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Colic
Colic is one of the more common problems seen in infants. When a healthy infant cries more than usual and is especially difficult to comfort, we say he or she has colic or is colicky. Many doctors describe colic by the rule of threes: a colicky infant cries more than three hours a day, more than three days a week. Crying may continue even after parents work hard to comfort their child. It is often worst at six weeks of age and usually goes away, on its own, by four months of age.
• YNHH Health Library: Colic
What to watch
An experienced parent will often say a colicky cry sounds different from
others. The cry is usually high-pitched and piercing, occuring most frequently
in late afternoon or evening. It is often difficult to calm your baby
during this crying. Your baby's face may also turn bright red, his
or her belly may get big and your baby may draw up his or her legs.
What to do
Colicky babies are not easy to comfort and there are no medicines to cure
colic; however, there are many techniques to try to settle your child.
You may want to keep a diary of when your baby cries. Record the time your baby begins crying and when he or she stops. Note anything that might have caused the crying, such as a loud noise, as well as anything that might have ended it, such as a gentle rocking. If you notice a pattern, you might learn some useful things to do to reduce how often and how long your baby cries.
Once you learn what methods work best for your baby, the crying may be easier to handle. Try to stay as calm as you can, because when you are upset your baby may sense it. And, remember all babies outgrow this.
- Try rocking, cradling or cuddling your baby close to you.
- Use a close fitting infant carrier or gently swaddle your infant in a baby blanket.
- Rock or swing your baby rhythmically in an infant swing.
- Take the baby for a car ride with the child securely fastened in a car seat.
- Play soft music or sing to them in a soft, soothing voice.
Feeding the baby
- Hold your baby and bottle upright so that as little air as possible goes into your baby.
- Switching from breastfeeding to formula, or vice versa, rarely helps; but if you think changing the formula might help, discuss it with your doctor.
Take care of yourself
It is stressful to take care of a fussy baby, so make sure you have
a responsible family member, friend or babysitter who can watch your baby
for you for an hour or two if you feel you need a break. If you are feeling
upset at your baby, walk away and call a friend. Never shake a baby: shaking
can seriously hurt or even kill a baby.
When to call your doctor
While colic is a common problem in otherwise healthy children, sometimes
crying can be caused by more serious conditions. Do not hesitate to call
your doctor if you are worried that something else is going on.
Call your doctor:
- If your baby cries for over three hours and cannot be comforted.
- If your baby develops a temperature over 100 degrees F. and is less than three months old.
- If your baby appears sick.
- If your baby has green vomit or any bloody stools.
- If you are worried you may hurt your baby.
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Reviewed: Robert LaCamera, MD
Last revised: May 30, 2007 (dh)
