Colic is referred to as long stretches of intense crying in otherwise healthy infants for more than 3 hours a day at least 3 days per week for more than 3 weeks.
It is most common during the first 6 weeks of life and tends to resolve on its own by age 3 to 4 months. Some of the common signs and symptoms of infantile colic include inconsolable crying, clenching of fists and legs, arching of the back, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty feeding.
The exact cause of infantile colic is not fully known. However, it is commonly associated with an immature digestive system, food sensitivities or allergies, swallowing air while feeding, or changes in formula or feeding patterns.
There is no specific cure for infantile colic. However, a few remedies include soothing techniques, such as rocking or swaddling, eliminating certain allergic foods from the breastfeeding mother’s diet, and medications, such as simethicone drops or probiotics.
Remember that colic is a self limiting, episodic and transient condition that normally goes away on its own after a few months. In the meantime, try to be patient and concentrate on taking care of yourself and your kid.
Overview
Key Facts
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Prevention
Specialist to visit
Treatment
Home-care
Alternatives therapies
FAQs
References
Symptoms Of Baby Colic
It’s normal for babies to fuss and cry. Babies who have colic tend to cry more than other babies, even though they’re otherwise healthy. Features of colic can include:
Intense and incessant crying episodes (lasting for usually more than 3 hours) even in the absence of triggers like hunger or need of diaper change.
Crying at the same time(s) everyday. Colicky babies mostly get fussy towards the end of the day. However, crying can happen at any time.
Clenching their fists, raising their legs above and tightening their abdominal muscles while crying.
Crying is loud, piercing and ceaseless in nature like they’re in pain.
Turning bright red when crying.
An increase in bowel activity may also be observed. They may break wind (pass gas) or spit up.
Worried that your baby may have infantile colic? Not sure if It's Colic or Normal Crying? Read this article to assess the symptoms.
Causes Of Baby Colic
Colic usually starts in the second or third week of life, peaks around 6 weeks, and resolves by the age of 12 weeks in 60% and by 16 weeks of age in 90% of infants.
The exact cause of colic is not fully understood, but there are several factors that are believed to contribute or trigger to this condition:
Digestive issues in the infant
Intolerance to lactose or cow's milk protein
Sensitivity to food in the breastfeeding mother's diet
Excessive gassiness or gas production
An immature digestive system
Acid reflux
Swallowing air
Overfeeding or underfeeding
Insufficient burping
Exposure to medications through breast feeding
Caffeine and nicotine in breast milk have been related to infant irritability because the baby's body is unable to adequately eliminate these toxins.
Certain medications are also passed through breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, discuss your medications with your doctor.
Neurodevelopmental issues
Higher level of serotonin (a key hormone that can stabilize mood)
An immature nervous system
Infant temperament
An early form of childhood migraine
Others
Interruption in sleeping pattern
Sensitivity to light, noise, etc., or too much stimulation
Poor feeding techniques
Emotions such as fear, frustration, or even excitement
Underlying health issues like hernia or infection etc.
Risk Factors For Baby Colic
There are several risk factors that may contribute to the development of colic. These include:
1. Age: Colic typically begins within the first few weeks of life and peaks around 6 to 8 weeks of age. After this time, symptoms often start to improve.
2. Sleeping pattern: As per some studies, babies who have irregular sleeping patterns or who do not get enough sleep may be more prone to colic.
3. Family history: Babies who have a family history of colic or other digestive problems may be more likely to develop colic themselves.
4. Parental emotional factors: Babies who are exposed to high levels of stress or anxiety may be more likely to develop colic.
Here are some age-old practices that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Diagnosis Of Colic
To diagnose colic in infants, doctors typically rely on a set of criteria known as the "Rule of Three." These are some of the criteria-
Symptoms persist for more than 3 hours a day
Happens more than 3 days a week
Persisting for more than 3 weeks
If an infant meets these criteria, a doctor may diagnose them with colic. However, before making a diagnosis, the pediatrician will do a physical exam and review your baby’s history and symptoms.
The doctor might perform some tests to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Prevention Of Colic
Here are some tips that can help limit or prevent colic in your baby, sometimes even before a bout of crying starts.
1. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for infants and can help prevent colic. Breast milk is easily digestible and causes no digestive issues.
2. Keep an eye on what you eat
If you're nursing, try to avoid milk products, caffeine, onions, cabbage, and any other potentially irritating items.
Keep track of what you eat and drink. Everything you consume gets passed to your baby and can affect them. This is something you should address with your pediatrician first.
3. Avoid overfeeding the baby
In general, try to wait at least two to two and a half hours between one feeding and the next.
4. Rock, walk and hold
Rock your baby in your arms or in a rocking chair
Put the baby in a swing
Walk with your baby in a stroller or baby carrier
Hold your baby against your chest
Take the baby for a car ride.
These motions and close contact can be soothing for your little one.
5. Burp your baby
Make sure you're efficiently burping your infant. It is recommended that you hold your baby upright after eating and tap on the back to get rid of any gas or air your baby swallows during feeding.
6. Attempt alternative feeding positions
Alternative feeding postures can aid in the prevention of colic symptoms. During feedings, try holding your baby upright or laying them on their side.
Doctor To Visit
Colic is usually not the cause of concern. You should, however, consult your baby’s pediatrician immediately if your baby’s colic is combined with one or more of the following symptoms:
Fever of over 100.4˚F (38˚C)
Vomiting, diarrhea
Bloody or mucus in stools
Pale skin
Crying a lot
Not sucking or drinking a bottle well
Drinking less milk than usual
Becoming more irritable when held or touched
A pediatrician can help in diagnosing the cause of baby colic pain and guiding parents toward effective management strategies for their infant's comfort.
If you have any concerns, talk to our expert pediatrician.
Treatment Of Colic
There are many tips for helping to soothe and deal with a colicky baby.
1. Parental reassurance and stress management
Parental reassurance and support are the cornerstones of treatment. Colic is a common condition that can be extremely distressing for both the newborn and the parents. The doctor will reassure parents and counsel them about the benign and self-limiting nature of colic.
2. Comfort measures
Massage your baby's back while holding them across your arm or lap. The pressure against their stomach may provide some relief. Place them in their cot on their back if they fall asleep this way.
Swaddling them in a warm blanket or giving them a warm bath are other options. so that they feel safe and warm.
3. Change in feeding technique
Ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat and that he or she is burping frequently during and after feeding to release any trapped air in their stomach. While feeding, try to keep your infant in a vertical (sitting up) position.
4. Reduction of allergens from the mothers’s diet
Breastfeeding moms can try changing their diet to avoid foods that might cause an increase in the baby's colic.
Common allergens include dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, wheat and shellfish.
They can work with a doctor to identify possible triggers and might need to temporarily cut out certain foods to see if it helps the baby. Afterwards, they can gradually reintroduce foods to check if any make the colic worse.
5. Changes for bottle-fed infants
Use anti-colic bottles or nipples: Anti-colic bottles aim to minimize the air a baby ingests during feeding, which may help ease colic symptoms.
Shop from our extensive range of anti-colic bottles and nipples
Switch to a hydrolyzed formula: Transitioning to a special "hydrolyzed formula" could be beneficial. This formula contains proteins that are partially broken down, making it easier for a baby's stomach to digest. It could be helpful for babies who have trouble with regular cow's milk-based formula.
Before making this switch, consult a doctor to ensure it's suitable for your baby.
Explore our wide range of baby food formulas
6. Probiotics
Probiotics are good living bacteria that can help restore the balance of gut bacteria in colicky newborns. Several studies have shown that certain probiotic strains (such as lactobacillus reuteri) can reduce crying time and improve overall colic symptoms. However, before giving your baby any medication, consult with your pediatrician.
Probiotics are great for older kids too. Learn more about the benefits of including probiotics in your child’s diet.
7. Medications:
The following medications are prescribed to help soothe your baby's discomfort:
Simethicone: This medication is readily available for the management of colic as it prevents the formation of gas bubbles. It also helps reduce crying spells in some babies.
Dicyclomine Hydrochloride: This medicine relaxes stomach muscles and was earlier tried for colic. However, it is contraindicated in infants younger than six months because of side effects like drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, and apnea.
Check out the extensive range of pediatric colic drops
Home-care For Colic
While colic can be distressing for both the infant and the parents, the following tips can help you make it more manageable.
1. General tips
Warm bath: A warm bath can help calm an infant's digestive tract and relieve colic. Fill a bathtub halfway with warm water and gently massage your baby's abdomen.
Massage: Massage might also assist to alleviate colic symptoms. Massage your baby's tummy in a gentle, circular motion, beginning at the navel and progressing outward.
Paddling exercise: Bicycling a baby’s legs can help him to pass gas. Lay your baby in a supine position, hold their ankle very gently and start pressing one leg towards their tummy. Hold every time you press their ankle for a few seconds and then release.
Kangaroo Care: It is a method of care for preterm infants. The method involves infants being carried, usually by the mother, with skin-to-skin contact. It helps calm and soothe a baby.
Keep a routine: Establishing a routine can help your baby feel more secure and may help reduce their colic symptoms. Try to stick to a consistent feeding, sleeping, and playtime schedule.
Feed: Try to feed your baby before they become overly hungry or distressed. Overfeeding can exacerbate colic symptoms.
Experiment with feeding: If you're breastfeeding, try adjusting your diet to see if it affects your baby's colic symptoms. If you're formula-feeding, talk to your pediatrician about trying different types of formula.
Try a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help soothe and calm a fussy baby. However, make sure to use a pacifier only after breastfeeding to avoid nipple confusion.
Explore a variety of baby pacifiers on our website.
Soothe your baby: Try different soothing techniques to help your baby feel more comfortable, such as gentle rocking, swaying, or carrying them in a baby carrier.
Pleasant sounds: Try using something in your child's room that makes a soothing sound, such as a fan, or a heartbeat CD. It may also calm a fussy baby and promote sleep.
Check for medical issues: Colic can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue, so it's important to have your baby evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out any problems.
Take a break for yourself : Caring for a colicky baby can be exhausting, so make sure to take breaks whenever you can. Ask for help from friends or family members, or consider hiring a babysitter or nanny for a few hours to give you a break.
2. Herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies have been used traditionally since ages. You can try them to soothe your baby’s colic. Do consult with your child’s pediatrician before trying them.
1. Herbal infused water
Several herbs including peppermint (pudina), chamomile, lemon balm, fennel and licorice are thought to be helpful for colic. These herbs may help calm the infant and reduce abdominal distension.
How to use
Prepare a calming herbal infusion by boiling a suitable quantity of these herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool. Offer a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) to your baby using a dropper or baby bottle.
This spice is traditionally used as a digestive aid.
How to use
Apply one teaspoon of water with a pinch of hing around the baby's navel. You can also apply the Hing roll-on. It is quick, easy, and safe to use.
Check out baby hing roll on in our baby healthcare range.
Does your baby also cry inconsolably? Listen to our expert discuss the various causes and remedies of colic. Watch Now
Alternative Therapies For Colic
There are several alternative therapies that may help alleviate colic symptoms in infants. Here are some of them:
1. Homeopathy
Some parents turn to homeopathic preparations, including gripe water, which is believed to ease digestive discomfort. But it's essential to consult a qualified homeopath and a pediatrician before using any such remedies.
2. Acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology
Gentle pressure on specific points on the body, such as the feet, might be used to promote relaxation and potentially alleviate colic discomfort.
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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover all possible side effects, drug interactions or warnings or alerts. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
Is postpartum depression linked to colicky babies?
Research has found that mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to have babies with colic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caring for a colicky baby can be challenging and exhausting, both physically and mentally. Here are some suggestions to assist you deal with a colicky infant, such as trying different soothing techniques, remaining calm and patient, taking pauses, and connecting with other parents who have gone through the same experience.
Colic is usually characterized as sobbing for three or more hours per day, three or more days per week, and for three or more weeks.
No, when your infant has painful gas, especially if it’s frequent, it might cause your baby to cry or become fussy until it passes; unlike colic, which causes crying and fussiness that lasts for hours, days, or weeks. Gas can also cause unique symptoms, such as a distended tummy.
Pacifiers can have a soothing effect on colicky babies by satisfying their need to suck. Sucking is a natural reflex for infants and can help to calm and comfort them.
