Colic
What Is Colic?
Crying is a normal way that babies communicate, but some cry more than others. A baby who is healthy and well-fed— and all other reasons for crying have been ruled out— may be diagnosed with colic if they cry:
• Three hours or more per day,
• More than three days a week,
• For more than three weeks.
Colic usually begins around two weeks and resolves by about four months. About one in five newborns cries enough to qualify as colic.
Causes of Colic
Sometimes colic is caused by belly pain from food sensitivities. If you are breastfeeding, it can help to keep a journal of the foods you ate and colic symptoms. If you notice an obvious increase in fussiness after you eat certain foods, it may help to eliminate them from your diet until baby is older or weaned. Cow’ s milk is the most common culprit.
Colic may also be caused by an immature nervous system or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Often, the cause of colic remains a mystery and baby simply outgrows it.
Managing Colic
Colic is exhausting and frustrating. It can increase rates of postpartum depression, affect family relationships, and drastically affect new parents’ sleep. These strategies may help:
• Visit a clinic or health care provider who specializes in colic. They can provide helpful information on causes and soothing tips.
• Have baby screened for medical causes for the crying( reflux, sleep problems, etc.).
• Keep a diary, tracking when baby eats, sleeps, and cries. Note any patterns and change things that contribute to crying.
• Get help. It’ s all right to ask someone else to hold or care for your baby, even if the baby cries the whole time. Give yourself breaks.
32 Caring for Your Newborn
Know Your Limits
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Getting angry or frustrated with your baby does not make you a bad parent. However, you must never, ever shake a baby, or do anything violent or painful toward a baby in any way( such as hitting, squeezing, pinching, etc.). Shaking a baby can cause permanent brain damage or even death( called shaken baby syndrome). If you are frustrated and feel like you are losing your temper, put your baby down in a safe place and walk away. It is better for your baby to cry alone for 15 minutes than for you to hurt them. If you cannot calm down enough to safely resume their care, contact a friend or family member for help. If needed, call the 24-hour Childhelp hotline at 800-4-A-CHILD( 800-422-4453) or call 911.