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Colic

What is it?

When babies cry for hours on end, even though they are fed, changed and cuddled, they are often said to have colic. Babies have different cries for when they are hungry, wet, or just tired. This crying is also different; it's more like mad fussing. This can be very stressful on parents, especially first-time parents. Keep in mind that, generally, these long crying spells stop by the time the baby is about 3 months old.

Why do some babies become colicky?

Nobody seems to know for sure what causes colic. There is no strong evidence that the problem is due to gas, digestion or food allergy.

Crying causes infants to swallow air, this in turn, makes them burp or pass wind. Sometimes very fussy babies can be difficult to deal with. Babies who cry a lot can be more sensitive, more irritable and harder to soothe than average. They are usually more active and very fussy babies will often not accept soothers.

How can I help my colicky baby?

As was said above, babies use crying to communicate. Parents often feel responsible when their baby cries and this can cause a lot of stress and tension for families. Just remember that colic will end and being colicky during the first 3 to 4 months has no effect on your baby's health in future years.

There is no one answer to reducing the amount of crying in a baby who is colicky. However the following tips may be helpful:

Try to keep a regular routine for babies who cry. Do not disrupt their schedule by too many attempts to comfort them.
Babies should be wrapped up snugly, cradled comfortably, and handled soothingly and gently.
Lower the noise and light levels. Many babies are quieted by steady smooth vibrations or repetitive noises, such as a vacuum cleaner or dishwasher. Try a rocking chair or a ride in the car to soothe your baby.
Carry your baby close to your chest in a carrier when your baby is not crying. This may reduce the crying episodes.
Check with your doctor BEFORE diagnosing colic on your own.

What should I avoid doing?

Never shake your baby.
Do not handle your baby too much when he/she is fussy. Do not rock (except in a rocking chair), shake, pat or feed your baby again and again.
For bottle-fed babies, changing formulas usually does not help reduce colic. Colic happens to both bottle-fed and breast-fed babies.
Giving food such as cereal because you think your baby is hungry does not reduce the crying. Besides, it is difficult to introduce cereal because your baby has not yet learned how to accept a spoon.
A few babies may have an allergy to cow's milk or soya protein. These babies usually fuss beyond the 3-month colic period and have other family members with allergic conditions like asthma or eczema. These babies may have diarrhea, mucousy stools, vomiting and tiny amounts of blood in their bowel movement (this is confirmed by a test in your doctor's office).

For babies with this type of allergy, switching to a different type of formula may help. Discuss this with your doctor first.

What can I do about the stress?

Just because your baby is still fussing does not mean that you have not done your job as a parent. Take care of all your baby's necessary needs, such as wet diapers and feeds. Then choose whether you let the baby cry or continue to try to give comfort. Don't worry about spoiling your baby by holding him or her too much. There is still lots of time later on to establish routines, once this stressful time is over.

If you feel too stressed, it is important to ask other family members and friends to give you a break. Getting some rest or being away for a short time will refresh you. You will be better able to take care of your baby after a break.

It is impossible to know as a parent whether you are over-reacting or under-reacting about your baby's distress. If in doubt, have your doctor check your baby to relieve your concerns.