Congratulations! You’ve survived your newborn’s magical first month. But lately, something’s changing.
Are fussy spells becoming more intense and lasting longer? Is your baby arching his back during feedings, letting out sudden screeches? Is he more difficult to soothe than before? Do you find yourself bouncing, rocking, and pacing the floors at all hours — and still, the crying continues?
Colic is a term that strikes fear into the hearts of new parents, often wrapped in mystery and frustration. It refers to frequent, intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby — and while it’s common, it can be incredibly tough to manage.
How to Identify Colic
Colic is typically defined by the “Rule of Three’s”:
- Crying for more than three hours a day
- Occurring at least three days a week
- Lasting for three weeks or more
Other signs can include:
- Crying that often begins suddenly, usually late afternoon or evening
- High-pitched, intense wailing that’s hard to soothe
- Physical signs: Clenched fists, arched back, or bloated tummy
- Crying that doesn’t improve with feeding, changing, or cuddling
It’s important to remember that all babies cry — it’s how they communicate. But, colic goes beyond the usual fussiness.
What Causes Colic?
The exact cause is still unknown, but theories include:
- An immature digestive system or sensitivity to gas
- Overstimulation from the environment
- Food sensitivity (such as dairy in formula or if breastfeeding, mom’s diet)
- A developing nervous system that’s still adjusting to the outside world
Colic is not caused by something you did or didn’t do. And it does not mean your baby is “difficult” or that you’re doing something wrong.
What You Can Do to Cope
While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, these strategies may help soothe a colicky baby:
Maintain a consistent but flexible routine: Babies who are fed randomly or too frequently often have more signs of colic.
Use motion: Rocking, swinging, or taking your baby for a walk in the stroller or car can be calming.
White noise: Sounds like a vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, or a white noise machine may help recreate the womb environment.
Try tummy pressure: Laying baby tummy-down across your lap while gently rubbing their back can relieve gas.
Keep your baby upright after feedings: After feedings, burp your baby for a few minutes, then keep him upright for 10-15 minutes to allow gas bubbles to coalesce at the top of the stomach and then burp him again.
Evaluate feeding techniques: Ensure a proper latch during breastfeeding and try burping more frequently during feeds. If formula-feeding, you might ask your pediatrician about trying a sensitive formula.
Consider your diet (if breastfeeding): Some babies may react to certain foods like dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods.
Swaddling and skin-to-skin contact can also provide comfort and reduce overstimulation.
Probiotics and/or Gripe Water: The use of probiotics has been shown to help many babies with colic. I have found that herbal remedies such as Gripe Water may help. You can buy these products individually or in combined form.
Take Care of Yourself
Caring for a colicky baby can be overwhelming. Make sure you are taking care of yourself:
Take breaks when you can — even five quiet minutes can help.
Accept help from friends or family.
Remind yourself this phase is temporary — colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3 to 4 months.
Talk to your pediatrician. They can rule out medical causes and reassure you that you’re not alone.
If your baby is crying excessively and nothing seems to help, it’s okay to feel exhausted and even defeated at times. But know this: colic will end.
Your baby will grow out of it, and you’ll gain confidence as a parent through even the hardest nights. You’re doing more right than you think.