What is Colic?

Colic is when your baby cries, a lot. The official definition of colic is the rule of three:

Babies with colic cry three or more hours a day, three or more days a week for three or more weeks.

Seems excessive? It is. Three hours for a baby that is usually only awake eight hours is a lot of crying. Parents may feel frustrated, discouraged, even depressed and angry. Lack of sleep with a screaming baby has to be some form of torture.

What are the symptoms of Colic?

• high-pitched crying or screaming
• very hard to soothe
• can have a red face or pale skin around the mouth
• may pull in the legs, stiffen the arms, arch the back, or clench fists
• may have a tight firm belly

What Causes Colic?

The official answer is nobody knows. Great.

We have worked with countless parents who have gone to pediatricians, specialists, friends and family only to be told that “this too shall pass”. We don’t think that answer is good enough.

When we work 1:1 with parents we are almost always able to cut down crying by 50% or more! I’m not saying that officially colic has a cause- but it definitely has some top culprits.

1. Baby isn’t tolerating their food well. If you are breastfeeding there may be something you are eating that doesn’t sit well with them. If you are feeding formula they may have an allergy or intolerance.
2. Baby isn’t having their needs met appropriately. They may be underfed or overfed, they may be overtired or overstimulated. Babies that are unregulated cannot settle.
3. They are excessively gassy from intaking air. This could be because of a sensitivity or it could be how they’re eating. Are they drinking too fast? Do they have a lip or tongue tie?
4. Their environment is overwhelming. Do you always have the Tv on and people over? Are there dogs barking? Police sirens? Bright overhead lights?
5. There may be something wrong. Acid reflux, torticollis, being misaligned from a traumatic birth- your baby may legitimately be uncomfortable

When is Colic at it’s Worst?

Colic is usually at it’s worst between weeks 4 and 6. Colic usually resolves itself by three months old.

How Can Parents Cope with Colic?

First, lets focus on the parents. Parents need encouragement and support. And importantly, they need a break.

If you are alone and your baby is crying, it’s okay to lay them down in their crib and walk outside for a moment. Take some deep breaths, listen to a song and center yourself. That baby is going to scream with or without you there- they will be fine, but they need you to be fine too.

If you have support, use it! Take a walk, take a drive, take a nap. Do whatever you need to do to recharge.

Can Colic Be Cured?

Officially no…but maybe? Read on in our Can Colic Be Cured blog.

Still looking for more? Watch our video series where we go in depth about how to set your baby up for success and try to avoid colic triggers!