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Crying and colic
If your baby has started incessant, inconsolable, seemingly never-ending bouts of crying (or even screaming), it very well could be the dreaded colic which often develops around week three. Colic is generally characterized as crying that lasts at least three hours, happens at least three days a week, and continues for at least three weeks (with most cases ending at three months.)
You'll probably see a general pattern for colic many babies have a specific hour that the crying starts and stops, usually in the late afternoon to evening.
There's no known cause for colic (meaning there's no cure) since babies experience it with varying levels of intensity and different physical reactions.
Some believe it's due to intestinal immaturity because babies sometimes pull up their knees, refuse to eat and pass gas more frequently but that's not always the case. If you think it's all in your baby's tummy, talk to the pediatrician about possible medications. Also rule out reflux or an allergy.
Others believe colic is attributed to sensory overload since they're now taking in more sights and smells than in their sleepier first weeks. If you think this might be causing your baby's crying, don't use music, swinging, massage, etc. to sooth. Watch how your baby reacts to different stimuli and stay away from whatever is irritating.
For whatever reason, cigarette smoke has been proven to increase the likelihood and intensity of colic. Ban smoking from indoors and encourage household smokers to quit.
If you're concerned your baby's colicky behavior is attributed to a daily dip in your milk supply (sometimes occurring in the early evening, when colic is most likely to strike), talk to your doctor about the likeliness of this. If you're convinced this is the trigger, try supplementing with pumped milk, which will help boost your supply. Keep in mind, however, that acting like he is hungry and then refusing to eat is a common characteristic of colic.
Try and stay as calm as possible. One controversial theory is that colicky babies can pick up their parents' tension, causing them distress. While it's more likely that the crying is what causes the tension, it's always a good idea to create a calming, peaceful environment for a newborn. The crying is not your fault; so don't listen to anyone who suggests otherwise.
Keep in mind that the colic will go away we promise and it hasn't been proven to cause any long-term emotional or physical damage (for the baby, not you.)
Tips on surviving colic
There's nothing more distressing than hearing your baby cry and having absolutely no way to make him stop. It's torturous, to be honest, and it can push a healthy individual over the edge not to mention those struggling with a chemical (hormonal) imbalance. In order to make it to the other end of this dark tunnel with your sanity in tact, follow these tips:
Give yourself a break. No one can handle colic duty every night of the week for hours straight. It's impossible to accomplish without losing your cool and your mind. If you have a partner, equally splitting the shifts isn't only beneficial for you, but for your baby. A fresh set of arms with different soothing techniques can be helpful. If not, try and find a patient and loving family member to step in every now and then to give you a break. And if all else fails and you've done everything you can to soothe your baby (changing, feeding, burping, etc.), put him down in a bassinet or cot and go collect yourself for five or ten minutes. Burning yourself out isn't helping anyone especially your baby.
Let it out. Talk to other parents who have survived this trying period, as well as your doctor, your partner, your mum, etc. Jump on the Internet and connect with other new parents to understand you're not alone. And then cry a little yourself.
Tune it out. Try picking up a set of earplugs to dull the shrieks or using earphones to play soothing music, whether you're pacing the room with your baby or in another room trying to get some composure. Slipping into some meditative exercises, taking a hot shower, and/or vacuuming the house can also be helpful during colic hours.
Most importantly, if you feel dangerous like you might hit or further harm your baby put him down immediately and walk away. Everyone has a breaking point, and while the thought of throwing a colicky baby out a window is a very common fantasy to have, if you think it could go beyond a daydream, get help. If you have the urge to hit or shake the baby, get help. Don't wait until you snap because you just might.
If it's not colic, possible reasons for crying include:
Hunger. This is one of the most common and easiest cries to distinguish, especially considering babies usually give other signals as well, such as sucking on their hand, smacking their lips, and turning their mouth toward you as you stroke their cheek. The sooner you recognise your baby's particular signs, the less wailing you'll have to endure.
Pain. This is usually a loud, panicked shriek or an uncomfortable whine, depending on what's wrong. First search for something simple like a strand of your hair wrapped around his finger or toe, and then check to make sure baby isn't too cold or sweating. If you can't find a source, try to relieve any gas that might be upsetting your baby's tummy. If burping doesn't work, lay baby flat and move his legs in a bicycle motion. You might also want to check with your doctor about anti-gas drops if the problem becomes consistent.
If all else fails, your baby might be craving attention and comfort. Here are some tried and true soothing methods:
- Shushing and/or whispering
- Swinging or bouncing
- Giving them something to suckle, such as a dummy
- Patting their backs
- Carrying them in a sling
- Using white noise, a sound machine, or even a vacuum, fan or hairdryer
- Playing some calming music
Of course every baby is different, so the first weeks are largely a trial-and-error period to see what works and what doesn't.
- To find out about soothing your baby
- Recognise your baby's tired signs
- How does your baby communicate
Written by Linda Drummond for Kidspot, Australia's leading pregnancy and parenting resource.
Last revised: Thursday, 17 February 2011
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.
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