Having a baby is an exciting time in your life! But there are also many hurdles you have to navigate as
you and your infant enter this stage of your life. Crying is one of the biggest hurdles most parents face and not knowing the reason why. Maybe it was just a poopy/wet diaper, hunger cues, maybe it needs some cuddles, or maybe its not feeling well. What happens when it all leads to a dead end and the tears still rage on. Maybe your baby has Colic. What is colic? Keep reading to learn more!
Overview Of Colic
- Definition of colic
- How common is colic (Statistics given)
- Symptoms of colic in babies
- Possible causes of colic
- Treatment Options
- The Bottom Line
Definition of Colic
Colic is frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. 1 Yes, you read that correctly. In a healthy infant. So that means your baby doesn’t have a disorder or a disease; rather, it simply refers to long periods of unexplained crying. Your baby might be difficult to comfort or soothe during this time.
Now that I’ve explained why colic might be happening, you might be wanting to know how long it’s
going to last. Firstly most doctors following the “three rule” before diagnosing your baby with colic. This means three hours per day, three hours per week for at least three weeks. Most Colic babies start when they are around three weeks old (hey, it’s that three rule again) and it gets worse between the ages of four to six weeks old. Most often than not they are completely fin by the time they are twelve weeks old. So hang in there through this difficult period of your babies life. 2
How Common is Colic?
Now that you’ve figured out that your baby has colic, you’re worrying about the facts surrounding how
common colic is. Don’t panic and rest assured, your baby is part of a high percentage of babies also
suffering from colic. (Or is it parents suffering… hard to tell right?) Colic affects around 20% of infants worldwide, although some studies suggest the prevalence may be significantly higher. 3
So you aren’t alone. It’s popular among infants from three-twelve weeks old, which means you’ve got
some time to worry about it. So don’t stress about it all today. Although this period in your life might be short (although, I can promise it probably doesn’t feel short) there are lots of other families out there going through a similar struggle or have been. Even so much so there are quite a few groups out there on Facebook built to support you. At this time The Fussy Baby Site Support Group | Colic, High Need, Spirited Babies has over 63k members. Of course it’s not just aimed at Colic alone but that’s a lot of people. Baby Crying and Colic Support Group is at 26k members, and the Colic Support Private Group has 7.6k members. Those are a lot of people. Some may be duplicates, but they are active groups with active people looking for advice and support through this period.
Symptoms of Colic in Babies
So, we’ve gone over how common colic is, and what the definition is. If you haven’t seen a doctor and
got a diagnosis, and you’ve gone out to play Dr. Google, and research this. Good for you, that takes a lot
of time and as a busy parent who might have a colicky baby, that’s extremely good of you. I hope you
aren’t giving up valuable sleep for this, or maybe you have a baby in your arms currently, and that
deserves extra praise. (How are your ear-drums?)
What to Expect says the following: “Here are some signs of colic to look out for:
Signs & Symptoms4
- It bears repeating, but colic generally follows a “rules of three” pattern: The crying lasts a total
of at least three hours a day, at least three days a week and for at least three consecutive
weeks. - Crying often occurs at around the same time every day (usually in the late afternoon or early
evening, but it can vary). - Your baby seems to be crying for no reason (not because he has a dirty diaper or is hungry or
tired). - Baby may pull up his legs, clench his fists and generally move his legs and arms more.
- Your baby will often will close his eyes or open them very wide, furrow his brow and even hold
his breath briefly. - Bowel activity may increase, and he may pass gas or spit up.
- Eating and sleeping are disrupted by the crying — baby frantically seeks a nipple only to reject it
once sucking has begun, or dozes for a few moments only to wake up screaming. - Difficulty soothing the baby despite attempts to comfort them.”
So after that list, you might be like… check-check-check, my baby does that. But then you might also ask
what is the difference between regular crying and colic crying? What if my baby doesn’t have any of
these items listed here?
“There isn’t a clear definition of exactly what colic is or how (and if) it differs from other types of crying.
But doctors typically agree that colic crying is louder, more intense and higher-pitched than normal
crying — sometimes almost like screaming. Colicky babies also seem inconsolable, and tend to cry more
throughout the day than babies without colic.” 5
Of course, before considering your baby as colic you should consider seeing a health care provider.
Symptoms can vary and there might be something else your baby has. If so they can determine it better
than just one article on the internet.
Possible Causes of Colic
Phew, now that I’ve said that all, you might be wondering… WHY? This is happening to me because why? Why is this happening to my baby? She doesn’t have to have this!
Overstimulation: Some doctors view colic as a natural developmental stage as babies adjust to all the different sensations and experiences that come with life outside of the womb.6
Digestive Issues: Some babies suffer from enlarged stomachs or increased gas during their crying spells,
leaving some experts to believe gas pain contributes to the screaming.
Chemical Imbalance: Yet another theory is that colic stems from an imbalance of the brain chemicals
melatonin and serotonin.6
Conveyed Anxiety: Some experts believe the anxiety of a parent can rub off on their baby and causes
the baby to be “stressed out” too.6
These are just some of the possible causes of colic. Forums and groups on Facebook like I mentioned above might tell you things they heard or give you suggestions, like its over or underfeeding, that it could be allergies, hernias, appendicitis, gall bladder trouble, and wind. 7
How do I help my baby?
How can I possibly last that long with all the crying and screaming. I’ll surely go insane and lose my mind
in the process. Don’t worry new parent. Here are a few suggested methods that have helped other
parents in the past. I will give a bit of a message that there is nothing wrong with you if nothing works.
You might feel lost but remember how common this is, and that you’re doing everything in your power.
You’re a good parent. Don’t forget it.
Colic Calm suggests keeping a colic diary that you ban bring to your baby’s doctor visit, this can help
your health care provider decide if it is colic or something else.
The questions they recommend keeping track of.8
- What’s triggering the colic episodes and what turns them off?
- How long do the episodes last?
- When do the episodes occur?
- How frequently do colic symptoms occur?
- What type of feeding to you utilize each day?
- Are you using breastmilk or formula?
- What type of bottle do you utilize?
- Does your little one spit up after feeding?
- Does your little one seem to be bloated?
- What soothing techniques seem to work for your baby?
- How frequent are bowel movements? Are they easy to pass, and are they hard or soft?
Another way you can help your baby is by avoiding any triggers that might disagree with your baby.
If you’re breastfeeding, avoid:
- Stimulants, such as caffeine and chocolate
- Dairy products & nuts
- Other foods like broccoli, cabbage, beans and other gas-producing foods. However, more research is needed to back this up.
Other triggers might include:9
- Medicines passed through breast milk
- Baby formula
- Overfeeding or feeding baby too quickly.
Then you have the possibility of trying a more medical approach in helping your baby.
Conventional Treatments10
- Simethicone
- Dicyclomine
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s)
Happiest Baby is just one among many who suggest some of these tried and true methods when it
comes to a colicky baby.
Home and Natural Remedies for Baby:
- Probiotics: Several studies 11 have found that probiotics can help reduce colicky crying. It might reduce intestinal infection, which in turn relieves cramping and tears.
- Bicycle Baby Legs: Moving your baby’s legs and tucking them into your baby’s chest in a
bicycling movement you’ll find it can alleviate pain associated with constipation. Sometimes
aiding baby’s with colic. - Massage: Simple massage techniques can be found online. It reminds babies of the womb and
can help lower any stress hormones. - Herbal Remedies: Some doctors are up in the air about chamomile tea that is brewed for babies with upset tummies. Something else you can research or discuss with a health care provider that specializes in herbal medicine.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that a baby with colic can be a difficult thing on something that is already hard. It also
doesn’t give you much time. With having a baby three weeks ago, and healing from the changes with
your body and the addition to a new household, it’s hard work.
The good news is that it’s a common thing and it will go away, (after you’ve struggled so long…) I feel for
you going through this change. Remember your village, and ask for help where needed. It’s okay to want
a break and receive help.
If you’re finding things unbearable, hiring a postpartum doula to aid you during this time, and get some
support can help break up the monotonous day-to-day of having a colicky baby.
Your options are endless when it comes to trying to soothe colic in your baby. From home remedies, to
medicine.
My hope is that with this article you’ve had a touch of information and have learned somewhat what
colic is and how to help it.
About Our Guest Author!
Elisabeth van der Wilt is the founder of Fruitful Womb Doula Services, who’s goal is to empower parents to have the knowledge in getting the support they need during the stages of life from birth and beyond. She is a Certified Postpartum, Birth, and Fertility Doula. She has training in breastfeeding, menopause, and womb health under her belt. You can read more about her and how she helps families all over the world by checking out her website fruitfulwomb.ca
Leave A Comment!
What was something new that you learned from this article? Share it with us in the comments below! We would love to hear from you!
Want To Know More?
If you would like to learn more about colic, check out these related articles below!
About Windi – The Farter Tube For Babies
Getting In Public With A Colicky Baby
How To Overcome The Guilt As A Mother With A Colicky Baby
Best Ways To Cope With The Screaming
The “LOVE” Massage For Gas & Constipation
Works Cited:
1: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074
2, 9:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000753.htm#:~:text=Colic%20usually%20starts%20w
hen%20babies,they%20are%2012%20weeks%20old .
3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518962/
4, 5: https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/what-is-colic/#symptoms
6: https://www.parents.com/baby/care/colic/colic-101-what-it-is-and-what-to-do/#toc-what-causes-
colic-in-babies
7: The Essential First Year: What Babies Need Parents to Know by Penelope Leach pg. 152
8: https://www.coliccalm.com/blog/post/the-colic-survival-guide
10: https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-medicine-approach-to-treating-colic-in-babies
11: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012473/BEHAV_probiotics-prevent-infantile-colic
Kelsey