If you suspect colic (in an infant), the first and most important step is to contact a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical causes for the excessive crying. Once other conditions are excluded, you can employ various soothing strategies and seek support for yourself.
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The "Colic 333 Rule" is a common guideline for identifying colic in a healthy, well-fed baby: crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. While it's a helpful way to recognize persistent, intense crying spells, it's not a strict diagnosis, and you don't need to wait three weeks to seek help if you're concerned. Colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and lessens by 3-4 months, but it's important to rule out other issues with a doctor.
With that in mind, here are some ways to soothe a baby with colic:
Babies who have colic may show symptoms such as:
But when your infant has painful gas, especially if it's frequent, it can cause your baby to cry or become fussy—until it's passed; unlike colic, which causes crying and fussiness that lasts for hours across days and weeks. Gas can have distinctive symptoms, too, such as a swollen-looking belly.
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.
Baby colic causes may include: Belly (abdominal) pain or discomfort from gas due to air swallowed while nursing or crying. Reflux (bringing up) of stomach contents. Food allergies.
Causes of colic may include any of the following: Pain from gas. Hunger. Overfeeding.
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.
Sometimes a baby with colic will find it soothing to suck on a dummy between feeds. If you decide to give your baby a dummy, it's better to wait until breastfeeding is well-established and he is gaining weight well. You will also need to follow manufacturer's guidelines on cleaning and replacement.
The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it's believed to stem from a combination of factors like an immature digestive or nervous system, gas, reflux, food intolerances (like cow's milk protein), imbalances in gut bacteria, overfeeding, and even environmental stress or sensory overload, leading to intense, unexplained crying fits in otherwise healthy babies.
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.
The positive news is that if it's just colic -- which usually surfaces at age 2 weeks to 4 weeks -- your baby isn't in any physical danger, and the remedy is relatively simple: wait it out.
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.
Burp your infant before, halfway through and after a feed. Keeping them upright after feeding can help their stomach empty. Holding infants stomach down and increasing tummy time can help move the gas through the intestines. Bicycle leg kicks and tummy massage may also help.
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.
Colic and gas are common challenges faced by newborns, often causing significant discomfort and distress. Swaddling, when done correctly, can be a highly effective strategy in alleviating these symptoms by providing comfort, security, and soothing effects.
Additionally, warm milk can help ease colic and reduce spit-ups, leading to a happier and more content baby. We recommend setting the warmer to 98 degrees if this option is available. Faster and More Convenient: Bottle warmers offer a quick and convenient solution, especially during those late-night feedings.
The "Colic 333 Rule" is a common guideline for identifying colic in a healthy, well-fed baby: crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. While it's a helpful way to recognize persistent, intense crying spells, it's not a strict diagnosis, and you don't need to wait three weeks to seek help if you're concerned. Colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and lessens by 3-4 months, but it's important to rule out other issues with a doctor.
Features of colic may include:
Treatment
Occasionally there are some non-intestinal causes which show similar clinical signs to colic e.g. laminitis, where horses often lay down more to take the weight of their feet, or ovarian problems. This is known as false colic and can also be very serious.
There are five types of digestive colic: spasmodic, impaction, incarceration, displacement, and excessive fermentation. Spasmodic colic is the mildest and most common. It is associated with over-excitement or sudden feed changes. It generally responds well to modest medical treatment.
Babies with restricted oral movement often swallow air, struggle to feed, and end up with gas and reflux-like symptoms. These can closely mimic colic — leaving parents feeling helpless and frustrated.