Colic is excessive crying in a well baby. Colic is very common (1 out of every 5) and is the main cause of recurrent crying during the early months of infancy. Usually at it’s worse between 1 and 4 months of age. The hardest part is that we don’t know what causes colic. Colicky infants will do things like clenching their fists, resist being comforted, arching their backs, making facial grimaces and crying more in the evening versus early day. If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, is growing normally and has had a normal medical exam then it is likely colic.
Colic is STRESSFUL!! You feel like you can’t calm your baby and that can be very frustrating. I always recommend first seeing if you can identify the cause for crying; check the diaper, put more clothes on or take a layer off (baby might be too hot or too cold), try feeding, or rocking the baby to sleep. If these don’t cut it here are some other techniques that may soothe your crying baby:
- Swaddle the baby
- Walk around with the baby or rocking and/or singing
- Take a car ride
- Set your baby in their carrier (properly strapped in) on the top of a running clothes dryer
- Run the vacuum or some other “white noise”
- Place your baby belly side down over your lap and gently pad his/her back, a little baby massage can go a long way
- Trial gas drops (mylicon), 2-3 drops every 2 hours as needed, or Gripe water, 5-10mL up to 3 times per day. But, if they don’t seem to help it’s better not to use them
There is no scientific evidence to support eliminating any food from your diet will improve colic symptoms but if you are breastfeeding it’s worth a try to keep track of your intake and see if your infant has symptoms only when you take in a particular food.
Rest assured that colic is a phase and it too shall pass. If you feel stressed and are having trouble dealing with the crying infant please seek help from family members during the crying episodes. Remember, that crying never hurt a baby and if you are feeling frustrated it is better to lay your baby down in the crib and take a little break. I know this seems obvious but NEVER SHAKE YOUR BABY!!
Last but not least take care of yourself. To be able to give the best care to your infant you need to rest, drink plenty of water and eat regular meals. Ask for help when needed. And, as always your pediatrician is always there to evaluate your baby, answer questions and address any concerns you may have.
