Baby Colic and Unsettled Babies

A crying, unsettled baby can be stressful for the whole family.

What is Colic?

An episode of colic is very different from ordinary crying. Colic is a condition marked by recurrent episodes of prolonged crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant. During the episodes, which can occur day after day, the baby is usually inconsolable.

Babies cry for many reasons, and it is quite important that colic is not self-diagnosed. Parents should always see a doctor upfront if your baby is crying for long periods of time that can’t be explained. From there, the doctor will be able to rule out any serious conditions or situations which need medical attention and provide advice.

Colic is common, with about one in five babies expected to experience it. In most instances, it reaches a peak at about six weeks of age, and after about 5-6 months, it typically begins to diminish.

Signs of Colic in Babies

Extended crying, turning to screaming, in a baby who is otherwise healthy. Babies who cry for at least three hours a day, for at least three days a week, and whose cries are often inconsolable and last for several hours, frequently without an obvious cause.
Clenched fists, red face, furrowed brow, knees pulled up and general increased activity while crying.

Understanding Colic in Babies

Colic in babies is a challenging condition that leaves many parents searching for answers. Characterised by long periods of crying without an obvious reason, colic in babies can be distressing for both the child and their caregivers. Possible causes of colic in babies may include:

An immature nervous and digestive system,
Parents’ anxiety perceived by the baby,
Overfeeding,
Food intolerance or allergy,
An unbalanced microflora.

By learning about the possible causes and complexities of colic, parents can better support their baby and explore effective ways to soothe and comfort them during difficult times.

Recognising the Signs of Colic

Recognising the signs of colic is essential for parents who want to provide the best care for their baby. One of the most common symptoms of colic is inconsolable crying, often occurring in the late afternoon or early evening. This crying can be intense and may sound like a high-pitched cry, which can be particularly distressing for parents. Babies with colic might also show signs of abdominal pain, such as drawing their legs up to their tummies or clenching their fists. These crying episodes can last for hours and may not be relieved by typical soothing methods. It’s important for parents to distinguish colic from other causes of crying, such as hunger, tiredness, or general discomfort. If you are concerned about your baby’s crying or notice any changes in their symptoms, consult your healthcare professional.

Distinguishing Colic from Other Conditions

It’s important for parents to know that not all prolonged crying is due to colic. Other conditions, such as food allergies or digestive issues, can also cause similar symptoms. Seeking medical advice is essential to rule out underlying medical conditions and to support the baby’s health.

To accurately identify colic, healthcare professionals often conduct a systematic review of the baby’s symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam. This helps rule out other potential causes and ensures that the baby receives the right care. Parents should pay close attention to the symptoms of colic, such as the timing and nature of the crying, and share this information with their doctor.

Managing Colic Symptoms

Managing colic symptoms can be a challenging journey, but there are several strategies that may help reduce crying episodes and bring comfort to both baby and parents. Soothing techniques like a gentle stomach rub, a warm bath, or playing soft music can help calm a fussy baby. Creating a peaceful environment—using white noise, a rocking chair, or dim lighting—can also help soothe a colicky baby. Every baby is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find what works best. Remember, colic symptoms usually improve with time, and most babies outgrow this phase within a few months.

Soothing Techniques for Unsettled Babies

When faced with a crying baby, parents often try a variety of soothing techniques to help their little one feel more comfortable. Gentle swaying or rocking, either in your arms or in a rocking chair, can provide a sense of security for babies. Using a front pack or baby carrier allows for close contact, which can be very reassuring for both baby and parent. Playing soothing music or white noise, or giving your baby a warm bath, can also help calm crying episodes. Some babies respond well to gentle movements, while others may prefer being cuddled quietly.

It is important to try different ways to soothe a baby, but sometimes, despite your best efforts, a baby's crying may not stop immediately.

What can you do?

Here are some tips you can use to help your baby:

If breastfeeding, work with your health professional to continue.
If you are bottle-feeding, limit air intake via the teat as much as possible and make sure you burp your baby properly.
Don’t change infant formula without seeking the advice of a healthcare professional, and make sure you use the correct scoop and quantities of powder and water.
Discuss with your doctor about possible treatment options. There is some evidence that certain probiotic strains might help reduce crying and colic.
Massage your baby’s stomach gently in a clockwise direction, place a lukewarm heat-pack wrapped in a towel on their tummy (warmth is excellent for relieving pain);
Give your baby a warm bath. Some babies may pass gas or have a bowel movement during or after a warm bath, which can help relieve discomfort and sometimes allow the baby to fall asleep.
Some babies find sucking calming, and you may find feeding your baby more frequently may help. Just be aware that over-feeding may result in tummy discomfort which won’t ease the crying.
When feeding, try to hold your baby upright during feeds to help prevent discomfort and reduce the chance of swallowing air.

Colic usually improves with age, and often resolves by the time they are around 6 months old. However, the duration of colic can vary from baby to baby. This is a stressful time for not just the baby but parents as well, so do endeavour to get some support from family or friends so you can have some time out. Caring for a baby suffering from colic can take an emotional toll, so managing frustration safely is important. A healthcare professional such as a Plunket nurse can also provide guidance and support for parents of a baby with colic.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and what soothes one may not work for another. If you are concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further advice and support.

This section is for your information only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. See your doctor or another healthcare professional for advice specific to your baby.