Few things are worse for a parent than holding a helpless little one as he squirms and screams for comfort that you can’t seem to offer. Is it pain? Is it hunger? Is it both or neither? What’s for sure is your baby is crying for help the only way he knows. Not knowing how to make it better only seems to make it worse for everyone.
Take a deep breath. With information about how to recognize and help understand colic, this too will pass.
When it comes to the causes of colic in babies, there are no sure answers. Some research has been done on whether there’s a link between colic and allergies to food, like cow’s milk, but more study is needed.
The good news is that colic doesn’t usually signal a serious medical problem, in most cases. Research shows colic affects 9%-19% of infants, whether they’re breastfed or formula fed.1,2 If a serious medical condition is present, your baby’s cries may be non-stop. Consult with your baby’s pediatrician if your baby’s crying is non-stop.
It usually begins when a baby is 2 to 3 weeks old. How long does it last? It is not usually seen in babies over about 3 months of age.
One thing babies do well is cry. It’s their way of telling you something is bothering them, and it doesn’t always mean they’re in serious discomfort. When your baby cries, check the simple reasons first. Is he:
A common way to define if your baby is colicky or not is called The Rule of 3s.3 Your baby may be considered colicky if he cries for reasons other than those listed above for a period of:
Other than crying, colicky baby signs may include:
If you notice a change in your little one’s crying pattern, it could be cause for concern. In this case, contact your baby’s healthcare professional.
If your baby is experiencing excessive crying, talk to your pediatrician. If cow’s milk allergy is suspected, your pediatrician may recommend a hypoallergenic formula like Similac® Alimentum®.
A formula like Similac Alimentum can help babies start feeling better today. It starts reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity in most babies within 24 hours.* It is an extensively hydrolyzed formula, meaning the milk protein is broken down into tiny, easier-to-digest pieces. Shop now for Similac Alimentum and other Similac® formulas.
We’re always here to help! For live, one-on-one feeding support, call the Similac FeedingExpert at 1-800-986-8800.
Often, a baby with colic can be comforted through swaddling, offering him a pacifier, or helping him relax in a baby swing or rocking device. If these ideas don’t work, and you can see no physical reason for his discomfort, try:
Even the most experienced parent can get overwhelmed by the crying of an infant, with or without colic. Having a good support system on standby can offer you a much-needed break when it all becomes too much. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when that time comes:
* Based on a clinical study with Similac Alimentum Ready to Feed without DHA and ARA in a small group of infants experiencing colic symptoms due to cow's milk protein sensitivity. Data on file, Study AC84, August 2004. Abbott Nutrition, Columbus, Ohio.
References: 1. Fiocchi A, et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2010;21(suppl 21):1-125. 2. Lucassen PL, et al. Arch Dis Child. 2001;84(5):398-403. 3. Quiet the colic. Pregnancy and Newborn. Accessed September 20, 2018. https://www.pnmag.com/mom-baby/baby-care/quiet-the-colic/
Sources: Peri C. Expert Q&A: crying and colic. WebMD. Reviewed May 27, 2015. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/expert-answers-colic#1
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