Colic in Babies: Causes, Ways to Manage, and Preventive Strategies

Understanding Colic colic causes Ways to Manage Preventive Strategies Crying baby baby

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Apr 11, 11:30 am

Photo: (Photo : Michel Porro/Getty Images )

Colic refers to the situation where an otherwise healthy baby weeps enormously without a possible reason.

Healthcare professionals describe colic as intense weeping for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, and continuing for more than three weeks. Often, parents find it difficult to ease their weeping baby.

When Does Colic Start?

All babies weep as a way of communication, but colicky babies weep inconsolably and without a clear cause. Typically, the weeping starts suddenly, usually in the afternoon or evening, and stops quickly. However, during periods of calm, the baby behaves normally.

While colic itself is harmless and temporary, it can be annoying for parents to manage, particularly adding to the tiredness and stress of early parenthood. Studies have linked colic with postpartum depression and shaken baby syndrome, emphasizing the significance of seeking support if essential.

Colic usually starts in a few weeks following birth, crests between 4 and 6 weeks of age, and generally concludes by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old.

Colic is a common situation, affecting roughly 20% of babies globally, with some studies signifying an even higher rate. It accounts for an important part of pediatrician visits during the first weeks of a baby's life. It affects infants regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, feeding method, or birth order.

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Colic

Colicky babies display frequent times of inconsolable crying without a possible cause, commonly lasting for hours. Manifestations may indicate clenched fists, curled legs, an arched back, a swollen abdomen, gas passing, grimacing, or a red face.

The accurate cause of colic is mysterious, but possible factors may signify abdominal displeasure, reflux, food allergies, overstimulation, or an underdeveloped digestive system.

The stress of dealing with colic can lead to postpartum depression and shaken baby syndrome. Shaking a baby can cause serious harm or death. It's essential to seek help if feeling overwhelmed.

Diagnosing colic commonly relies on observing the pattern of manifestations and ruling out underlying physical situations through a physical exam. Parents encountering the difficulty of colic should seek support from trusted people and take breaks when needed to manage their feelings safely.

Colic can be caused by numerous factors, but there are measures you can take to prevent these causes and lessen the baby's discomfort.

Feeding Baby

For breastfeeding mothers:

Check your diet, as everything you eat can influence the baby.
Avoid consuming stimulants such as caffeine and chocolate.
Avoid dairy products and nuts if the baby has allergies.
Consult the doctor about any treatments you're taking that could impact the baby.

For formula feeding:

Experiment with different formula brands, as some babies may be sensitive to specific proteins.
Offer smaller, more regular meals to the baby.
Ensure you're not overfeeding or feeding too fast; a feeding session should ideally last around 20 minutes.
Try warming the formula to body temperature and feeding the baby in an upright position.

Holding Baby

Colicky babies may respond well to various holding or rocking techniques, such as:

Supporting them across your arm or lap while gently massaging their back.
Holding them upright if they're experiencing gas discomfort.
Rocking them in your arms or using a baby swing.
Comforting Baby

How To Soothe Colic Baby

Add skin-to-skin contact.
Wrap baby securely in a blanket to provide a snug and comforting embrace.
Entertain the baby with songs or offer calming melodies.
Bathe the baby in warm water or lay a warm towel on their stomach to give soothing warmth.
Gently massage the baby, following the advice given by the doctor.
Utilize white noise, like the sound of a fan or household appliances, to develop a calming surrounding for the baby.
Introduce a pacifier to help soothe the baby.
Go for a stroll with the baby in a stroller or take them for a drive in their car seat to ease them.
Consider administering simethicone drops to the baby, an over-the-counter solution known to lessen gas displeasure.

Parents should discuss with healthcare providers to understand the diagnosis, possible causes, duration, feeding practices, comforting techniques, and medication options for colic.