Babies cry. That may sound like a no-brainer, but even the leading pediatric associations felt the need to put out stats to assure parents that crying is a completely normal part of infancy. In fact, the only way your baby can communicate with you is through whimpers and wails.
However, there is a distinct difference between normal crying and colic. And that difference can be overwhelming.
Dr. Megan Dillman and our team at Dillman Clinic and Lab don’t want you to find yourself at the end of your rope trying to soothe a colicky baby by yourself. Here, we give you the best information so you can recognize colic and nip it in the bud before you and your bundle of joy lose any more sleep.
When it’s colic
Colic is when a healthy baby cries for a very long time for no apparent reason. What’s a very long time? Think of it this way: It’s normal for a baby to cry for 2-3 hours a day a during their first six weeks. Your baby may have colic if:
- They cry for more than three hours a day
- They have crying fits more than three days a week
- This pattern occurs for more than three weeks
- They cry from 6pm to midnight
Colicky crying is usually louder, more high-pitched, and more urgent-sounding than your baby’s “regular” crying. It can be difficult or even impossible to soothe a colicky baby. Other symptoms may include:
- Frequent burping
- Passing gas
- A bright red face
- A tight belly
- Curling their legs up toward their belly when crying
- Clenched fists when crying
Colic may even interfere with how quickly your baby grows and gains weight.
The causes
Colic usually comes on suddenly and takes many parents by surprise. Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes colic, and there are no known risk factors, but there are a few theories about where it comes from. Some say that a colicky baby simply struggles to adjust to their new world. The lights, sounds, and smells can be jarring, especially in the first few weeks of life.
Others point to an inability to soothe themselves, overstimulation, a still-developing nervous system, problems with gas, and/or a milk allergy or intolerance.
What to do about it
Though colic usually goes away on its own by age 3-4 months, it can be incredibly stressful for parents. It’s important to know that you don’t have to wait out a colicky baby — there’s help for even the fussiest baby.
If you suspect your baby has colic, we begin by discussing their symptoms and health history. Dr. Megan Dillman performs a physical exam and asks specific questions about the nature of your baby’s crying fits. We may even use additional diagnostic tools, such as blood tests or X-rays, to rule out underlying health conditions.
If we determine that your baby has colic, we begin creating an action plan with you. It may seem like a helpless situation, but there are many ways to approach colic.
For instance, if you bottle feed, we may have you start by changing the type of bottle you use. A curved bottle lets you hold your baby upright, which can keep your baby from becoming overly gassy. You may also try:
- Burping your baby often during feedings
- Making sure your baby gets a full feeding every time
- Changing your baby’s position when carrying them
- Distracting them with interesting things to look at
- Singing or humming gently to them
- Rocking your baby
- Going for a walk or a ride in the car
- Giving your a warm bath
- Placing your baby in an infant swing
- Rubbing your baby’s back during tummy time
- Using a sound machine during naps
- Holding and cuddling them
- Using a pacifier
- Not overstimulating them
We may also recommend switching formulas if you bottle feed or making changes to your diet if you breastfeed.
Above all, we want you to know that no two babies are the same. What works for your friend’s colicky baby may not work for yours. We encourage you to keep trying and let us be an active member of your baby’s care.
.Having a colicky baby can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Don’t spend another day hoping your baby will get through this phase. Call our friendly staff at (952) 388-1212 to schedule an appointment or book your appointment online today in our Lakeville, MN office today.
