Why is your baby so fussy?

Colic is when an otherwise healthy baby cries more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, between three weeks and three months old. 

The crying usually starts suddenly at about the same time each day. 

Some experts have estimated as many as half of all babies have colic. 

No one is really sure what causes colic, but some suspected causes include intestinal gas or an immature nervous system. 

Colic is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with either the baby or the parents. 

It also doesn’t have any lasting effects on the child in later life. 

Colic usually starts to improve at about six weeks of age and is generally gone by the time your baby is 12 weeks old.

• Respond consistently to your baby’s cries
  • Holding babies and picking them up when they cry does not “spoil” them.
• Try a pacifier
  • Babies under three months are not neurologically mature enough to calm themselves. Many babies are calmed by sucking.
• Rock your baby
  • Baby carriers can make it easier to hold your baby and free your hands. Many parents (and babies!) love slings once they get the hang of them—but sometimes it takes a little experimentation.
• Take a walk with your baby in a stroller
  • This can really help with your stress level, in addition to soothing your baby.
• Get support from family, friends, your religious community and neighbors
  • Let them help in any way possible.
• Take care of yourself and manage your stress
  • Eating a well-balanced diet, getting sleep and exercise and talking to others can do wonders.
  • If the stress or blues become too much, it’s good idea to get professional help. Your or your baby’s doctor might be able to help you figure out where to start.
• Nurse your baby every two to three hours if you’re breastfeeding
• Don’t smoke, and don’t allow anyone to smoke around your baby
  • Babies of smokers cry more and get sick more often. Babies of smokers also have an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Provide white noise, such as running a vacuum cleaner, clothes dryer or hair dryer near your baby while in their car seat
  • White noise machines are also available. White noise simulates the whooshing sound your baby heard constantly while in utero.
  • You can also do your own “whooshing” or “shushing” with your voice as you rock or carry your baby. Vacuum while wearing your baby in a baby carrier.
  • Never put your baby on top of the dryer as they could fall off and seriously hurt themselves
• Go for a car ride
• Massage your baby
  • Massage has many benefits for both the baby and the giver of the massage.
• Hold your baby in your arms and place their body on their left side to help with digestion or on their stomach for support  
  • Gently rub their back. If your baby goes to sleep, remember to always lay them down in their crib on their back.
• Try not to panic or worry
  • If you’re concerned at all, contact your pediatrician.

What doesn’t help with colic?

It’s important to know that giving rice cereal won’t help solve colic.

Studies have shown that Simethicone (Mylicon) and lactase (the enzyme that helps digest lactose—the sugar in cow’s milk—which is in breast milk if the mother consumes dairy products) won’t help resolve the issue.

Sedatives, antihistamines and motion-sickness medications, like dicyclomine (Bentyl) are not safe or effective in treating colic in babies.

It’s important to note that just because something is “natural,” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. 

Remember to check with your baby's doctor before trying any new remedies with your baby.

Crying can be tough to handle, especially if you're physically tired and mentally exhausted. 

Taking care of yourself will only help in taking better care of your baby. 

Remember to never shake a baby, and know that if you find yourself reaching your limit, place your baby safely in their crib (which should only ever have a tight-fitting crib sheet on its mattress with no blankets or stuffed animals inside) while you take a short break to calm yourself. 

Be sure to contact your pediatrician, trusted friends, family and/or neighbors who may be able to help provide additional assistance during these trying times.