The best positions for a colicky baby often involve gentle pressure on the tummy, like the "football hold" (face-down on your forearm) or tummy time, and being held upright or in motion (rocking, swinging) to help with gas and reflux, but for sleep, always place the baby on their back to reduce SIDS risk. Other helpful positions include the "colic curl" (curled up against your chest) and bicycling their legs to release trapped gas.
The most commonly accepted definition of colic, which originated in 1954,4 describes using the “rule of three”: crying for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, and for more than three weeks in an infant that is well-fed and otherwise healthy.
With the exception of three infants, the pacifier was successful in relieving the irritability and crying of the infant and in causing a cessation of the symptoms of colic.
Certain foods can help ease colic symptoms in babies, while others may trigger discomfort. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and acidic foods, which can cause gassiness, restlessness, or digestive issues.
Lay your baby tummy-down across your knees and gently rub their back. The pressure against their belly may help comfort them. If they fall asleep this way, place them in their crib on their back. You can also try some baby massage strokes that help with colic.
What causes colic?
Spotting the difference between colic and gas involves paying attention to patterns. Colic tends to show up as intense crying around the same time each day, happening at least three times a week for a minimum of three weeks. Gas, though it may cause fussiness, lacks the predictable rhythm of colic cries.
Possible Causes of Colic
Hunger. Overfeeding. Baby cannot tolerate certain foods or certain proteins in breast milk or formula. Sensitivity to certain stimuli.
Features of colic may include: Loud, hard crying that may sound like screaming or being in pain. Crying for no known reason. Colic crying is not like the crying a baby does when hungry or wet.
Warm Bath. Giving your baby a warm bath can help them to relax and reduce stress, which can ease any symptoms of colic. The warm water can also help to soothe your baby's tummy and alleviate gas and bloating.
When colic symptoms occur, fill provided measured oral dispenser up to 1/2 teaspoon and dispense slowly, drop-by-drop into mouth between cheek and gums. A measured dispenser such as the NumiMed that we offer (or the like) can also be used in place of the blue dropper, to administer Colic Calm.
Some things to try:
This includes babies who are under 4 months, were born premature or small for their gestational age, are unwell or who have been exposed to smoke, vapour or sedating medicines. If these babies are having breathing difficulties, it's hard for them to move their head or face so they can breathe easily.
Common signs of colic include: Check for the 3-3-3 rule: If a baby cries more than three hours a day, three days a week, for over three weeks. Tightening of abdominal muscles or drawing knees toward the stomach.
Reflux. Reflux and colic are closely related and are often confused. Reflux can also be caused by oversupply and both are more often a problem when a baby is given large feeds with long gaps in between. A baby who has reflux often spits up milk and cries more when he is lying down or is in a car seat.
Up to 30 percent of normal, healthy babies have colic. Boys and girls are equally affected.
TAKEAWAY Excessive crying and fussiness can be distressing for both you and your baby. Fortunately, colic symptoms typically improve by the age of 3 months, so it will get better. While gripe water has not been shown to be a definitively effective alternative for soothing colicky babies, it is generally safe.
Employ White Noise to Ease Colic in Babies
White noise mimics the sounds babies hear in the womb and can block out other distracting noises. Utilize white noise machines, smartphone apps, or even household items like a fan set to low to create a soothing auditory environment.
These include: