Colic
“Colic” is the name usually used when a baby cries without obvious cause (child is not hungry, in pain, or too hot). The cause of colic is not known for certain. The abdomen seems to get the most blame but the cause of colic is probably more related to a developmental phase of evening crying. The diagnosis should always be made after review with health care provider to eliminate other more serious causes as well as document good weight gain.
Colic is not any of the following: 1) result of bad parenting, 2) too much gas, 3) caused by abdominal pain. Sometimes cow’s milk allergy may cause crying, but the child would also have vomiting and diarrhea in this situation. Typical behaviors seen in colic include:- Crying bouts (for unexplained reasons) that usually last about 1 or more hours
- Child is difficult to console, and crying is usually in the evening*
- Drawing up of the legs when crying
- Hard belly muscles (baby needs these muscles to cry)
- Child is eating well and growing
- Child is normal (fine) between crying bouts
- Often child is consolable when held
- Onset is usually before 4 weeks of age
- Resolves by about 3 months of age
What is the course of colic?
Hard crying usually begins to get better at 2 months and resolves by 3 months. Babies with colic tend to be more sensitive and alert to their surroundings. The crying is harmless (for baby) and may decrease with treatment strategies. NOTE: Dr. Brazelton has found that most normal babies cry about 2-3 hours a day at this stage, his book Touchpoints, has very helpful information*Coping strategies for colic
Rock and cuddle the baby each time he/she cries
- Often, a rhythmic, soothing activity will help the baby relax. Babies can’t be spoiled during the first few months of life. Try using some of these activities:
- Cuddle your child while using a rocking chair
- Rock the child in a cradle
- Use a windup swing
- Take baby for a stroller ride
- Put baby in a baby carrier or sling (carry baby with you around the house)
- Other ideas include: massage, warm bath, or a pacifier
For failure of above steps: Let the baby cry self to sleep
If, after 30 minutes of soothing activities, baby is still crying: wrap him up and place him in his crib. Go to a different room, turn on some music, and do something you want to do. If child cries for more than 15 minutes, try soothing activities again.Try to prevent later sleep problems
When baby is drowsy, but not crying: put him in crib and allow himself to learn to comfort himself and go to sleep on his own.Encourage nighttime sleep
Do not allow baby to sleep more than 3 hours during the day. Gently awaken baby, play with him, or feed him.Try feeding strategies as follows:
After baby is about 2 weeks old, wait at least 2 hours between feedings (when babies cry, they are not necessarily hungry). Feeding too frequently may cause bloating and cramps. If breast-feeding, do a 1 week trial of avoiding: coffee, tea, colas, stimulants, and cow’s milk.Get help and some rest for yourself
Caring for a baby with colic is a 2 person (at least) job. Solicit help from family and friends. Try to get at least one nap every day, and have someone watch the child while you get out of the house and get a highly needed break. The baby’s screaming can make anyone feel desperate; talk to someone every day about your feelings.Avoid mistakes that have been commonly made
Do not stop breast-feeding. If you are having concerns, talk to the pediatrician or a lactation consultant. Never place the baby face down on any surface, he may suffocate. Patient, tender loving care is the best treatment.Call right away if
- Baby has persistent vomiting with the crying*
- Baby cries constantly for over 3 hours
- You have shaken your baby, or are afraid you may hurt your baby
Call the office (during regular hours) if
- Colic crying happens 3 or more times in one day
- Crying baby also has diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation
- Baby is not gaining weight
- You become exhausted from the crying
- You have other questions
Credit: above “condensed/paraphrased” from Schmitt, Barton, Instructions for Pediatric Patients, 1992
