, or may harm the baby
Other signs warranting medical evaluation include poor weight gain, lack of interest in feeding, unusual lethargy, and symptoms of reflux/allergy like frequent spitting up or eczema. Your doctor can examine your baby and ensure no underlying illness is causing the colic symptoms. Be open about any stress, anxiety, anger, or thoughts of harming your baby – your pediatrician is there to help.
Conclusion
While colic can be very trying for families, there are many strategies to attempt to soothe the baby and provide some relief during intense crying spells. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your little one. Remember that colic is common and temporary – your baby will outgrow it as their body matures. Maintain open communication with your pediatrician, take breaks when needed, and ask friends/family for support. With patience and perseverance, you and your baby will get through the colicky phase together.