Baby Colic?

This page gives general information and basic first-line treatment for baby colic.

What is Baby Colic?

Colic describes a condition in babies where they cry excessively. It is also known as Excessive Crying of Infancy, which describes the condition well - the screaming baby. All infants cry, especially around 6-8 weeks of age, called the fussy period. Some cry more than others and when the condition is excessive, we call it colic.

How is colic diagnosed?

We diagnose colic from the history (the story of the crying) - it usually occurs in babies between 3 weeks of age and 3 months of age. It is said to occur when there is crying for more than 3 hours per day, on more than 3 days per week, for more than 3 weeks. So that is a lot of crying! There are no tests for colic. The good news is that it will eventually get better by itself, usually by 12 -16 weeks of age, so a common treatment for colic is just to wait.

How do I know the crying is due to baby colic?

Colicky babies are usually very well and doing everything normally until they cry. You will start to notice a pattern, so when your baby cries, he does so for a long time and is often difficult to settle, but when he does settle, he is perfectly well and normal for hours. Colicky babies don't always have their crying spell in the afternoon or early evening but they often do. Afternoons can be a bad time for mums - they are often tired and have lots to do - like think about dinner. So, that only makes the colic seem worse.

What causes the colicky baby to cry?

We don't really know what causes colicky babies to cry. There is the theory that the crying relates to abdominal discomfort, as babies often draw up their legs. The discomfort is thought to be due to gas as passing wind often eases the discomfort. Some people think it is an allergic response of some kind (perhaps to the milk), that may cause spasm in the bowel. The truth is, nobody really knows what the cause is. Some babies just have a temperament that means they are more likely to cry.

Why can't I calm my baby who has colic?

Once colicky babies start crying, it can be very difficult to settle them. It is not anything you as a mum have done or not done. It is really important that you don't feel guilty in any way that your baby is crying. It's not your fault and your baby will get over it. This will not lead to a maladjusted child.

Keeping calm yourself is an important part of treatment for baby colic.

What can I do as a mum for my colicky baby?

• Stay as calm as possible. This is not your fault and your baby is sensitive to your emotions so becoming anxious will only make it worse.
• Speak softly and calmly to your baby - let him hear your voice.
• Check for the usual things that make babies cry - for example, does your baby need a diaper (nappy) change?
• Gently rock or hold your baby in your arms or in a baby sling. Slings are a simple treatment for baby colic.
• Let your baby suck from the breast or bottle if they are hungry. If you are breast-feeding, let your baby empty one breast per feed rather than letting him feed from both breasts.
• Feed your baby on demand. This is another simple but effective treatment for baby colic.
• If your baby is feeding from a bottle, make sure he is upright when he feeds
• Wind (burp) your baby if he has just had a feed. He may be uncomfortable. Burp your baby during feeding as well.
• If your baby is not hungry, he may settle with a pacifier (dummy).
• Massage your baby's tummy. Use circular movements in a clockwise direction.
• Try taking your baby for a walk in a stroller (pushchair). This is another simple but effective treatment for baby colic and you will get some fresh air and exercise as well.
• Some babies settle with noise like a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer - you could try switching the vacuum on.
• If you feel tense, take a break from your baby if you can. Maybe someone can come and look after your baby for a few hours to give you a break. Maybe Dad can be in charge of the baby for a couple of hours when he gets home.
• Remember, never shake a baby.

What is the best way to hold a baby with colic?

Whatever way works is OK, but I use the baby colic hold which I find to be a very helpful treatment for baby colic: I put one hand (I use my right hand as I'm right-handed) between the baby's legs and have my palm on his tummy. Then I let the baby's head rest on my other arm as I bring the other hand down. I find this is a very comfortable way of holding a baby and it often helps to stop the crying. The baby gets to view the world as well, which can distract him. The photos below demonstrate the first and final steps to this hold.

What treatments are available for baby colic?

There have been many treatments recommended for colic but no treatment works all the time in all babies. Some treatments will work sometimes in some babies. If you do the simple things outlined above as treatment for baby colic and wait, the colic will get better. To find out more about the various other treatments, including medications, that have been used and what the research says about them, you can go to the baby colic treatment page.

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To go to the top of the Baby Colic page, click here

To go to the Colic Treatment page, click here

To go to the Crying page, click here

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Last reviewed 5 August 2007

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