Colic

I think my baby has colic

Colic can be as upsetting for you as it is for your baby. Your baby has long periods of sudden, loud crying and fussiness for no apparent reason.

Colic is very common in young babies and occurs equally in the breast and bottle-fed babies. However, apart from crying, colicky babies are generally healthy and developing normally. Colic usually resolves naturally within three months with no long-term effect, so try not to worry.

Of course if your baby is experiencing colic symptoms you should always talk to your baby's healthcare professional.

Recognising Infant colic

One of the signs of colic is frequent, repeated episodes of excessive crying for long periods of time - especially if the crying occurs at about the same time each day. Many parents with colicky babies observe the excessive crying in the late afternoon or early evening (although it can happen at any time during the day). Other signs of colic includes fussiness, sleeping troubles or wind.

Causes of colic

Nobody seems to know exactly what causes colic in many cases. It is widely thought that painful contraction of the gut due to a build-up of wind may be a causative factor. Wind may accumulate if your baby swallows air when they are feeding or crying. Alternatively, it may be due to a food intolerance or allergy (diet-related colic). Colic is most common during the first 3-4 months of life when an infant's gut is still very immature and most prone to the development of feeding problems.

In some babies, colic may be related to an intolerance to cow's milk. Some babies may be unable to completely digest all of the milk sugar called lactose ^1-3, which is found naturally in breast milk and in infant formulas. Others may have a sensitivity or allergy to milk protein⁴. Because protein allergies have so many different symptoms, it's important to tell your healthcare professional everything you can about your baby's condition. Based on this information, they will be able to recommend the best treatment for your baby.

Remember that babies may cry for many reasons, they may be hungry or even unwell. If you uncertain whether your baby is suffering from colic, seek guidance from your health visitor/public health nurse (ROI), midwife or doctor.

Tips on managing my baby's colic

Here are some of the ways other mums have found to soothe their babies. Hopefully, one or two of them will help your little one - and you - feel better.

Keep on Moving

Hold your baby close to you and take a walk, or take them for a walk in their push chair. Another popular tip is to put your baby in your car seat and take a ride. The motion and the hum of the engine may work.

Rock Around the Clock

Sometimes applying gentle pressure on a baby's stomach may help. Try holding your baby, stomach side down, across your lap or arm. Then rock them slowly and gently.

Bundle Up

Sometimes the movement of your baby's own arms and legs can upset her. Try swaddling her securely in a blanket or wrapping her in a baby carrier. Then hold her close and rock her gently. Bundling helps simulate what it was like for your baby inside the womb.

Make Some Noise

Not just any noise. Try putting on a CD to create a steady "background" sound that could be soothing to your baby. Other suggestions include running the vacuum cleaner or dishwasher. Any one of these may do the trick.

Feeding Time

Until you establish a regular feeding schedule, your baby may be hungry when you didn't expect. So offer him a bottle.

If none of the above seem to help your baby's colic may be diet-related.

1. Kanaber D, J Hum Nutr Dietet 2001;14:359-363
2. Kearney P.J, J Hum Nutr Dietet 1998;11:281-285
3. Moore DJ et al. J Pediatr 1988;113:979-984
4. Lothe & Lindberg Pediatrics 1989;83(2):262-266