What is Colic in Babies?

Did you know that crying is the primary way babies communicate? It is unlikely your newborn is crying for no reason. Whether they’re  expressing hunger, discomfort, tiredness or a need for attention, your crying infant is trying to tell you something. But remember, crying doesn't always signify distress.

Infant crying patterns can differ with age. It is normal for your baby to cry a lot during the early months. While some babies cry a little and softly, others cry excessively and loudly. The prime reason your baby cries is because they have an inability to convey their needs in words. In the early days you may not be able to understand the reason why your baby is crying, but gradually as you get to know them intimately, you can start to understand what their cries are communicating.

You may experience your newborn crying for about two hours a day, decreasing as they mature. Around 6 weeks your baby might experience a ‘crying peak’ and then by three months, most babies cry for about an hour a day. However, if your infant keeps crying more than normal, it might be a case of infant colic. This is a difficult time for parents and it’s important to get the appropriate support. Talk to your health care professional to help rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the crying. If diagnosed with colic, talk to them about colic treatments as there is emerging evidence about a role for certain probiotics in helping to reduce the crying associated with colic.

What is colic?

Colic in your newborn is an unexplainable unsettled period where your baby is crying for a long time, sometimes for hours, and is inconsolable. The true definition is crying ≥3 hours per day, on ≥3 days per week for ≥1 week.

Your doctor will be able to rule out any other cause of the crying before diagnosing baby colic, which will give you reassurance and support that your baby is otherwise growing healthily.

How is colic diagnosed?

The difficulty in diagnosing colic is that it’s relatively ‘normal’ for babies to fuss and cry – after all it’s one of their main ways to communicate with us. It’s quite important that you don’t self-diagnose colic. You should always see a doctor upfront if your baby is crying for long periods of time that can’t be explained.  From there, your doctor will be able to rule out any serious conditions or situations which need medical attention and provide advice.

How common is colic?

According to statistics, up to 1 in 5 babies (20%), both breastfed and bottle fed, between the ages of two weeks and six months suffer from infant colic. 

What causes colic in babies?

There can be several causes of crying but when there is no obvious cause, and no failure to thrive, fever or illness, the inconsolable periods of crying are labelled colic. Possible causes of colic in babies may include:

• An immature nervous and digestive system,
• Parents’ anxiety perceived by the baby,
• Overfeeding,
• Food intolerance or allergy,
• An unbalanced microflora,
• Or overly frequent changes in infant formula.

Signs of colic in babies

Simply put, long periods of unexplained crying and fussiness are the primary colic symptoms in newborns, and feel beyond what you would consider to be ‘normal’. After checking with your doctor that what your baby is experiencing is colic, trust their support, and lean on family and friends, to help you get through this challenging time.

Signs of colic in babies can start in the first few weeks of life and last until around 6 months of age.  However, every baby is different and it’s important to continue to monitor your baby and seek healthcare professional advice if you are concerned.

Behavioural signs of colic

• Your baby is irritable and is inconsolable and unhappy;
• Your adorable little baby, who up until now has amazed you with their calm nature and regular growth, starts to cry repeatedly throughout the day and several times during the night;
• This unhappiness is causing your baby to produce high-pitched screaming or prolonged crying episodes

Physical signs of colic

• Prolonged crying can come with some side-effects such as:
• Frowning and grimacing
• Reddening of the face
• The baby may pull up their legs, suggesting stomach or colic pains
• Passing wind or faeces (poo) around the time the crying stops may just be coincidental

Sleep patterns

• Understandably, sleep patterns can be majorly disturbed for both you and your baby and everyone else in the house.

Combined with your tiredness, you are finding it harder and harder to cope with this sudden change in attitude. In a word, you are scared! This is normal. Be sure to have them checked with your healthcare professional, what your baby is experiencing may be colic.

How is colic treated?

Once your doctor diagnoses colic, treatment is naturally the next question. As the cause is not quite clear, the treatment path is also not straightforward. For some, apart from extra comforting that your little one will appreciate, it may be a case of waiting for your little one to grow out of it over time. There are promising results with specific probiotics that have shown to reduce crying time in colicky infants, which your healthcare professional can guide you on.

How can you soothe an infant with colic?

There is nothing we want more than a happy baby, so when you have a colic baby it can be really hard to bear.  Here are some tips you can use to help your baby.

• Talk to your doctor about possible treatment options, including specific probiotics that may help ease the crying in colicky infants.
• Continue breastfeeding, seek help from your health professional if needed.
• If you are bottle-feeding, limit air intake via the teat as much as possible – try an anti-reflux system and make sure you burp your baby properly.
• Don’t change infant formula without seeking the advice of a healthcare professional and make sure you make sure you follow the directions on pack and use the correct scoop and quantities of powder and water.
• Massage your baby’s stomach gently in a clockwise direction, place a warm heat-pack wrapped in a towel on their tummy (warmth is excellent for relieving pain);
• Give your baby a warm bath.
• Some babies find sucking calming, and you may find feeding your baby more frequently may help. Just be aware that over-feeding may result in tummy discomfort which won’t ease the crying.
• Gentle rocking or holding your baby in your arms or in a baby carrier or sling.

Be sure to get the support you need. Remaining calm and soothing your baby the best way you can, will mean more than you think: they’ll feel your love and comfort come through in your gentle touch. Read more tips on settling a crying baby here.

How can you manage your emotions when managing colic in babies?

Managing stress when dealing with a colicky baby can be challenging, but it is essential for parents to prioritise their own well-being also.

• Remember that colic is temporary: Understanding that colic is a phase that will eventually pass can help parents stay positive and resilient during challenging times.
• Take breaks and seek support: Taking short breaks from caregiving responsibilities and seeking support from family and friends can provide much-needed relief and help parents recharge.
• Engage in stress-reducing activities: Engaging in activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help parents relax and reduce stress levels. Finding time for self-care is essential for maintaining emotional well-being.
• Seek professional advice: Consulting a paediatrician or joining support groups can offer valuable guidance and reassurance. Professionals can provide helpful strategies and tips for managing colic and offer support during this challenging period

Read more tips on adjusting to parenthood here.

Common causes for a crying infant or colicky baby

Understanding the common reasons infants cry can help you meet your baby's needs more effectively.

• Hunger or thirst: Your crying infant may be signalling hunger or thirst. If it's been a few hours since the last feeding, consider offering them a feed. Have your baby weighed by a health care professional regularly during their first couple of months to ensure they are putting on a desired amount of weight.
• Need for a nappy change: Wet or soiled nappies can cause discomfort. Regularly check and change your baby's nappy to prevent irritation.
• Physical discomfort or illness: A crying infant can indicate physical discomfort or illness, such as teething pain, gas, or other health issues. If you think your baby is unwell, consult a healthcare professional.
• Over stimulated: Give your baby space to move and be free from being held after each feed. Different temperaments handle touch differently. Your baby may find the lights, smells, and noise of different places overwhelming, leading to unsettledness and crying. Limit the time your baby is passed around for cuddles, as too many from different people can be tiring.
• Tiredness or overtired: Be mindful of how much sleep your baby requires and ensure they are given the opportunity to sleep at regular intervals. Establish sleep cues and become aware of, and watch out for tired signs such as jerky limb movements, facial grimacing, yawning, breaking eye contact and clenched fists. These are signs that your baby is ready to be settled to sleep.
• Passing a bowel movement: Your baby may cry before a bowel movement. It should not be associated with any other bowel changes such as blood, mucous, froth or anal fissures which are signs that need to be seen by a healthcare professional.
• In need of a cuddle: Prior to being born your baby has been close to the sound of your heartbeat and aware of other rhythmical muffled sounds from the womb and outside noises. They have been floating in the warmth of fluid and felt secure while encapsulated in the womb. Exposure to the outside world full of loud and sudden sharp noises, smells, brightness, wearing of clothes, taste of milk and bodily functioning can be a massive adaptation for your baby to make. A secure, reassuring and comforting cuddle may be just the thing that helps them feel everything is ok.
• Baby colic: Your doctor may diagnose infant colic if your baby continues to cry for many hours a day, over multiple days and weeks without any other known cause. Your baby may stiffen their back and not want to be held. All the usual comforting measures are not working, and your baby is getting more upset and so are you. Checking for basic needs (nappy change, food, sleep) and offering comfort can all help calm your colicky baby.
• It may take time to fully understand your baby's unique needs. Be patient and provide a soothing environment while responding with love and care. If you have any concerns always reach out for advice from your healthcare professional.

Effective methods to soothe your crying infant or colicky baby

Knowing how to soothe your crying baby or infant with colic is incredibly beneficial. Here are some tips:

1. Comforting techniques: Swaddling, gentle rocking, or using white noise can comfort a crying baby. Sometimes, simply holding your crying infant close can be the most effective solution.
2. The role of feeding: Hunger is a common reason for crying. If it's been a while since the last feeding, consider offering a feed to your crying infant.
3. Using a dummy or soothing items: Dummies can offer comfort and satisfy your baby's sucking reflex. However, they should only be introduced once breastfeeding is well established. Other comforting items like a soft blanket or a favourite toy can provide a sense of security to a colic baby.

If your baby's crying persists, especially if they are showing signs of infant colic, consult your healthcare professional.

When to seek professional help for your newborn's crying

If your newborn will not stop crying and the cause is unclear, professional help may be needed. Look out for signs such as high-pitched or continuous crying, fever, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or changes in appetite. If you notice any of these, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. If your doctor rules out any other cause of the crying, they may diagnose your infant with colic, which will give you reassurance and support that your baby is otherwise growing healthily.

Caring for yourself while caring for your crying infant

As parents, it's important to also care for yourselves. Here are some coping strategies:

• Self-care tips: Ensure you're getting enough rest, eating balanced nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Take breaks and engage in activities you enjoy. Say yes to anyone that sincerely offers to help you.
• Seeking support: Reach out to loved ones for emotional support, practical help, or babysitting assistance. Build social networks with other like-minded parents who have young babies and children.
• Have realistic expectations of your newborn during the first several weeks of life – your baby will cry and they will need you to be calm. Be realistic with what you expect to get accomplished each day.
• Managing stress: Practise relaxation techniques or engage in activities that make you happy. Do some form of outdoor exercise every day. If you're struggling, talk to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.

If you are alone and your baby’s crying is causing you to be extremely anxious or frustrated, put your baby safely in their cot or basinet and call for help. Call a trusted family member, friend, your health professional, or a support service.

Additional resources and support for parents of crying infants

Understanding why your baby is crying or what colic in infants means can be overwhelming, but there are resources available to help.

• Reputable websites like Raising Childrens Network, and Pregnancy, Birth & Baby have articles which address common concerns related to a crying infant.
• Parenting groups and forums provide a supportive community where you can share experiences and advice.
• In some cases, professional help may be needed. Paediatricians, lactation consultants, or child health nurses can provide expert guidance and support.

Remember, every baby is unique. Be patient and kind to yourself and your little one as you navigate the challenges of a crying infant or a colic baby.