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Colic in Infants: Advice for Parents

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Neonatology Department
A25-102
BS CKI.
Vũ Hà Mi
Khoa Sơ sinh
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Understanding infant colic in newborns, effective soothing methods, and advice for parents to navigate this stressful phase.

Infant colic is a common condition in newborns, causing considerable anxiety and stress for parents. This article provides practical and evidence-based advice to help parents calmly soothe their baby while taking care of their own mental health during this challenging phase.

1. What is Infantile Colic?

Definition of Colic

Infantile colic is defined as prolonged, frequent, and intense episodes of crying in a healthy infant for no apparent reason [1, 2]. This condition can be particularly distressing because the infant is inconsolable, and crying episodes frequently occur in the evening when parents are already tired [1]. Colic is not a dangerous medical condition; rather, it is a benign state that typically resolves on its own as the baby grows older [3].

Signs and Symptoms of Colic

Characteristics of colic may include [1, 2]:

  • Intense crying: The crying may sound like screaming or express pain.

  • No apparent cause: Crying is not due to hunger, a wet diaper, or other basic needs.

  • Consistent timing: Crying episodes usually occur at a specific time of day, particularly in the evening [1, 4].

  • Physical changes: The infant may have a flushed or red face, pull their legs up, tense their body, clench their fists, arch their back, or have a tense abdomen [1, 3].

  • Temporary symptom relief: Symptoms sometimes subside after the baby passes gas or has a bowel movement [1].

By standard definition, colic is identified when an infant cries for at least 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, and for 3 weeks or longer [1, 2, 4]. Crying episodes typically peak when the infant is around 6 weeks of age and decrease significantly after 3 to 4 months of age [1, 3].

2. What You Should Know About Colic?

Colic is Not a Disease, But a Developmental Stage

It is important to understand that colic is not a disease, but rather a syndrome—a normal developmental stage in newborns [3]. It does not cause short-term or long-term health problems for the child [1].

Colic Usually Resolves on Its Own as the Baby Grows Older

Most cases of infantile colic resolve spontaneously by 3 to 4 months of age [1, 2, 3]. This provides great comfort to parents, knowing that this difficult phase will pass.

Potential Contributing Causes of Colic

The exact cause of colic remains unknown, but it may result from a combination of factors [1, 3]:

  • Immature digestive system: An infant's digestive system is not fully developed, which can lead to gas, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort [1, 3].

  • Food sensitivity (if breastfed) or formula intolerance: Some infants may be sensitive to cow's milk proteins (if formula-fed) or components in the mother's diet (if breastfed), such as milk, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, or gas-producing foods like cabbage, onions, and caffeinated beverages [1, 2, 3].

  • Improper feeding techniques causing air swallowing: Incorrect feeding techniques can cause the baby to swallow excess air, leading to bloating and discomfort [3].

  • Stress and sensory overload in the infant: Newborns can become overwhelmed by environmental stimuli, leading to stress and fussiness [3].

3. Effective Methods to Soothe a Colicky Baby

Every infant may respond differently to soothing techniques, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Parents need patient experimentation to find what works best [2].

Changing Positions and Holding Methods

  • Shoulder hold: Place the baby stomach-down across your arm or shoulder and gently pat their back [2].

  • Cuddle position: Hold the baby close to your chest, skin-to-skin, to create a sense of security [2].

  • Gentle rocking: Rock the baby in your arms, in a rocking chair, or in a stroller [1, 2].

  • Going for a walk: Place the baby in a stroller or baby carrier and go for a walk [2, 3].

Gentle Abdominal Massage and Warmth

  • Gentle tummy massage: Gently massaging the baby's abdomen or placing the baby stomach-down to rub their back can help relieve discomfort from gas [2, 3].

  • Warm compresses: Apply a warm towel or warm water bottle (not too hot) to the baby's abdomen [2].

Creating a Quiet, Low-Stimulation Environment

  • Reducing sensory input: Dimming lights, lowering noise levels, and avoiding strong odors or perfumes can help the baby calm down and fall asleep more easily [3].

Using a Pacifier or Feeding/Nursing

  • Sucking reflex: The act of sucking can help the baby self-soothe [2, 3].

White Noise and Gentle Motion

  • White noise: White noise machines, fans, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, or hair dryers running in a nearby room can help calm the baby [2, 3].

  • Gentle motion: Car rides, stroller rides, or using a vibrating bassinet can be helpful [2, 3].

4. When to See a Doctor?

Although colic is typically benign, it is essential to distinguish it from other serious medical conditions [1, 3]. Parents should take their baby to see a doctor immediately if the infant exhibits any of the following signs [1, 2, 3]:

  • Fever.

  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea.

  • Blood in the stool.

  • Lethargy, poor responsiveness, or apparent weakness.

  • Abdominal distension (tense, bloated abdomen).

  • Crying accompanied by a rash or wheezing.

  • Sudden changes in cry characteristics or behavior.

  • Failure to gain weight or poor growth.

  • Parents feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or fear they might harm the baby [2].

5. Advice for Parents Caring for a Colicky Baby

Caring for a colicky infant can be extremely exhausting and stressful. Here is advice to help parents get through this phase [2, 3]:

Self-Care and Rest

  • Adequate rest: Take turns caring for the baby with your partner or ask family and friends for help to secure time for rest and relaxation [2].

  • Using the crib for short breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, place the baby safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes to regain your composure [1, 2, 3].

  • Healthy diet and exercise: Maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure you have enough energy to care for the baby [2].

Seeking Support from Family, Friends, or Professionals

  • Sharing feelings: It is completely normal to feel helpless, frustrated, guilty, or angry. Share your feelings with family, friends, or your physician [2].

  • Seeking help: Do not hesitate to ask for help from those around you or join parent support groups.

  • Backup plan: Plan ahead with family or friends so they can assist when you feel overburdened [2].

6. Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does colic typically last? Infantile colic usually begins around the 2nd to 3rd week of life, peaks around the 6th week, and typically resolves on its own when the baby is 3 to 4 months old [1, 2, 3].

  • Does the mother's diet affect colic in breastfed infants? Yes, some studies suggest that eliminating common allergens such as cow's milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and nuts from the mother's diet can help improve colic symptoms in breastfed infants [2, 3, 4].

  • How to distinguish colic from other causes of crying? Colic typically occurs in healthy infants, unaccompanied by other medical signs such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or failure to gain weight [1, 2, 3]. If the infant displays any warning signs other than fussiness, parents should consult a physician to rule out underlying medical causes [1, 2].

7. References

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.

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