Colic in babies: what to do if your baby won't stop crying

Get expert advice on colic in babies, including causes, diagnosis and treatment tips.

What to do if your baby won't stop crying
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It's normal for babies to cry for a number of reasons including hunger, tiredness and needing to be held. But if your baby just won't settle no matter what you try but is otherwise healthy, they could be suffering from infantile colic.

So what exactly is colic, what causes it and how can you cope if your baby cries all the time?

What is baby colic?

Baby colic, sometimes called infantile colic, is defined by periods of crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week for at least one week. It's when the baby is otherwise healthy and there doesn't seem to be a cause for their crying. Normally, colic in babies does not result in any long term conditions or problems, though it can be frustrating for the parents.



What causes colic?

Between 10 and 15 per cent of all children get colic. Doctors don't know precisely what triggers the condition. There are several theories, but doctors aren't agreed on a single cause or even on a course of treatment.

Colic is more something that babies 'do', rather than a problem they suffer from. It's a normal part of baby development, even if it's not nice for parents and can be difficult to cope with.

Colic is defined by periods of crying for more than three hours a day, three days a week.

The most popular theory is that the child's intestines are working too hard, which causes them to get a sort of cramp. But some doctors believe that colic arises because the child's bowel movements may be too slow, so that air in the bowel makes the intestines expand, causing the pain.

Others believe that colic has something to do with eating too fast, eating too much, or swallowing too much air without burping. There's also a theory that there's a link between colic and whether or not the mother drinks cows' milk.



Diagnosing colic in babies

These are several signs to look out for:

✔️ Your baby often cries at roughly the same time, often late in the afternoon, and usually once or twice a day.

✔️ It's difficult to soothe your baby.

✔️ Your baby goes red in the face and/or clench their fists.

✔️ Your baby is very windy.

Remember, colic might not be the only cause of your child's discomfort. If your baby cries loudly all the time and cannot be comforted, you should first consult a doctor before deciding if he or she has colic.

Conditions, such as volvulus (when the stomach gets twisted), a twisted testicle, hernia or other pain, can also make a baby cry incessantly. If in doubt, ask your GP.



Can a mother's diet impact baby colic?

Some doctors think that if a baby is breastfed and the mother eats food that can cause gas, this may cause colic or make it worse. Food and drinks that produce lots of gas include:

  • Orange juice.
  • Vegetables, especially onions and cabbage.
  • Fruit, such as apples and plums.
  • Spicy food.
  • Products containing caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee and tea.

    Experiment to find out what makes a difference to your child's colic. The best thing is to leave two days between each change of diet so you know exactly what makes your baby feel better or worse.



    Colic in babies treatment tips

    There's no foolproof advice because colic isn't fully understood. But there are several things that parents can try:

    • Rock your baby

    Many children with colic calm down if they are rocked either in a cradle, a rocking chair or on your lap.

    • Wear a baby sling

    Some children feel better if they are carried in a sling on your stomach – your body heat and movement may help. They tend to feel comforted when wrapped in a blanket or held tightly.

    • Give your baby a little massage

    Gently massaging your baby's tummy may help, because this is where the large intestine lies. Massage in a circle, moving your hand from left to right. Massaging in this direction can ease pain by helping your baby to pass wind.

    • Go for a drive

    Some parents find their baby is comforted by a car ride.

    • Relax with music

    A baby can sometimes be soothed with music or monotonous sounds. It may help to sing to your child, which has the additional effect of helping to calm you too!

        The following tips may also help to relieve baby colic:

        • Get your child to drink their milk slowly, perhaps trying a smaller teat if bottle fed.
        • Burp your baby more often.
        • Sit your child straight while he or she eats (if old enough).
        • Try a different product, or brand, if your child drinks formula milk.

          Follow your instincts and work with your baby, and if you need more help, ask your health visitor.



          Coping tips for parents if your baby has colic

          When a baby has colic, family life can be turned upside down. It's extremely stressful and upsetting when your baby cries for hours and cannot be comforted.

          For first-time parents in particular, it can be a shock and disappointment to discover that your newborn baby is not always the bundle of joy you were expecting. You may also feel guilty, even though you're not the cause of your child's colic.

          It's easily said, but your child is healthy and will outgrow the colic in a few months' time. Colic doesn't harm your baby's development – in fact, children with colic are actually very stimulated!

          Your child is healthy and will outgrow the colic in a few months' time.

          Parents should look after themselves, too, during the difficult periods. It may be necessary for you and your partner to take turns, so that one can rest while the other is awake. You may also need to call on friends or family as reinforcement. It's better to ask for help than to wear yourself out completely because of the challenge. Breastfeeding may also suffer, if mothers get overtired.

          It can help to talk to other parents, who have experienced the same thing. If you do not know any yourself, ask your health visitor to put you in touch with someone to chat to. Always remember: colic is only temporary. It always gets better eventually.



          Last updated: 03-02-2020

          Dr Juliet McGrattan Dr Juliet McGrattan spent 16 years working as an NHS GP.
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