You expect your baby to cry - all babies do...and should! But when it feels like it’s excessive, or your baby seems to be completely inconsolable, it may be more than regular crying; it could be colic. In this post, we’ll answer all your colicky questions, including:

What is colic?

What are the symptoms of colic?

What’s the difference between colic and “regular” crying?

What causes colic in babies?

When should I go to the doctor for colic?

What is colic in babies?

Baby colic is frequent, intense, prolonged crying or fussiness in an otherwise completely healthy baby. The onset of colic is sudden and almost always takes parents by surprise. About 15 to 25% of babies experience colic, during which they cry more than they normally do, inconsolably and for no apparent reason. Parents have a feeling of helplessness since their normal efforts to console their baby prove to be completely ineffective during this time.

Technically, colic is defined as “severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines and suffered especially by babies.” However according to Dr. Harvey Karp, colic is less of a diagnosis, and more of a “behavioral observation”.

In this article, we have answered some common questions and also shared experiences from other moms in our community to help you better understand colic.

Mom says... "This was my third baby -- when nothing could comfort her, not even nursing, walking, bouncing, patting, outside time, naked time, warm bath... when the crying went on and on and on. I KNEW it wasn't normal crying.” - Martine K., Zen Mom

Colic vs. Crying: Colic Baby Symptoms

Knowing whether your baby’s cries are “average” or “excessive” can be tricky because crying patterns vary from baby to baby. Knowing what symptoms of colic in babies you can look out for can help you identify your baby’s crying. "The Rule of 3" is most helpful for parents and doctors when determining if your baby has colic.

From the experts The Rule of 3: Your baby might have colic if... Your baby is 3 weeks or older and your baby cries excessively at least 3 hours or more, for at least 3 days per week, for 3 or more weeks in a row.

In addition to the “Rule of 3”, also notice if any of the following symptoms apply:

Crying usually occurs at the same time every day: Although colic can happen at any time, day or night, most babies experience it later in the afternoon or at night, and it will usually happen at the same time on most days. Parents often refer to this as the “witching hour.” Crying appears to happen out of nowhere, for no reason: Most of your baby’s cries are need based. They cry when they are hungry or overtired or want to be held. Crying from colic, however, is not need based. Your baby might be completely content one minute, then crying inconsolably the next - the cries happen out of nowhere and you can’t seem to find a reason why, which means you can’t console them. Chances are (if your baby’s cries also follow the Rule of 3) your baby is experiencing colic. You notice more movement during these cries: If your baby is moving around more than they usually do while crying for a bottle or to be held, this could be a sign of colic. Babies with colic will often pull up their legs, clench their fists, and move their arms and legs around more while crying if it is colic. Any bodily tension, in their back or abdomen as well, might occur during colic.

Mom says... “Her colic was different from regular crying because it went on and on, nothing could comfort her. She would arch her back and scream a blood-curdling scream. She would fight against my efforts to hold her, nurse her, or comfort her.” - Martine K., Zen Mom Learn how the Zen Swaddle can help

Different facial expressions while crying: Many babies with colic will either tightly close their eyes while crying, or do the opposite and open their eyes very wide during a crying spell. They might also furrow their brow, or even hold their breath for short periods during colic, causing their faces to turn red. Bowel activity may increase: Does your baby have gas or spit up during their cries? Since digestive issues can often be a cause of baby colic, you might find your baby to be extra gassy or have more spit up than usual if they have colic. Additionally, gas results from swallowed air during prolonged crying. Eating and sleeping are disrupted by crying: Your baby’s body knows when it’s hungry and sleepy. If a crying episode is happening during nursing or feeding or while they are sleeping (and cannot be consoled) it is a symptom of colic.

What Causes Colic In Babies?

Although colic can feel like a mystery because it comes out of nowhere, there are a handful of things that doctors believe to cause or contribute to colic in babies.

Your baby’s nervous system is still developing and their senses are easily overstimulated.

While your baby is born with a mechanism to block out sights and sounds around them to ensure they get enough sleep and nourishment, this mechanism disappears around 1 month old. That’s why colic usually begins at 3 or 4 weeks old. Think about it, your baby just spent close to a year safely inside the womb. The outside world is full of new sounds, lights, sensations, and people - it’s easy for your baby to feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. They release that stress by crying (a lot.).

Your baby’s digestive system is still developing.

It’s common for colic to be a result of gastrointestinal issues. Your baby’s digestive system isn’t fully developed yet, so digesting food can be a challenge! There’s a chance your baby’s food might not be digesting properly, leading to discomfort and pain from gas, which can cause colic.

Acid Reflux and GERD

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can also cause colic. If you’re noticing extra gas or spit up as one of the colic symptoms in your baby, acid reflux or GERD may be the cause.

Food Sensitivity and/or Allergies

This cause also has a lot to do with your baby’s tummy. Some experts suggest that colic could be caused by an allergy to milk proteins found in formula. Similarly, it has also been suggested that certain foods in mom’s diet could cause colic in breastfed babies. While this cause is more rare than others, still consider if a food sensitivity could be causing gas and tummy pain in your baby.

How Long Does Colic Last?

Colic usually presents itself in babies at least 3 weeks old and peaks around 6 weeks old. Colic does not last forever, typically subsiding around 3 to 4 months. However, some colic does last a bit longer, continuing past 6 months.

When Should I Take My Baby to the Doctor?

Look for the colic symptoms and the signs of colic to help determine if your baby has colic. However, there are a number of things that might present themselves similarly to colic, but aren’t, like:

- Infections

- Acid Reflux or stomach problems

- Pressure or inflammation of the brain and nervous system

- Irregular heartbeat

- Injuries (to bones, muscles, or fingers)

If you’re concerned about your baby - whether it be because you think she has colic or because you suspect she might be irritable due to another medical reason, you should visit your doctor. They’ll be able to rule out any medical issues with an exam, and provide their opinion on whether or not your baby has colic. Like we always say - you know your baby best! If you think something’s up, give your doctor a call.

How can I help my baby with colic?

Colic is exhausting for both the baby and the parents. While there’s no “cure” for colic (since it’s not technically an illness) and it will eventually subside on its own, there are some colic remedies you can do to try and soothe and console your baby with colic.

The Airplane hold: Also referred to as the "colic carry" or "colic hold." Try holding your baby belly side down on your forearm, as if you were doing the airplane with them. The light pressure from your arm on their bellies is known to help with colic.

Bring on the noise: A slow and constant drum eases babies during colic. Start the washing machine or vacuum cleaner or a loud white noise to calm your little one during an onset of colic

Change of guards: Handing your baby to someone else may at times do the trick. Babies can sense your tense energy.

Swaddle your baby: The pressure of the swaddle and cocoon-like feeling is particularly calming as it mimics the womb environment and helps with overstimulation.

Change of scenery: Swaddling will help drastically reduce overstimulation, but you should also try taking your baby to a calm environment. Notice if any specific environments trigger your baby’s colic, then avoid those triggers. Also take note of what time colic usually starts, and bring your baby to that soothing environment beforehand.

The Zen Swaddle's construction restricts violent arm movements and can help ease your baby's discomfort. It's also a great alternative to the airplane hold, The Zen Swaddle's lightly weighted design adds gentle pressure on their bellies easing colic.

Sweeter Sleep Story “These Zen Swaddles have been amazing at helping to keep our baby asleep at night, even through his 2 months of colic!" - Amazon Customer, 7/31/2017 “After wrapping Baby in this (Zen Swaddle), it really is a great idea; right to sleep. Really helps with the colic!" - Amazon Customer, 11/25/2016 Shop Zen Swaddles

The 5 S's, developed by Dr. Harvey Karp, are also said to help soothe colicky babies. The first S is Swaddle, further proving the benefit of swaddling for babies with colic. The others are: Side or Stomach Position, Shush, Swing, and Suck.

From the experts The 5 S's: Swaddling, Side or Stomach position, Shush, Swing, and Suck.

Holding your baby on their side or stomach (like you would in the airplane hold) can help calm fussy babies and even relieve stomach pain (just remember - when it comes to sleep, the only safe position for baby is on their back).

Shushing or white noise can imitate the sounds of the womb to soothe babies.

Swinging also mimics the movement in the womb, and, finally, sucking on a pacifier helps relax many fussy babies.

While Dr. Karp suggests the best results come from doing all 5 S’s together - some babies might only respond to certain tactics, and they may only respond to those tactics sometimes in the case of colicky babies. Here's what these real moms found to help their babies with colic:

Zen mom zone EvaLee E. Wrote: “My doctor had me swaddle him, put him in a swing, and use white noise when my son had colic. It worked amazing for us.” Carla C. wrote: “Noah is now almost 2 months and loves his Zen Swaddle! We started the sack exactly a week ago and he's been sleeping stretches of 7-8 hours...a thing that he never did before due to colic, gas and reflux. I breastfeed him and also supplement with formula but before the sack, he would wake up every 2 1/2 hrs to nurse. We're so thankful!” Martine K. wrote: “When your baby is uncomfortable for hours at a time, for weeks at a time, it’s HARD on your soul. Hand the baby to someone else, or lay her in a safe place and take a hot shower, drink a cold drink, go sit on your patio and breathe - whatever will restore your soul...make sure you are taking care of yourself.” Martine K. wrote: “You know your baby best. Pay attention to when she is most comfortable or least comfortable, and try to diagnose what events led to the change in mood. And if you can't figure it out, and must "wait it out," make sure you are taking care of yourself.” Chelsey C. wrote: "Chiropractic care seemed to help her A LOT! Hang in there! It doesn't last forever!!! <3"

Zen Swaddle®: Soothe your baby's colic,

help improve your baby's sleep. Shop Zen Swaddles

If you suspect your baby’s colic is caused by tummy troubles like gas, GERD, or acid reflux, there are additional tricks you can try to help relieve any discomfort or pain.

Experiment with your diet to determine if there’s any food allergy or sensitivity at play. Talk to your doctor about temporarily eliminating any foods that could cause tummy troubles for your baby. If you’re formula-feeding, you might consider switching formulas for a tummy-sensitive version. Burp your baby to help let any trapped air or gas escape - especially if they’ve already been crying for some time. Prolonged crying can lead to trapped wind, causing discomfort..which will only make their crying worse and last longer. Burping will help them relieve the pain. Talk with your doctor for other treatment ideas. Your doctor will have suggestions specific to your baby’s tummy issue - some doctors recommended anti-gas drops or probiotics to help ease babies’ discomfort, but you should always consult your pediatrician before introducing anything new into your baby’s routine.

Our Zen Moms also shared what helped (or didn’t help) their colicky babies' tummy troubles:

Zen mom zone Allison K. wrote: “Try asking your doctor about getting on an acid reflux med. We did and we also switched formula to Enfamil AR, it helped so much! I used to hate hate hate feeding my little one and would have anyone else do it because it was so bad, but since we’ve switched and given him his reflux meds once a day it is sooo sooo much better.” Martine K. wrote: “None of the 101 internet remedies worked for us...I basically went paleo and did the full list of "remedies," but in the end, we discovered, by accident, that the colic went away when we stopped using cloth diapers. We used cloth exclusively and successfully with our first two babies, but I believe this baby just needed to bring her knees tight to her chest to work out her gas. The bulky cloth diapers prevented that, but the disposable diapers allowed her the movement she needed.” Samantha H. wrote: “Our doctor had us use Gerber probiotic drops (Ask doctor of course). They took 2 weeks to take effect. We put a folded up blanket under the mattress of her bed on one side so her reflux wouldn't bother her.”



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