The arrival of a baby into one’s life is always to be enjoyed, but most times, it comes with its ups and downs. Among most new parents, colic has been one of the common challenges faced with newborn babies. Colic is identified by excessive crying, and most times it becomes hard for parents to really tell what to do. If the new baby cries uncontrollably, seemingly in pain, chances are that he or she might be suffering from what is called colic. This guide will help you identify the signs of colic and offer practical tips for managing this challenging phase.
What Is Colic?
Colic is usually explained as excessive crying and fussiness, without any apparent cause, for an otherwise healthy infant, beginning between the ages of 2 to 3 weeks and lasting until about 3 to 4 months. It helps to keep in mind that colic is a developmental stage rather than a disease in and of itself. While no one truly knows what causes colic, some theories suggest that the culprit may be gas, gut discomfort, or an underdeveloped nervous system.
Colic is not a sickness, despite its name, and it typically goes away by the time your kid is three or four months old. However, the unrelenting crying can be emotionally and physically draining for parents. Understanding the signs of colic can help you through this trying period.
Signs Your Newborn Might Be Colicky
Colic can be challenging to identify in your baby, as many babies cry for several reasons. However, colic does have some characteristic features that may enable you to recognize it:
1. Excessive Crying
A baby can be diagnosed with colic if they cry for more than three hours a day, three days a week, and for a duration longer than three weeks. The episodes of crying often start suddenly and may appear to be intense.
2. Late Afternoon or Evening Crying
Colicky babies tend to cry at a particular time of the day, which is usually late afternoon going into the early evening. The crying may last for hours, thus straining the parents since they try to comfort the baby with no avail.
3. Inconsolable Crying
Unlike normal crying, which can often be comforted with feeding, changing, or rocking, colicky crying almost seems uncontrollable. In apparent distress, a baby may stiffen their legs, clench their fists, or bring their knees toward their stomach.
4. Gas and Bloating
Many colicky babies appear to be in discomfort from excess gas or being bloated. If a baby is passing gas frequently or is having a hard time burping, this could signal that gas is adding to their distress.
5. Trouble Sleeping
Colic often interferes with your baby’s sleep pattern. Your baby might have a hard time sleeping or wake up more often due to discomfort. Lack of rest can worsen the episodes of crying.
6. Healthy Baby Otherwise
Colic occurs in otherwise healthy babies. There are no signs of illness, fever, or a change in appetite. If your baby has colicky symptoms but is not showing signs of illness, colic is more likely to be the cause.
How to Help Your Colicky Baby
Although colic is frustrating, there are several strategies that can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort and calm their crying. Remember that what works for one baby may not work for another, so a bit of trial and error is often necessary.
1. Try Gentle Movement
Some babies are comforted by gentle rocking or being held in a swaddled position. A gentle walk in a stroller or using a baby swing may also provide comfort. The rhythmic motion may be soothing for the fussy baby.
2. Offer a Pacifier
Some babies find that sucking on a pacifier is incredibly calming. It may help them self-regulate and calm down when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to offer the pacifier when your infant isn’t hungry because it shouldn’t be used in place of food.
3. Use White Noise
The constant sound from white noise machines or apps can soothe a colicky baby. The constant sound simulates the womb environment and may make your baby feel more secure, hence calming them down.
4. A Warm Bath
The warm bath can bring ease to your tense muscles as well as to your little one. The warm water may help your baby relieve gastrointestinal discomfort while the sensation can be calming to the baby’s senses.
5. Tummy Time
Tummy time builds strength and coordination, but it can also help to release gas and discomfort. Give your baby tummy time while they are awake, but make sure to watch them closely.
6. Check for Feeding Issues
Some babies have colic due to feeding issues, such as intolerance to dairy or sensitivity to formula. Consider taking advice from a pediatrician regarding feeding problems.
7. Try Gas Relief Techniques
Light tummy massages, bicycle legs, or gas relief drops under your doctor’s advice may help relieve any discomfort of trapped gas.
8. Stay Calm and Patient
Above all, try to keep calm. It may be really overwhelming to experience one’s crying baby continuously, but keep in mind that colic is not permanent. Taking some time for oneself-even just to collect oneself-will provide an opportunity to approach things more patiently.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most colics resolve themselves, but if you observe any of the following, it is necessary to consult your pediatrician:
- Your infant is showing symptoms of illness, such as a temperature.
- Your baby isn’t feeding properly or is losing weight.
- The episodes of crying become more intense or longer than usual.
- You feel other unusual symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea.
Caring for a colicky baby is one of the most challenging experiences that new parents can have. The fortunate case is your baby that colic often goes away by 3 to 4 months of age. In the meantime, knowing the signs of colic and using some of these soothing techniques can help you manage the situation.
