Introduction

Hey there, tired parents! If you’re reading this, you have likely endured many crying spells that feel like they have no end. You are at your wit’s end! You have tried everything you can think of to pacify your baby.
You might be wondering, “Is this normal?” or “Am I doing something wrong?”
Let’s take a collective deep breath. You’re not alone, and you are not a bad parent. Infantile Colic is a difficult but temporary phase, and we’re here to help you navigate it with a little more calm and a lot more information.

What Exactly Is Colic?

A colicky infant isn’t just a fussy baby; it’s a specific pattern of crying. It’s a diagnosis often made in retrospect after it runs its course. Here’s what it typically looks like:

• Crying that lasts for more than 3 hours a day.
• Crying that occurs on more than 3 days a week.
• This pattern is seen in an otherwise healthy infant under 3 months of age.

The crying episodes are often sudden and intense, sounding more like a high-pitched scream. They can happen at any time but often cluster in the evening, sometimes called the “witching hour”(attributed in the past to the time when witches were supposed to be most active and making your baby cry excessively!). During these episodes, your baby might look tense, with clenched fists, a hard belly, and an arched back.

It’s Not Your Fault—And It Will Pass

First, and most importantly, remember these two things:

• Colic is not your fault.
• It does not cause any long-term harm to your baby.
• It almost always goes away on its own, typically by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old.

This is a temporary phase, and you will get through it.

Your Colic Survival Guide: Tried-and-True Soothing Techniques

The goal isn’t to “cure” colic but to help both you and your baby cope with it. Here are some simple, actionable techniques you can try. It’s all about finding what works for your baby, and sometimes what works one day won’t work the next. That’s okay! Just keep experimenting.

Movement Magic

• Take a ride: A car ride or a walk with the stroller can work wonders. Just getting outdoors into the fresh air may work wonders and soothe your child.
• Get moving: Gentle rocking or using a baby swing can provide comfort to the colicky infant.
• Hold them close: Carrying your baby in your arms, a sling, or a front carrier can help decrease both your and your baby’s anxiety.

Sensory Soothers

• White noise: The sound of a vacuum cleaner, a clothes dryer, or a white noise machine can be very soothing. The key is to keep the volume low and the machine at a distance to protect your baby’s hearing. You don’t need to keep machines running – ask Siri/Google/Alexa to play white noise for your colicky infant.
• Pacifiers: Offering a pacifier can help calm your baby.
• Warm baths: A warm bath can be a great way to relax your little one.
• Swaddling: Wrapping your baby snugly can mimic the feeling of being in the womb. Be sure to use a hip-safe technique that allows room for their legs to move.

Feeding Strategies

• For bottle-fed babies: Try feeding your baby in a vertical (sitting-up) position to reduce the amount of air they swallow. Using a bottle with a collapsible bag may also help reduce air swallowing.
• For breastfeeding mothers: Discuss potential dietary modifications with your pediatrician or lactation specialist if needed. In some cases, a hypoallergenic diet that avoids common allergens like milk, eggs, nuts, and wheat might be considered.

A Word on Unproven Remedies

Some remedies, like simethicone drops, lactase enzyme drops, and herbal remedies like gripe water, have not been proven effective and can even contain harmful ingredients like alcohol or other contaminants. It’s always best to consult your pediatrician before giving your baby any new remedy.

When to Call the Doctor

While colic is generally harmless, it’s important to know when to seek professional help. Contact your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:

• Fever (a rectal temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C).
• Unusual lethargy or decreased responsiveness.
• Vomiting excessively, not eating or drinking, or a behavior change.
• Bloody stools.
• Crying that continues after 4 months of age.
• Your parental instinct tells you something is wrong.

And if you ever feel so overwhelmed that you’re afraid you might harm your baby, place them in a safe place like their crib and walk away for a few minutes to compose yourself. Your feelings are valid, and it’s brave to ask for help.

Final Thoughts

Colic is a tough, exhausting journey, but it is temporary. You are doing a wonderful job, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Lean on your support network, take breaks when you need them, and trust that this challenging phase will pass. The peaceful moments are coming, and they will be so much sweeter because of what you’ve endured. Hang in there.