Infant Colic

What is infant colic?

Infant colic is characterized by crying that lasts for more than three hours at a time, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks or more. In colic cases, your baby is otherwise healthy and well-fed, which makes the condition even more baffling for confused, sleep-deprived parents.

Colic typically develops in newborns about two weeks after birth and clears up on its own within three to four months.

What causes colic?

Experts aren’t sure exactly why colic occurs in some babies and not others. However, some common contributing factors behind colic include:

• Gas
• Overstimulation from light and noise
• Hormones that cause fussiness or pain
• Moodiness
• A nervous system that is still developing
• Cow’s milk intolerance
• A mother’s diet while breastfeeding
• A mother who smokes cigarettes

There are many conditions that seem like colic but aren’t — infant reflux, an ear infection, eye problems, injuries, and more — so it’s important to schedule an appointment at Katy Pediatric Associates if your child begins displaying colic symptoms.

What are the symptoms of colic?

Colic is characterized by constant, excessive crying. Some other colic symptoms include:

• Crying at the same time every day
• Moving their arms and legs in a dramatic manner (thrashing)
• Sleeping that is disrupted by crying
• Difficulties eating due to constant crying

If your baby’s crying seems constant and inconsolable, they may have colic or a similar condition.

How is colic treated?

The Katy Pediatric Associates team can recommend tips to help soothe your baby’s colic at home. However, it’s important to take them into the office to rule out other conditions. The most common colic treatments to try at home are:

• Swaddling
• Constant security (holding the baby, cuddling, etc.)
• White noise
• Soothing music
• Pacifier
• Going for a walk
• Burping your baby more often

Colic typically resolves itself within four months or so, but you can schedule an appointment with Katy Pediatric Associates if your baby’s symptoms don’t improve. Call the office or request an appointment online to learn more about your treatment options.