Colic refers to long periods of uncontrollable crying in a baby between 3 weeks and 3 months of age. All babies cry, but if crying or fussing continues for more than 3 hours per day, 3 or 4 days per week may be called colic.
We don't know what causes colic, one theory is it may be caused by the baby's immature digestive tract. A colicky baby may cry at any time during the day, but colic is usually worse at night. Fortunately, colicky babies usually continue to eat and gain weight normally.
Treating Colic
If you are breastfeeding your colicky baby, DON'T STOP! Instead, try cutting out foods containing wheat, spices, broccoli, and cabbage. If you are drinking alcohol or caffeine, you shouldn't be doing this anyway, and it certainly isn't helping the colic! If this does not work, you may consider cutting out dairy products. Consult your doctor first.
One trick to try is to burp the baby prior to a feeding. If there is trapped air in the baby's intestines, heaping breast milk or formula on top of it can cause painful gas. The pre-feeding burp may help this problem. Also remember to burp halfway through the feeding, as well as after.
Other Tricks:
- Go for a ride in the car. The steady, low-pitched rumble of the engine may be soothing. Some babies respond in similar fashion when the bassinet is placed next to a running washing machine, dishwasher, or vacuum cleaner (however some babies are more disturbed by the noise than they are comforted by the rumble)
- Carry the baby in a front sling or backpack
- Wrap baby snugly in a blanket (you wont hurt the baby)
- Try an infant swing
- If baby doesn't already take one, try a pacifier (try to get rid of it by 9 months Otherwise pacifiers become increasingly difficulty to remove!)
- If your joints can handle it, do deep knee bends while holding the baby
Call us immediately at 508-655-9699 if:
- Your baby refuses to feed for 12 hours
- Your baby makes no urine for 12 hours
- Your baby is less than 2 months old and develops a fever of greater than 100.5° F (rectal temperature)
Call during call-hour at 508-655-9699 if:
- The tips and tricks above do not work
- You have other concerns or questions
Lincoln Medical Building
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 210
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 655-9699
(508) 655-2984 fax
Updated: 6/16/08
