Colic

Colic is the word used when babies cry a lot or have long periods when they do not settle. This time can be very demanding and exhausting. Crying can happen any time but is usually in the late afternoon and early evening. Usually happens between 2 weeks and 4 months of age. This stage too shall pass and is very common with babies all over the world...so hang in there.

What causes Colic?

It's very common to happen in young infants with usual soothing techniques not working. This does not mean that there's anything wrong with them; it's just that babies respond differently to their environment.

Medical
- Sometimes there's a medical reason and this may need to be checked by the doctor or nurse. This can be very reassuring tot he parents because it is hard for them to comfort the baby is they are worried the baby is unwell. In most babies, no medical cause is found.

New experiences
- Babies need to adapt to a range of new experiences and every baby is different.
- Sometimes the causes of discomfort may be a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, gas, hunger, tiredness, needing company, wanting a cuddle.

Changes
- Some babies are easily frightened by normal physical sensations such as reflux. Babies are very aware of the emotional world of their family and can be affected by family distress.

Tips:

Try to stay calm. Although you may not be able to stop the crying, you can help your baby cope with their distress. It is hard to think clearly if you are feeling panicky.

Let your baby suck at the breast or bottle as it may help settle for a short period.

Offer a dummy as this may provide comfort

Think from the baby's point of view

Too much cuddling will not harm or spoil your baby

Try playing some soft music

Give baby a warm bath and gentle massage with massage oil as this may help baby relax

Gently rock or hold baby in our arms or in a baby carrier

Plan ahead eg. have your meals earlier if you know the afternoons/evenings are going to be rough

Have an afternoon nap to help you better cope with the evening challenges.

Some babies need you as the primary carer all the time. Try not to fight this. I slept when my son slept helped me a lot in those first few weeks.

When baby is alert or awake make the most of this time for some enjoyable interaction.

Sometimes nothing works which can be extremely frustrating. If you are feeling frustrated or angry, leave baby in a safe place such as a their cot for a few moments while you go outside and calm down. Never shake a baby. Shaking babies, even gently, can cause brain damage and life long disability.

Get Support:

If your baby is crying for most of the day it is important to talk to a health professional such as a GP.

If possible try to get support from friends and family. If help is not available, safely place baby in the cot and have a few minutes to relax.

Talk to other parents about things that may have helped them.

When to see a Doctor:

your baby is refusing feeds or is having less than half their normal feeds.

your baby continues to cry for long periods no matter what you try

your mental health or your relationship with your partner is being affected.

you feel you are not coping or are worried for any reason

Growing together!

Colic

What causes Colic?

It's very common to happen in young infants with usual soothing techniques not working. This does not mean that there's anything wrong with them; it's just that babies respond differently to their environment.

Medical

Sometimes there's a medical reason and this may need to be checked by the doctor or nurse. This can be very reassuring tot he parents because it is hard for them to comfort the baby is they are worried the baby is unwell. In most babies, no medical cause is found.

New experiences

Babies need to adapt to a range of new experiences and every baby is different.

Sometimes the causes of discomfort may be a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, gas, hunger, tiredness, needing company, wanting a cuddle.

Changes

Some babies are easily frightened by normal physical sensations such as reflux. Babies are very aware of the emotional world of their family and can be affected by family distress.

your baby is refusing feeds or is having less than half their normal feeds.

Next...Rash

Colic

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What causes Colic?

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It's very common to happen in young infants with usual soothing techniques not working. This does not mean that there's anything wrong with them; it's just that babies respond differently to their environment.

​

Medical

Sometimes there's a medical reason and this may need to be checked by the doctor or nurse. This can be very reassuring tot he parents because it is hard for them to comfort the baby is they are worried the baby is unwell. In most babies, no medical cause is found. ​

​​

New experiences

Babies need to adapt to a range of new experiences and every baby is different.​

Sometimes the causes of discomfort may be a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, gas, hunger, tiredness, needing company, wanting a cuddle.

​​

Changes

Some babies are easily frightened by normal physical sensations such as reflux. Babies are very aware of the emotional world of their family and can be affected by family distress.​

​

your baby is refusing feeds or is having less than half their normal feeds.

Next...Rash

Sometimes there's a medical reason and this may need to be checked by the doctor or nurse. This can be very reassuring tot he parents because it is hard for them to comfort the baby is they are worried the baby is unwell. In most babies, no medical cause is found.

Babies need to adapt to a range of new experiences and every baby is different.

Some babies are easily frightened by normal physical sensations such as reflux. Babies are very aware of the emotional world of their family and can be affected by family distress.