When your baby has colic, it may seem as if the crying never ends. Although it may take some time, your child eventually stops having colicky episodes as he grows older. Colic starts between the three to six weeks after birth and usually ends by the time the baby is 3 months old, according to Kids Health. Colic is uncomfortable for your baby but isn't usually a sign of a serious health problem.
Identification
Colic occurs when your baby has long crying episodes at the same time every day. Crying usually occurs in the late afternoon or evening, although colic episodes can occur at any time of day. Babies are classified as colicky if crying lasts for more than three hours every day for at least three days per week and goes on for more than three weeks, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Symptoms
When your baby experiences colic, you may notice that her cries sound more high- pitched than usual. Crying may be so intense that your child's face turns red. Your baby may also curl her legs or clench her fists as she cries. If you touch her stomach, the muscles may feel tight, due to air swallowed while crying.
Cause
A specific cause of colic has not been determined, but the condition may be caused by stomach pain or a baby's temperament, according to the AAFP. Colicky babies may have gas, but it's unclear if the gas is causing the colicky behavior or if gas occurs as a result of air swallowed during crying.
Colic Relief
Though it's hard to completely stop crying due to colic, there are some steps parents can take to make babies more comfortable. Holding your baby, swaddling him or carrying him in a baby sling may help calm him. Some babies are soothed by the motion of rocking or by being placed in a swing or vibrating infant swing. The motion of your car can also be calming. Feeding your baby or providing him with a pacifier can also be helpful when crying begins. Burping your baby often during feedings and rubbing his stomach may help him feel better if gas is a problem. Some babies find music or repetitive noises, such as those from a vacuum cleaner or dryer, soothing.
Warning
When your baby cries frequently, it can sometimes be hard to tell whether she's crying due to an illness or medical problem, rather than colic. Signs of potential problems include weak sucking reflexes, poor appetite, weight loss, blood in the stool, fever over 100.4 degrees F, diarrhea or vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your child's doctor.
