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Whether it’s the first time you’ve brought a newborn home or not, one of the least favorite parts of having a little one is when they have colic. They cry and cry. You feed them, you change them, you rock them, and repeat. But no matter what you do, nothing seems to comfort them or give them any relief.
According to the Mayo Clinic, colic is most likely to be a problem for infants 6 weeks old up to about three or four months old. While the exact cause isn’t known, a few reasons may include digestion issues, food allergies, eating too much (or not enough), and having excess gas. If you’re wondering if your baby might suffer from this, read on to learn more about colic symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how it can be treated.
What is colic and what are the symptoms?
We all know babies can be fussy, and sometimes it appears to be for no reason at all. But there are specific differences between a baby with colic and a baby who might be feeling unsettled or is having an off day.
What is colic?
The main difference between a fussy baby and one who truly suffers from colic, has to do with how long your baby is having inconsolable crying episodes. There is no specific reason colic happens.
Colicky babies crying will follow the rule of 3s:
- If your baby is crying for more than three hours a day, and
- These days happen three or more times a week, and
- These other two patterns continue for more than three weeks — chances are your baby is suffering from colic.
“After being home with my second baby for the first couple weeks, I could tell the differences between his cries," Audrie L, mom of two, told Mom.com. "Some were because he wanted to be picked up, others were because he needed to be changed, but the colicky cry was something else entirely. It was shrill and like a non-stop howl that felt like it never ended.”
What are the symptoms?
Aside from colicky crying lasting more than three hours a day, there are other ways to tell if your baby is crying to communicate they need something, or if it’s colic.
Burping and/or being gassy: Although food sensitivity could play a role in a colicky baby, it’s more likely that your baby is taking in a lot of air when they’re crying, causing an excess of gas bubbles.
A red and flushed face: As mentioned, colic crying episodes last for more than three hours on any given day. This much exertion on your little one will visibly show up with the flushing of their skin.
A tense and tight body: Again, because of the amount of energy and exertion your baby’s tiny body is going through, much of their body will be tight and tense. This can manifest in having a tight belly, them curling their feet toward their stomach when they’re crying, as well as keeping tight, clenched fists.
How is colic diagnosed?
Like any other medical concern you have, get in touch with your child’s provider for an official diagnosis. They may ask you questions about your baby’s sleeping habits, and how long and often they cry.
Before diagnosing colic, your provider will rule out any other sources of irritation that might be causing the baby discomfort. “We’ll want to rule out other possible things causing the symptoms such as an injury or an underlying health condition.” Dr. Elizabeth Donner, M.D., a pediatric hospitalist at Nemours Children’s Hospital, told Forbes.
“These are things we monitor and discuss at well-baby visits and hopefully are able to provide plenty of reassurance that the baby is not sick, these symptoms are not harmful, and it will end,” she added.
Colic questions: How to treat colic?
While there isn’t any one medication or treatment for colic, try different soothing techniques like swaddling, rocking, calming noises, or even going for a walk. Keeping your baby relaxed will not only help them stay calm, but it will help ease your worry and frustration too.
When to call a doctor
If your baby’s cries are accompanied by a fever, rash, or other injuries, it’s worth it to give your doctor a call. If you’re ever unsure if your baby’s prolonged crying is more than just colic, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider.
