Colic is one of the more frustrating and stressful issues that the parents of a new baby can face. Parents and infants often lose precious sleep due to colic. Babies can also be overfed in an attempt to stop the crying bouts. What is colic? What can you do about it?

What is Colic?

Crying that persists in excess of three hours per day for more than three days in a week is usually identified as colic. It is characterized by crying that begins suddenly and is usually continuous. It typically affects otherwise healthy babies under three months of age.

How Can I Tell if My Child Has Colic?

A baby who cries or is very fussy for several hours a day, particularly in the evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight, but who is otherwise healthy, may have colic. Other symptoms can include:

frequently burping
passing gas frequently (this may be due to swallowing air while crying)
flushed face
tense abdomen with legs pulled up towards it
clenched hands

Because these symptoms may be similar to other health conditions or medical problems, you should always make sure your baby is seen by Dr. Leung for a diagnosis.

What Causes Colic?

A definitive cause for colic has not been determined, but there are a few theories about why colic may affect a newborn:

Temperament

Babies have different temperaments. While some infants are able to adjust to the lights, noises, and all the other stimulation of life with ease, others are not able to adapt as easily. Some people are easy-going, right from the start. Others are more reactive. Some babies seem to be very sensitive to stimulation and unable to self-soothe. Crying may simply be an indication that your baby is trying to adjust to the world around him or her. As your child matures, they may become better at calming themselves.

Gas

It’s possible that gas may be a contributing factor to colic. Symptoms of gas pain include irritability, an enlarged abdomen, and the passing of gas through burping or flatulence.

Milk allergy

While there is no evidence that changing to a non-milk formula will eliminate colic, an indication that your baby may have an intolerance to milk is excessive crying after a change in formula. It is common for a milk allergy to cause diarrhea and/or abdominal pain.

Which Babies Are at Risk for Colic?

All babies are at equal risk of developing colic. Race, sex, or socioeconomic class have no bearing on whether your baby will suffer from colic.

How is Colic Diagnosed?

Call our office if your baby is crying excessively. It’s also important for your child to be seen if he or she cries for a certain length of time each day under normal circumstances. Dr. Leung will examine your child to make sure other problems are not present that could be causing colic-like symptoms.

Tips to Deal with Colic

It’s important to ensure that your infant isn’t hungry. However, be sure not to force-feed your child if he or she is not interested in nursing or taking a bottle. Other tips include:

Try changing your baby’s position. If lying down, sit your child up. Turn your baby face forward if you are holding them facing towards your chest. Put your baby on their belly on your lap while you rub their back.
Talk or sing quietly to your baby.
Rock your baby or walk with them.
Try using a pacifier.
Try swaddling your baby in a blanket.
Try putting your baby in an infant swing. Use a slow setting.
Go for a ride in the car. Many babies find the car a calming environment and fall asleep.
Try a white noise machine. Also, the sound of a fan, a vacuum, or a washing machine/dryer can also soothe a fussy baby.

Will It Ever End?

Yes, don’t lose heart! For most babies, colic symptoms typically begin to disappear by four months of age, though they can sometimes last for six months. In the meantime, be sure to take breaks for your own health and well-being. Find an adult family member, friend, or responsible babysitter to care for your baby periodically so you can get some rest. Keeping your own stress level manageable is good for you and your child.

Are You Concerned About Colic?