If your baby is around 2–4 weeks old and cries for no clear reason, keeps crying despite your efforts to soothe them, or sometimes cries loudly in the middle of the night without an obvious cause, pay attention. This may be a condition called "colic," which we will explore here.
- What is colic?
- What causes colic?
- How can you cope with colic?
- Is colic dangerous?
- Warning signs that need medical attention
What is colic?
Colic in babies involves crying continuously for long periods. It often happens at the same time every day without a clear cause. Because this crying seems to come out of nowhere, people in Thailand traditionally described it as "the baby seeing ghosts."
Doctors commonly use the "rule of threes": an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for longer than 3 weeks. Crying often occurs from the afternoon into the evening. Babies may cry loudly as though in pain, turn red in the face, clench their fists, draw their legs towards their tummy, and remain inconsolable. (Source: HealthyChildren.org)
What causes colic?
Colic in babies has nothing to do with seeing ghosts. However, its exact cause remains medically unknown. Factors thought to be potentially involved include:
- An immature digestive system
- Acid reflux
- Food allergies, such as cow's milk protein allergy
- Excess wind or gas in the tummy
- Disturbance or overstimulation from external factors
- Feeding problems
How can you cope with colic?
1. Observe your baby
Look for things that may be making your baby uncomfortable, such as hunger, a wet nappy, feeling too hot or cold, tight clothing, or excessive noise and light. Feed your baby according to their hunger cues, but you do not need to feed them every time they cry, as overfeeding may cause bloating and more fussiness. Burp your baby after every feed.
2. Give your baby a change of scenery
Taking your baby outside for a change of scenery in a stroller may help.
3. Your baby may want something to suck
Your baby's fussiness may not mean they are hungry; they may simply want something to suck, as you often see when babies suck their fingers. Holding your baby close to your chest, rocking gently, playing quiet white noise, or walking around with your baby in a baby carrier can also help many babies settle.
Caution: Never shake your baby under any circumstances. Shaking a baby for even a few seconds can cause severe brain injury or death (Shaken Baby Syndrome). If you feel overwhelmed by stress or anger, place your baby on their back in a safe cot or bed, then step away briefly to calm down, or ask someone else to take over. (Read more from KidsHealth.) When your baby sleeps, place them on their back on a firm mattress, with no pillows, blankets, or soft toys in the bed.
Treatment for babies with colic
A cold can be treated, but because the cause of colic cannot be clearly identified, there is currently no specific treatment. Do not buy medicines or remedies for trapped wind to give your baby without consulting a doctor. Colic usually improves or resolves on its own when your baby is 3–4 months old.
Advice for caring for a baby with colic
When caring for and coping with a baby who has colic, it helps new parents to understand that this can be a normal part of infancy and will improve over time. Loving care and patience can help create a calm environment where your baby feels safe.
Is colic dangerous?
Colic is generally not a dangerous disease. Most babies with colic continue to feed well and gain weight as expected, and symptoms usually resolve on their own by 3–4 months of age. However, it can leave parents exhausted and highly stressed. Persistent crying may also be caused by another condition that needs treatment, so a doctor should examine your baby to rule out other causes first. (Source: NHS.) If crying is preventing your baby from getting enough sleep, read What to do when your baby won't sleep at night.
Signs that your baby should see a doctor
Although colic can be a normal part of infancy, seek urgent medical attention for your baby's safety if you notice changes in behaviour, such as unusual feeding or crying, or any of the following symptoms:
- Prolonged, intense crying
- Refusing feeds
- Blood in the stool
- Pale skin or turning blue
- Seizures
- Fever (a baby under 3 months old with a fever needs immediate medical attention), projectile vomiting, or unusual lethargy
Colic itself is not a dangerous disease, but it can be distressing for new parents. Learning a few simple ways to cope can help you observe and respond to your baby's symptoms. We hope this article has given you useful information for caring for your little one.