Colic

This information is about infant colic. This may tell you why your baby’s frequent crying may be normal and what you can do to help.

All babies cry, of course. On the average, a healthy baby will cry for about three solid hours out of every 24. And to a new father whose nerves are raw or to a new mother whose body may still be exhausted from pregnancy and birth, even 15 minutes can seem like an eternity.

But some babies, between about one and three months of age, seem to be affected with prolonged bouts of inconsolable crying or colic. These colicky babies cry for hours on end, often drawing up their legs in what looks like terrible abdominal pain, no matter what any one does for them. The crying often occurs after feedings or late in the afternoon or evening. The baby will often scream himself to sleep, and then sleep pretty well, only to have the pattern repeat the next day and the next.

No one really know what causes this crying in babies. Many doctors feel that these infants are supersensitive to the normal cramping sensations in their abdomens. Some are also very sensitive to any change around them and startle easily at loud noises and changes in temperature.

Equal percentages of breast-fed and formula-fed babies develop colic. And, as far as we know, there is no food that passes through the breast milk which causes the problem, so that there is no need for the nursing mother to stop eating any particular food.

There are many simple things that may help a screaming infant settle down. One is swaddling, or wrapping the baby in a blanket so that he can’t move his arms and legs much. Many fretful babies find this comforting. The automatic swings sold in toy stores can be useful and a convenient way to give your baby a soothing feeling. Sometimes a drive in the car will finally put the baby to sleep. And some infants will even sleep in the laundry room to the soothing sound of the automatic drier.

If your baby is the cranky type, it’s important for you to take a break from each other. Leave the baby with a reliable sitter or family member for a while, and do it on a regular basis.

It’s important to know that crying too much is not usually a sign of illness in a young infant. Almost all of these babies continue to eat, sleep and grow, despite their terrible screaming. Suspect a medical problem if your baby has fever, vomiting, is feeding poorly, or seems listless. Your health care provider will be glad to see you and your infant if you feel that his or her crying is a cause of concern. The baby will be examined for any possible physical cause for crying.

By far the most important thing to remember about colic is that it always goes away. By the age of three months, your screaming irritable infant will turn into a lovely sociable little human being. His fussy times will turn into social times and he or she will be the smiling bundle of joy that you imagined. The personality of the colicky baby will disappear and your child’s real personality will begin to develop.

Remember these key points:

• Colic or excessive crying in babies between one and three months is normal.
• Be patient.
• Swaddling, automatic swings or a drive in car can help your baby settle down during this terrible, but temporary, period.
• Most of all, giving your baby attention and cuddling makes for a happy baby and family.