The Colicky Baby

You may be familiar with the term, but researchers are still wondering "What is colic?" It is estimated that roughly 20% of all babies are colicky, meaning that they cry excessively for no serious reason at all. This can be extremely disheartening for attentive parents who want to take the best possible care of their infant. Often it's just a matter of getting used to one's independent body for these little newborns. Symptoms of colic (crying for more than 3 hours, for more than 3 days, for more than 3 weeks) show up around six weeks of age and persist for up to four months. Generally the condition subsides on its own, but it can be a grueling test of parenthood in the early months.

Babies cry for all different reasons. Unfortunately, colic is a condition, rather than a disorder so there is no cause or definitive cure. You can try different variables to see if anything offers the colicky infant a reprieve from his or her symptoms. For instance, try feeding in a more upright position, burping facedown often, or offering a pacifier. A breast feeding mother can try avoiding milk, broccoli, cabbage and caffeine in her own diet, and a formula feeding parent can offer the infant a different kind of formula (for instance, a hypoallergenic type).

Next, try soothing your baby. Cuddling, holding, singing to and rocking babies often helps the inconsolable crier. Be sure that the baby isn't wrapped up too tightly, as excessive warmth can cause a baby to cry even more. Background noise like a vaporizer, a vacuum cleaner, classical music, heartbeat or ocean waves CDs or a washing machine can lull a colicky baby to sleep.

A gentle tummy massage or a warm bath might soothe the distressed infant. Some babies need an extra boost relieving gas, so the tummy massage could help there too, as will rocking your baby facedown on your lap. Alternative remedies for colic include everything from herbal teas (peppermint and chamomile, but not star anise tea) and massage therapy to infant swings and vibrating cribs.

You're likely to suffer with your baby during the first few months, as the child adapts to its environment and you adapt to parenthood. Ask someone to care for the colicky child periodically so you can spend some time away doing things that you enjoy. Exercise, read a book in silence, do yoga, take a warm bath, watch a movie, take a nap, go out to dinner with your spouse. Parents Without Partners offers support for single moms or dads who may be having difficulty during this initial colicky phase. Try to stay positive and remember that this difficult time will soon pass.