Colic

Colic

Newsletter.jpgFall 2003
Volume 7 Number 1

Colic:  A Problem Screaming for a Solution

A common problem pediatricians and parents confront is that of the fussy "colicky" infant. Colic is a somewhat controversial topic, with much disagreement as to what it is, what causes it, and how to treat it.

All babies cry. But it is not harmful. Along with many nonverbal cues, it is their main form of communication. By the time a normal healthy infant reaches six weeks of age, he or she increases the amount of fussy, crying time to an average of 3 hours a day. This gradually decreases to around one hour a day by the time the infant is three to four months old.

Colic is generally defined as unexplained bouts of crying in a healthy infant that last one to two hours. It is not related to pain or hunger, and the infant resumes normal behavior in between these episodes. Colic usually begins before two weeks of age and resolves by about three or four months of life. As many as ten percent of all infants have colic. Although we are uncertain of its specific cause, we do know that colic is not caused by bad parenting, excessive gas or food allergy.

In determining whether an infant has colic, parents should first investigate other potential sources for crying. Is your infant hungry or cold? Is your infant ill or in pain? Is he bored? Or, the opposite, is she being overstimulated? After treating hunger, pain, or illness, what can you do?

There are a number of treatment options available to care givers as well as many myths about how to treat colic.

  • Comfort. Hold and soothe your baby. Try rocking and cuddling your baby. Swaddle her tightly. Place him in a windup swing or vibrating chair. Put her in a stroller and go for a walk. Try white noise (turn on quiet music or a vacuum) or a pacifier. You can also place her in a car seat and go for a drive.
  • Diet. Changing formulas will not cure your infant of crying. Although still controversial, colic has not been proven to be related to food intolerance. If your infant has a milk protein allergy, he or she will exhibit other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Talk to your health care provider if you suspect that your baby may have issues of feeding intolerance. Do not stop breast feeding.
  • Medications. Medications such as phenobarbital, opiods and anti-cholinergics (anti-muscle spasm medications) have been used in the past for infant colic are not effective, and in many cases, may be harmful to your infant. Mylicon (simethicone) drops, although not necessarily effective, can be used to treat gas and are harmless.
  • Get rest! Finally, and most important, take care of yourself. In order to care for your baby most effectively, you need to get as much rest as possible. Being a parent is an exhausting job and being the parent of an infant with colic can be frustrating as well. Ask for help with the care of your other children and with the household chores. Take a nap. And, take a break. Let someone else care for your baby for a short time while you get some rest and quiet time to yourself.
Using these strategies will not make the crying go away, but they can minimize it. Know that this is a common problem and that you are not alone. You can always call your baby's provider with questions and concerns.

-Megan Jennings, MD