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Colic

Definition: Almost all babies go through a fussy period. Colic is suspected when your baby has (a) episodes of crying that last longer than usual, and (b) the total amount of time spent crying is longer than is usual. When crying lasts for more than a total of four hours a day and is not caused by a medical problem, this state is called “colic”.

With colic, babies act happy between episodes of crying. Although there are lots of theories about colic, there is no compelling scientific evidence that supports any particular reason. An internet search for the topic of “colic” will yield hundreds of sites, but we recommend strongly that you talk with your pediatrician before you think about following any advice found there or trying any miracle medication (including herbal supplements).

Dealing with a colicky baby can be very frustrating, especially since colic seems to occur right around the point of greatest sleep deprivation for the new parents. Ask family members or close friends for help caring for your child if you’re worn out.

Who gets colic? About 20% of babies cry enough to meet the definition of colic. The timing varies, but colic usually affects babies beginning at about 3 weeks of age (occasionally earlier) and peaks somewhere between 4-6 weeks of age. Colic can last until 3 months of age.

Symptoms: Colic frequently, but not always, begins at about the same time every day. For most infants the most intense fussiness is in the evening. Your child may have more than one episode each day. The attack often begins suddenly. The baby’s legs may be drawn up and her belly distended, and hands may be clenched. The episode may last for minutes or several hours. It often winds down when the baby is exhausted, or when gas or stool is passed. In spite of what appears to be abdominal pain, colicky infants eat well and gain weight normally.

How long will this last? Once you find the right technique for comforting your child, her crying should decrease to about an hour per day. Colic generally improves by 2 months of age and is often gone by 3 months of age.

What can you do? Eliminate all “usual” reasons for infant crying – hungry, tired, too hot, too cold, clothing too tight, dirty diaper, pain. Once these needs are met, your best option is to learn which measures most comfort your baby.

Different children are comforted by different techniques. Some babies prefer to be swaddled in a warm blanket; others prefer to be free. Try many different things, and pay attention to what seems to help, even just a little bit.

Some ideas:

Holding your child is one of the most effective measures. Place your child in a horizontal position, (best for helping your baby relax and drop off to sleep). Holding and comforting your baby will not spoil him/her! Body carriers can be a great way to do this. Rock the baby gently in a rocker, or hold the baby closely and sway to slow music.

When you get tired, an infant swing is a good alternative for babies at least 3 weeks old with good head control.

Singing lullabies to your baby can be powerfully soothing. You don’t have to be an accomplished singer to do this! It is no accident that lullabies have developed in almost every culture. Even tuneless humming or nonsense syllables can work.

Try a stroller (or buggy) ride. The movement may help soothe your child. You can use a stroller inside or outside – whatever works the best and fits the current weather.

Some children are comforted by a ride in the car (always in the car seat!)

The noise of a vacuum, fan, or clothes dryer is soothing to many babies.

Try a taking a warm bath with your baby.

Feed your baby if it has been more than 2 hours since she was last fed (more than 1-1/2 hours for breastfed babies).

If more than 3 hours have passed since the last nap and you’ve been trying to comfort your baby for more than 30 minutes, try putting him down to sleep. If he doesn’t fall asleep in 10-15 minutes, try something else. We don’t recommend that you allow your child to cry himself to sleep at this age.

Trade off with your spouse. Take breaks. Each of you can take charge and relieve the other. Time for yourself is an important part of the new family dynamic. You will be able to pay more loving attention to your baby when you've had a chance to get refreshed.

Call our office during normal office hours if:

Your child has been crying continuously for more than two hours and will not be comforted.

Your child has more than 3 episodes of colicky crying per day.

Your child is not gaining weight or seems hungry.

Your child is spitting up frequently.

Your child has episodes of colic every day and nothing seems to work.

For more information about infant colic, check out the NIH website.