What is Colic?

Colic refers to intense crying for which no physical cause can be found.  The "screaming" may last for more than three hours a day and often occurs at the same time of day.  Although there are a number of theories about what causes colic, none have been fully proven and the condition is not well understood.

Colic generally starts in the first few weeks after birth.  (Or in premature babies, two to three weeks after the mother's due date).  There is no cure for it, but there are ways to cope with it until it goes away, usually when the baby is three to five months old.

How Does A Baby With Colic Behave?

• screams as if in pain
• draws her knees up to her stomach and seems to have a bad stomach ache
• can't seem to be comforted for long
• goes on like this for several hours, usually in the evening

What Can I Do If My Baby Has Colic?

• Learn all you can about colic.  Talk to your doctor, public health nurse, or another parent whose baby has had colic.
• Stop blaming yourself.  You are not the cause of your baby's colic.
• Understand that colic will not harm your baby, and that it will come to an end.

How Do I Cope With A Colicky Baby?

1. If you suspect colic, arrange for your doctor to examine your baby to rule out other causes for the crying.
2. Try some soothing techniques but keep in mind that they may not help for long. Some babies respond to:
   • steady rhythmic movements, e.g. a swing or cradle, rocking chair, snuggly walks, car ride
     
   • gentle, quiet handling, a darkened room, swaddling, avoidance of loud noises, crowds and bright lights
     
   • vigorous movements and other types of external stimulation e.g. music, humming, massage, vigorous rocking or swinging sucking on a pacifier, a finger, breast or bottle.
     
   • Do not assume when your baby eagerly takes a feed that she is hungry.  Many collicky babies suck vigorously and take more liquid than they need.

Is There Any Treatment For Colic? What About Diet, Medication and Other Remedies?

Be wary of useless remedies or supposed miracle cures, e.g. herbal tea, special diets or medications.  These things have no proven connection with colic and they could be harmful.  If you are breastfeeding and want to continue, do not let colic make you give up. If your baby is formula-fed, avoid switching from one formula to another.  There is no proof that colic is caused by breast milk, formula, or indigestion.  In fact, most babies with colic thrive and gain weight normally.

How Do I Look After Myself?

A baby with colic requires a great deal of attention for several months. It will help if you take steps to nurture your own well-being while you wait it out.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Acknowledge and accept negative feelings. They are normal, you are entitled to them, and getting them out into the open will help.
2. Whenever possible, have your partner, a relative or a babysitter take over the care of your "screamer" so that you can get away for a couple of hours. Accept all the support you can get.
3. Know that you will not be spoiling your baby by responding promptly and consistently to her cries. At the same time, there is no need for you to exhaust yourself trying to soothe her. When the baby seems just as unhappy in your arms as in her crib, try 15 to 20 minute cycles of soothing and then putting her down.

A Final Word

Colic can be a traumatic experience, particularly for a first time parent. Don't question your ability to love and care for your baby. Don't blame yourself. Remember that it will go away, and mark a target date on your calendar for a return to normal family life.

Content adapted with the permission of the London Middlesex Health Unit.