Colic is a common condition for newborn babies but despite being harmless, it can be distressing to both baby and parent. A colicky baby can prove to be an overwhelming experience for first time parents as the frustration of constant crying and exhaustion from lack of sleep proves too much to handle.

With some simple tips and a few useful baby products, you and your baby can get through this difficult time.

What is baby colic?

Colic typically affects infants under the age of three months. About 20% of babies develop colic and the term describes a pattern of crying that is uncontrollable, even when the baby appears in good health and is well-fed. While frequent crying is commonplace with babies, a colicky baby can be difficult, or near on impossible, to pacify.

A baby with colic will reach an intense stage at 6-8 weeks diminishing as they reach three months of age.

How do I know if my baby has colic?

On average, a baby will cry for about two and half hours a day but a baby with colic will cry for three or more hours a day, typically for three or more days per week. Colic usually starts at 2-4 weeks of age and can continue up to three months-old. In rare cases, it can continue up to 6-9 months of age.

The frequency of crying isn’t the only sign your baby has colic. A colicky baby will look uncomfortable as they cry and may extend their legs or pull them up as they try to pass wind. The time of day that your baby cries can indicate colic. Although your baby may cry uncontrollably during the day, colicky babies are generally worse in the evening between 6pm and midnight.

Why has my baby got colic?

What causes colic is still something of a mystery. Many experts believe it is due to digestion problems while an immature nervous system and temperature may also be to blame.

Gastrointestinal problems show little evidence of triggering colic but temperature is thought to make a baby sensitive to their environment and therefore likely to react against it. With such a young nervous system, once the crying starts a baby can find it difficult to control. Babies exposed to smoke can also be more likely to develop colic.

The mother’s diet has also been linked to colic. If you breastfeed, dairy products have been known to cause colic as have spicy foods, vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower) and wheat products. Other irritants include alcohol, caffeine and garlic.

Certain formula milk has been known to cause colic too. If you bottle feed your baby, try switching to a different formula to determine if that’s the irritant.

How can I help a baby with colic?

First of all, colic isn’t a serious condition and the only harm caused is upset and tension for both baby and parent. If you are concerned about your baby’s health, it is advisable to seek a medical opinion to rule out any other underlying problems (for example a hernia).

Your baby should continue to feed properly despite having colic and will continue to gain weight. However, you’ll want to try and ease their crying so everyone in the house can feel a bit more relaxed and hopefully get some much needed sleep.

Here are a few tips for helping a baby with colic:

With such a fragile nervous system, your baby could be reacting to all the stimulation around them and may need some reassurance.

Your baby may cry less if placed in swaddling. By preventing their arms and legs from flailing, they are less likely to become upset. Swaddle wraps can soothe and calm your baby and while they may cry at first, they’ll soon begin to settle.

Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe MicroFleece

Many babies respond positively to movement and vibrations. A warm front carrying baby carrier will keep baby close to you while you go for a walk. Your heartbeat and the motion of walking can help to ease colic symptoms.

CClippasafe Front Carrier

For home, recreate movement by using a baby rocker. A comfortable rocker will gently ease and relax your baby helping them to calm down and drift off to sleep.

Concord Rio Baby Rocker

Given that temperature may be a trigger to colic, making sure your baby doesn’t have a fever and that your home is at a comfortable temperature can help toward easing your baby’s cries.

An ear thermometer is the easiest and quickest way to measure your baby’s temperature while a nursery room thermometer allows you to monitor the ambient temperature so it’s kept within a safe range.

Summer Infant Digital Ear Thermometer

Grobag Egg Nursery / Room Thermometer

When in the womb, babies are comforted by the sound of the fluids moving around them. Once out of the womb, those noises are no longer present which can cause baby distress. By recreating this “white noise”, a baby gets the reassurance of being back in the womb again which will go some way to helping ease their colic.

There are a number of products that can mimic the noises a baby would hear when in the womb (such as the mother’s heartbeat). These sleeping audio aids also play sounds such as spring rain or ocean waves which are similar to the “white noise” heard in the womb.

Sleep Sheep - Baby Sleeping Aid

Other Top Tips for Colic

1. Your baby may be reacting to their diet. If using formula, try switching brands to see if that helps.

2. If breastfeeding, your diet may be affecting your baby. Cut out known irritants to colic such as alcohol, caffeine, wheat products, dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and spicy foods.

3. If bottle fed, make sure your baby isn’t swallowing air from the bottle.

4. Burp your baby frequently after feeding, even if breastfed.

5. Look after yourself. If you’re tense, your baby will sense this and react. Give yourself a break and ask for help from family and friends so you can take some time out.

6. Use a dummy or your fingers for baby to suck on. This can help calm baby down.

7. A gentle massage can help calm a baby.

8. If you haven’t got an audio aid for your baby, create some “white noise” by detuning a radio or turning on a fan.

9. Gently rock your baby and make gentle shushing noises. The motion and noise can calm a baby.

10. If you are at all unsure about your baby’s health, consult with your healthcare provider.