Baby Colic

A typical baby with colic

Colic is common. A healthy new-born baby may have periods of crying. For no apparent reason he or she cries as if in pain. The usual methods of comforting do not work very well. He or she does not want to feed, and may pull up their knees. Sometimes the baby's abdomen (tummy) appears to 'rumble'. The cry may sound different and more piercing than normal. He or she may appear to be settling when suddenly another bout of crying occurs. This may go on and off for several hours until he or she settles and falls asleep.

The rest of the time he or she is fine. However, the bouts of colic occur regularly, commonly every evening, but can occur anytime. Bouts of colic gradually become less frequent, and have gone in most babies by the age of 3-4 months.

Variations on a theme

In some babies, a period of restlessness in the evening may be all that you notice. In some babies with severe colic, the crying may go on for many hours throughout the day (and/or night). However, babies with colic are fine between bouts of colic. They feed well, grow well, and do not show any other signs of illness.

What causes colic?

The cause is not known. There are many theories. There is some evidence that sensitivity to cow's milk may sometimes play a part. The term 'colic' is used as it is thought the baby has pain in the abdomen (tummy). This may be so, but the cause of the pain is not clear. There is no test for colic, and there is nothing abnormal to find if a doctor examines the baby. Some parents feel that they have done something wrong in some way. This is not so.

Helping colicky babies and their parents

There is no treatment that cures colic. Every parent has their own way of coping and may find different things helpful. Try not to despair. You have to remember that there is nothing that you have done to cause the colic, and that colic usually goes away by 3-4 months of age, often much sooner. One or more of the following may help.

Reducing anxiety

Even new-born babies may sense anxiety. This can make things worse. Try to create a relaxed atmosphere. If possible, have a rest and meal before the colic begins (usually in the evening). The more rested and relaxed you are, the better you will be able to cope.

Soothing

It is natural to try and soothe a crying baby. Holding a baby through the crying episode may help to soothe. However, a colicky baby may simply not be comforted or soothed. At such times it is acceptable to leave a baby to cry for short periods if you are satisfied that he or she is not hungry, too cold, too hot, wet, or unwell. Remember - never shake a baby. If you need a break from the crying, or if you feel at the end of your tether, gently place the baby in his or her cot and leave the room for around 10 minutes. You could then do something which will help you - perhaps have a cup of tea, a snack or phone a friend.

Time-out

Friends or other family members may be willing to help. However, try to avoid several people fussing at once as this may cause anxiety. It may be sensible to leave the coping to one person at a time. Take it in turns if you have help. If possible, it is good to have 'time-out' and leave someone else to look after your baby for a few hours.

If you have a partner it can be worth taking it in turns to do the 'night shift'. Many mums, even with partners, always try to do the nights themselves. This can be exhausting. It may be sensible to take it in turns to get a good nights sleep. If you are breastfeeding, you may be able to express enough milk in the day for a feed to be given in the night by your partner.

Stopping cow's milk and other foods

A sensitivity to cow's milk or to other foods is one theory for colic. Studies have shown that some babies cry less if cow's milk is stopped. This does not occur in most babies with colic. However, if colic is severe it may be worth trying a 'hypoallergenic' diet for one week.

• If the baby is breastfed, this means mum having no milk or other dairy products as part of the cow's milk can get into breast milk. Also, no eggs, wheat, or nuts.
• If the baby is bottle fed, this means changing from a formula based on cow's milk to a 'hypoallergenic' formula. A pharmacist or health visitor will be able to advise on a suitable milk formula.

After changing the diet for one week:

• If there is an improvement then continue as above until the baby is three months old. By this time the colic is likely to have settled. You can then resume a normal diet for baby (and mum if breastfeeding).
• If there is no improvement after one week, there is no point continuing. Just go back to a normal diet for baby (and mum if breastfeeding).

Lactose intolerance

Another theory is that lactose (a sugar in milk) causes or aggravates colic in some babies. If colic is severe, your doctor or health visitor may advise a trial of giving lactase drops to your baby for a week. Lactase is an enzyme (chemical) which breaks down lactose in the gut. If there is an improvement then continue until the baby is about three months old.

There are also lactose-free formula feeds which have previously been advised. However, there are theoretical reasons why a lactose-free formula may not be so good in the longer term. (The reason being that because lactase is an enzyme that is made in the gut, for the best development of the cells that make lactase it may require the presence of some lactose in gut.)

What about medicines and soya milk formulas?

Gripe water, simethicone drops and Infacol are given to colicky babies by some parents. However, there is little research evidence that they work. Also, it used to be popular to try soya milk formulas. However, there is concern that soya milk may cause delayed side-effects, so it is not usually suitable for treating colic.

Popular but non-proven advice

The following tips are often given. However, the advice is based on individual experiences and no research studies have proven that they help. So, they may or may not help.

Noise

Some people say that 'white noise' helps to soothe colicky babies. White noise is background, non-specific noise such as made by vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc. You can even buy CDs of white noise which claim to soothe crying babies. There is lack of research that proves that this works in most babies, but it may be worth a try.

Rides and carrying

Crying babies may settle on car journeys. It is possibly the white noise of the car engine and the gentle movements of the car that do the trick. Pram rides seem good too - it may be the movement that helps to soothe some babies. Or, simply walking with the baby in a sling or baby carrier may help to soothe.

If you are breastfeeding

Some foods can get into breast milk. It is difficult to prove if colic is made worse by foods eaten by the mother. Some women say that their baby's colic is worse if they eat garlic or spices. Some women say that stopping caffeine improves the situation. Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, and cola. It is also added to some painkillers such as Solpadeine.

If you suspect a food, drink, or medicine is making colic worse, try going without it for a week. It is unlikely to be a cause of colic if there is no improvement within a week.

Complementary and alternative remedies

Many alternative therapies are promoted and advertised for colic. None have been proved to be effective with research studies, and they may be expensive. Note: not all alternative therapies are without risk. For example, some herbal products such as star anise have caused serious reactions in some babies, and are not recommended.

Your feelings

Sometimes parents become angry, tearful, or resentful towards a baby with colic. These are normal and common emotions. The crying can seem intolerable and very frustrating. If you are finding it hard to cope then do see your health visitor or doctor, or call CRY-SIS for advice.

CRY-SIS

Helpline: 08451 228 669 - 9.00am until 10.00pm, 365 days a year.
Web: www.cry-sis.org.uk
This is a support group and helpline for families with excessively crying, sleepless, and demanding babies and children.