There is nothing harder than watching your baby cry and not being able to communicate what is wrong. The first thing to keep in mind, crying is normal and a healthy form of communication for your baby. On one hand, crying allows your baby to communicate if they are hungry or uncomfortable. On the other hand, crying is an easy way for your baby to drown out any intense sensations such as sounds or sights.
Between 6:00 pm and midnight (lucky you), your baby may experience a regular and routine fussy period each day. This is common for babies and while it may seem like torture for everyone in the house, these periods are typically short-lived and do not last long.
Symptoms of colic in babies
Remember, routine fussiness in babies is completely normal and should subside naturally over the course of a couple of hours. On the other hand, about one-fifth of babies develop colic, usually between the second and fourth weeks of life. Colicky newborns may cry inconsolably, even scream for extended periods of time (some may even pass gas in the process).
What causes colic?
While we wish we had a definite answer or explanation as to why this happens, colic may simply mean that the child is unusually sensitive to stimulation. They may not be able to console themselves (self-soothe) or calm their immature nervous system.
Colic in breastfed babies may also indicate a sensitivity to a food in the mother’s diet or rarely, a sensitivity to the milk protein in formula. Colicky behavior may also be a sign of a medical concern or illness.
How long does colic last?
As your baby matures, their body and nervous system will do so as well. Increasing their natural ability to calm themselves down in moments of distress. It is common that colic will stop by three to five months (although some children may show signs of colic past six months of age).
Tips and Tricks to relieve colic
Stand on one leg, turn around and wave your magic wand…
We wish! While you may just have to ride this cranky roller coaster of emotions beside your little one, there are a few tips and tricks that may be worth trying. It is also important to note that you should speak with your child’s pediatrician as colic behavior can be indicative thereof a more serious medical concern.
If you are nursing, try eliminating milk products, onions, caffeine, cabbage, and/or any other foods from your diet that may irate the baby. The best place to start is by speaking with your child’s pediatrician and identifying one food at a time as it can take up to 2 weeks to see any difference.
If you are formula feeding your baby, talk to your child’s pediatrician about a protein hydrolysate formula. While less than 5% of colicky behavior is caused by food sensitivity, it may be the culprit!
Slow down on feeds! Oftentimes too much and too frequent feeds can cause unnecessary gas and discomfort for your child. By the rule of thumb, you should generally wait at least two to two-and-a-half hours in between feedings.
Moving your baby around can help soothe them. Motion and body contact will reassure the baby thereof a sense of security and comfort them as they work through any discomfort.
Introducing a pacifier, while some parents and professionals may recommend against the pacifier, can provide instant relief and distraction for some.
Another trick is swaddling your child. This can be done in a large thin blanket to tightly secure the baby and encourage a sense of security and comfort (after all, who doesn’t love a long cuddle or hug)?
What if I am losing my patience?
Well, you are definitely not alone. Especially during times of colic paired with long sleepless nights, hormonal shifts, and everything else that comes with a newborn, there is nothing wrong with needing a break.
If you are feeling tense, anxious, angry, or feel that you may be losing your sense of emotional control, it is important to recognize your need for a break. Find a family member, friend, or spouse who may be able to watch the little one and hold down the fort for a little bit while you get out of the house and breathe some fresh air.
In the event that nobody is available to help, it is OK to lay the baby on their back in their crib, or another safe place and leave the room for a few minutes.
Raising children is definitely NOT a sprint, it is a marathon of patience and it will test your every emotion. Take a deep breath and remember you and your baby’s health and safety come first!
Remember, no matter how angry, tired, or frustrated you may feel, a baby should NEVER be shaken.
For more tips and tricks on how to calm a fussy baby, take a look at this article.
