Infant colic is the medical term for a condition with which healthy babies cry for prolonged amounts of time without any obvious reason. Infant colic is diagnosed when a baby cries for longer than three hours per day, more than three times a week, and for more than three weeks. Colic is only diagnosed after a baby has been carefully examined by a pediatrician and other potential causes of the baby’s persistent crying have been ruled out.
Although most colic goes away on its own between the ages of three and six months, about one in four newborns is diagnosed with infant colic within the first month and a half of life.
Although infant colic is relatively common, what causes colic is not clear. Likely, several factors contribute such as digestive system development, food sensitivities, over or underfeeding, environmental sensitivities (lights, sounds, temperature changes, etc.), family stress, or even an imbalance of the infant’s gut bacteria imbalance.
Techniques for Soothing Infants With Colic
Since the exact cause of infant colic is not always clear, finding an effective soothing technique can be challenging. However, there are many tips, tricks, and techniques that parents can try to see if they help soothe their colicky infants, including:
- Swaddling – Being wrapped in a large, thin blanket helps babies feel secure and can sometimes soothe colic. Please note that swaddling is not recommended, generally, once your infant is strong enough to roll.
- Gentle Rocking and Walking – The gentle motion of rocking your baby, walking with them, or taking them for a ride in the stroller can sometimes help soothe colic.
- White Noise or Soft Music – For some babies, having calm music or white noise playing can soothe them during bouts of colic.
- Different Feeding Techniques – Babies who drink formula from a bottle might benefit from differently curved bottles that prevent them from swallowing air.
- Frequent Burping – Burping more frequently during feeding can sometimes soothe colic.
- Dietary Changes – Nursing mothers can try making changes to their own diets such as avoiding dairy, caffeine, spicy foods, soy, eggs, nuts, or certain meats.
- Back Rub – Placing your baby on their stomach on top of your knees and gently rubbing their back can provide relief.
It’s important to remember that every colicky baby is different and will respond to different soothing techniques. Additionally, babies are constantly changing and developing which means that a technique that worked last week might not continue to be effective.
What About Herbal Colic Treatments?
There are herbal and over-the-counter treatments for colic available, but these are not all proven to be effective, and some could even harm your baby. We strongly encourage parents to speak with their baby’s pediatrician before trying any of these remedies.
Support for Parents When Infants Suffer From Colic
Although colic is not a serious medical concern, it can be quite distressing for parents. It’s important for parents to remember to care for themselves, despite their baby’s crying. Do your best to stay calm, remember that it is not your fault you have a colicky infant, and keep hope in knowing that most cases of infant colic go away on their own within three to six months.
Practicing basic self-care and strategies for coping with stress can help to reduce the anxiety experienced during bouts of infant colic. Like infants, every parent is different and will benefit most from different stress-reducing strategies. Do breathwork to stay calm while you soothe your crying baby, practice meditation in your quiet moments, listen to uplifting music, enjoy a walk with your baby, journal, paint, watch a sports game or an episode of your favorite show, read, take a nap when your baby does, or soak in the bathtub after bedtime. Having a colicky baby can mean that your spare time is more limited than usual, but do your best to make the most of your restful moments, notice them, and appreciate them.
Additionally, it’s always helpful to know that you are not alone. When 25% of all infants have colic, most parents have or have had a colicky infant. Parents can seek out support groups formed specifically for parents dealing with infant colic or other parenting challenges. Plus, we encourage parents to seek professional medical advice whenever they are in doubt. Your pediatrician is there to support you and ensure your baby is healthy.
Do not delay contacting a doctor if your baby’s crying is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, reduced movement, vomiting, bloody stools, loose stools, or other behavioral changes. While symptoms of colic are most often simply infant colic, they can also be symptoms of other medical issues that should be ruled out or treated before assuming a baby is colicky.
Professional Advice, Support, and Care for Infant Colic at Children’s Wellness Clinic
At Children’s Wellness Center, our pediatricians understand how overwhelming it can feel when your child isn’t feeling well. That’s why we are here to support you with new parent education and to provide your infant with comprehensive care. If you have any questions about infant colic, please contact us.
