Colic: The Basic Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

If you find that your baby is crying uncontrollably and is unable to be soothed, he may be suffering from colic. Colic occurs when a healthy, well-fed baby cries more than three hours per day, more than three days per week, for more than three weeks at a time. It often begins when the baby is around two weeks old and almost always goes away on its own by the time he is three or four months old.

There is no specific cause for colic, but there are several theories, including:

• Acid reflux
• Gas
• Stomach issues
• Hormones
• Muscle spasms in the digestive system
• Oversensitivity to light or noise

If you are concerned about how fussy your baby is, the first step is to take him to the doctor for an exam. This way you can rule out infection, pressure in the brain, eye issues, injuries, irregular heartburn, or acid reflux.

Because there is no specific cause of colic, there is no exact cure. However, there are a variety of interventions your doctor may recommend for you to try, such as:

• Changing formula
• Avoiding certain foods while breastfeeding
• Changing bottle nipples
• Swaddling
• White noise
• Infant massage
• Pacifiers
• Warm baths
• Medications based on what your doctor discovers in the exam

Having a baby that is colicky can be frustrating for parents, so it is important to remember that colic has nothing to do with you personally. To cope with the stress, ask for help from loved ones. Remember to take a deep breath and stay patient.

If you have additional questions about colic or how to help your baby, speak with your doctor.