Signs your baby may have colic

All babies cry. It’s a perfectly normal reaction and way of getting your attention. But how much crying is too much crying? At what point is it a cause for concern?

The NHS advises that if your baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week, then your baby may have colic.

But what is colic?

Colic is actually more common than people realise. The HSE estimates that 1 in 5 babies experience colic, the excessive and frequent crying in a baby who appears to be otherwise healthy. The crying mostly takes place in the afternoon and evening. For most babies it starts at two weeks old and has usually begun to ease around 4 months though in some children it can last until they reach six months of age.

baby yawning

It is unknown what actually causes colic, which make sit that much more unsettling for parents, though it does seem to be more common in premature babies and babies in houses where someone smokes. There are also theories that it may be linked to digestive issues. It’s very difficult to watch your child go through something and be unable to come up with a solution. But babies with colic should be appear fine between periods of crying; They should be feeding well and gaining weight even if they have colic.

Signs your baby may have colic

  • it's hard to soothe or settle your baby
  • they clench their fists
  • they go red in the face
  • they bring their knees up to their tummy or arch their back
  • their tummy rumbles or they're very windy

baby lying on white fur textile

Usually a baby experiencing colic will not need to see a doctor. Speak to your GP for advice and support. Some methods you can try to soothe them are:

  • hold or cuddle your baby when they're crying a lot
  • sit or hold your baby upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air
  • wind your baby after feeds
  • gently rock your baby over your shoulder
  • gently rock your baby in their Moses basket or crib, or push them in their pram
  • bath your baby in a warm bath
  • have some gentle white noise like the radio or TV in the background to distract them
  • keep feeding your baby as usual

Other things you may hear about include:

  • anti-colic drops and herbal and probiotic supplements
  • changes to your diet if you're breastfeeding
  • applying gentle pressure to your baby's spine (spinal manipulation) or skull (cranial osteopathy)

But there's very little evidence these things work, according to the NHS.

baby wearing sleeper suit

However, if you feel worried, or see some of these symptoms you should see a GP so they can check for other possible causes of crying:

  • you're worried about your baby
  • nothing seems to be working
  • you're finding it hard to cope
  • your baby is older than 4 months and still seems to have symptoms of colic
  • they are vomiting green stuff (bile)
  • they have projectile vomiting
  • they have bloody poo
  • they are not feeding well
  • their symptoms started after you introduced formula
  • they are losing weight or not gaining weight
  • they have a temperature greater than 38 degrees C
  • you are concerned

Baby In A Onesie Lying On Bed

Go to A&E if:

  • your baby has a weak or high-pitched cry
  • your baby's cry does not sound like their normal cry 

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like. Trust your instincts if you think something is seriously wrong, particularly if they have other worrying symptoms.

Coping for parents

Grayscale Photography of Crying Woman

Looking after a colicky baby is very tough on parents. It’s upsetting and worrying but it will pass with time. Tips for coping through the stress include;

  • Asking for support from other parents, family or friends
  • Remember that many babies get colic. This is not your fault. You are not spoiling your baby and your baby is not rejecting you.
  • Remember that this will stop eventually. All babies with colic have improved by 4 to 6 months
  • Your own rest and wellbeing are important too. Friends and family can step in when you need a break.

Feeding and colic

person feeding baby from feeding bottle

Because colic is often linked to digestive issues, how we’re feeding is important depending on what method the mother is using.

If you’re breastfeeding your baby, it can help them to relax and relieve pain. Try emptying your milk in one breast during a feed before changing breasts. You create two types of milk when breastfeeding and the second half of your milk has more fat in it. Fat slows down digestion and helps to release food slowly, helping with digestion. If breastfeeding, avoid drinking tea, coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine.

If you’re bottle feeding, try making up bottles with 1 to 2 oz more milk than your baby drinks. This will allow feeding to appetite and you can tell when your baby is full. Minimise the amount of air in the bottle and feed your baby in the correct position. Avoid changing the type of formula your baby is using. Always talk to your public health nurse before changing your baby's formula milk.

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