"Colic" describes uncontrollable crying spells in a baby who seems otherwise healthy. According to BabyCenter.com, approximately 20 percent of babies have colic. It usually starts when the newborn is around 2 to 3 weeks old and can last until 3 to 4 months of age. Although colic does not cause any long-term harm to a baby, it can be very frustrating and exhausting for parents and caregivers.
Causes
Although colic has no known cause, scientists and doctors have many theories. According to MayoClinic.com, some believe that colic is a result of gas, digestive issues, anxiety or allergies. Another theory described at BabyCenter.com states that babies are simply too stimulated throughout the day and feel overwhelmed in the evening, causing crying spells that are intended to blow off steam. Colic is common in babies of all genders and races, but babies are twice as likely to have colic if the mother smoked during or after pregnancy.
Symptoms
Crying spells are predictable and usually occur at the same time of day for a baby with colic. Other common symptoms during colic include curled legs, tensed abdominal muscles and clenched fists. The crying will be uncontrollable and intense when the baby seems otherwise fine and does not need to sleep, be changed or be fed. According to the Mayo Clinic, a baby has colic when she cries for more than three hours a day at least three days a week for longer than three weeks.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that your baby has colic, take him to the doctor. Your child's doctor will be able to rule out any other physical issues. If your child is otherwise healthy, he may be considered colicky. To help your doctor understand your baby's crying spells, try recording the episodes, along with eating and sleeping habits, in a journal your child's doctor can look over.
Treatment
Colic has no specific treatment. Colic usually improves on its own when a baby is between 3 and 4 months old. In the meantime, you can try to soothe your baby by singing, giving your baby a warm bath or offering a pacifier. Try feeding her upright and burping her often. She might be soothed by being placed in an environment that mimics the comfort of the womb, so try swaddling your baby, putting her in a swing and playing some background noise, such as a dishwasher. You could also try giving her some alone time in a dark and quiet room, giving a stomach massage or letting someone else try to comfort her. Breastfeeding moms can try cutting back on dairy, garlic or spicy foods to see if it makes a difference.
Warnings
If you become frustrated and feel that you may hurt your baby, give him to a loved one or place him safely in his crib and call for help immediately. You should also contact your baby's doctor if you notice that his cries are unusually intense or if he seems to be in pain, has a fever, is vomiting or has diarrhea. These symptoms may indicate a problem that is not related to colic.
