Is the baby crying normal, or is it colic?
It can be physically and mentally exhausting when a baby won’t stop crying, especially when they have colic.
It’s normal for newborn babies to be fussy and cry in the evening. This behaviour peaks around six weeks and slowly improves over the following weeks. There’s no reason to worry as long as the baby is more peaceful during the day and the fussy periods only last a few hours.
For about one in five babies, however, they may have colic, where the crying may persist throughout the day or night and may be intense, especially in the evenings. Parents typically notice changes in their babies between two and four weeks old. When a baby has colic, they may cry inconsolably, usually stretching or pulling up their legs, and passing gas. Their bellies may also be enlarged or distended with gas.
Causes of colic
The exact cause of a baby’s colic can be difficult to identify. Often, colic crying is a sign of an immature nervous system. Babies with colic have difficulty regulating themselves, are more sensitive to stimulation, and can’t self-soothe.
In breastfed babies, colic can be a sign of food sensitivity. Mothers may notice an increase in fussiness or gassiness after eating certain foods. A baby’s discomfort may also be caused by a sensitivity to milk protein.
Finally, colic baby crying can be a signal of a medical problem or an illness.
How long does colic last?
First, we know this period in your child’s life is difficult, but it’s important to remind yourself that it is temporary. After beginning between two to four weeks, the colic crying can last until six months of age. However, most babies’ more intense crying spells typically stop around three or four months.
Tips for calming a Baby with colic
When your baby is crying, there are several things you can try to help soothe or comfort them through this colic period. Many of these methods can be used and often work best when combined.
Check the basics: Your first step should be ensuring your baby is not hungry, hot or cold, has a dirty diaper, or has a fever or other sickness.
Move with Your Baby: Hold the baby in your arms or use a carrier. Then walk, bounce, rock, or sway with your baby. Your baby is used to moving from their time in the womb. This calming motion and your body’s warmth can be soothing.
Use white noise: Using a rhythmic calming sound, such as a white-noise machine, fan, a vacuum in another room, or making a shushing sound can help calm your baby when they are colic baby crying.
Offer a pacifier: Some babies may find relief from sucking on a pacifier (as long as they aren’t hungry). If your baby refuses a pacifier, you can try different shapes and styles, though some babies may reject any type.
Tummy time: Lay your baby on their tummy across your forearm, knees, or floor. Rub their back to help relieve gas.
Give a tummy massage: If your baby’s discomfort is from gas, you can relieve them by gently moving their legs as if bicycling. You may gently massage their belly in an upside-down “U” movement to carry gas.
Swaddle: Most babies find comfort in being secure and warm. Using a large, thin blanket, swaddle your baby. Some babies prefer their arms tucked in, while others prefer to have their arms free. Experiment to see which way your baby likes.
Avoid overfeeding your baby: Drinking too much milk can make your baby uncomfortable. Try to wait at least 2 to 2.5 hours from the beginning of one feed to the next. Some babies want to suck for comfort. So, if you feed your baby, and they seem to want more, try offering a pacifier.
Troubleshoot breastfeeding: If you breastfeed, try eliminating foods from your diet that can cause gas or discomfort in babies. Some irritating foods include dairy products, caffeine, onions, and cabbage. Make a note of any changes you see in the foods you eat.
Troubleshoot formula: If you suspect your child has food sensitivity, you can talk to your paediatrician about switching to a protein hydrolysate formula. Once you’ve changed the formula, if the formula was the cause of the colic, you should see a decrease in the colic within a few days. The tips for calming a baby with colic provided above can help you soothe your baby at the right time.
Ask for Help
Caring for a baby with colic can be challenging, and it’s important to ask for help. Take turns with your partner holding the baby and trying the techniques above. Ask a family member or friend to look after the baby and take a break so you can get relief.
If you don’t have anyone to help you when your baby doesn’t stop crying, it’s okay to take a break for 10-15 minutes so you can calm down. Place your baby in a safe space, such as a crib or playpen and leave the room. When you have calmed down, go back and pick up your baby. Remember that keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do, even if that means letting them cry. It is baby crying normal to feel frustrated or angry, but it’s essential to keep your behaviour under control and never shake or physically harm the baby.
Talk to Your Paediatrician
If you think your baby has colic, consult your doctor to ensure the crying is unrelated to severe medical conditions. They also may be able to help provide some guidance for helping your baby through this period. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or out of control of your emotions, reach out to your Paediatrician for help.