Listening to your colicky baby cry for hours at a time can be difficult, particularly if it seems as if nothing you do helps calm your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that approximately one-fifth of all babies develop colic, usually between the second and fourth weeks of life. While you probably won't be able to stop the crying completely, there are a few things you can do to try to soothe your baby and reduce crying spells.
Identification
Your baby has colic if she cries for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week and for more than three weeks, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Babies who have colic look uncomfortable. They cry loudly, clench their fists and pull their knees close to their bodies. You may notice that your baby's stomach seems hard or swollen during a colic spell, and she may pass gas. Colic can happen at any time of the day but usually occurs during the evening hours.
Causes
Although there is no definitive cause for colic, doctors think several factors contribute to the problem. Colic may occur due to an immature nervous system or a sensitivity to food in the mother's diet if the baby is breastfeeding, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In some cases, persistent crying may be a sign of illness or a medical condition, although medical problems aren't usually responsible for colic. Understanding the possible causes of colic can help you decide what strategies will work best to help you calm your child.
Changing Feeding Practices
More frequent, but smaller, feedings may help your baby feel more comfortable. Changing formula brands can help, as can encouraging your baby to feed slowly to prevent gas. If you suspect that your bottle-fed baby is drinking too quickly, you can try using a nipple with a smaller hole to force your baby to slow down while feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests eliminating caffeine, cabbage, milk products, onions and other irritating foods from your diet if you are breastfeeding.
Comforting Your Baby
Experimenting with several soothing techniques can help you determine what activities your baby finds comforting. Rocking your baby, taking him for a car ride or placing him in a baby swing or vibrating seat may help reduce crying. Close contact may also be soothing. Putting your child in a baby sling, swaddling him in a blanket or just holding him close can help him feel more secure. The Mayo Clinic recommends using repetitive background noise from fans or recordings of waves or waterfalls to calm your baby.
Considerations
Colic often occurs at a time of day when you are tired and ready to relax, which can make it difficult to deal with a crying baby. If you've done everything you can think of to calm your baby and are near your breaking point, ask a friend or family member to stay with your child while you take a break. If there is no one else available to care for your baby, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests placing your baby in his crib while you go to a nearby room to watch television or listen to the radio. Letting your baby cry in his crib for a little while won't hurt your baby, and you may find that your child actually prefers spending a little time in a quiet setting.
