Colic: How to manage it
By Boston Area Doulas Founder, Kathleen Stern
“Colic” — a dreaded 5-letter word to expecting and new parents. But what is it exactly, and how do we manage it?
Colic doesn’t harm your baby but of course, hugely impacts parents. My first daughter, born in 2014, was colicky. I was exhausted and filled with self-doubt. Why was I unable to soothe her? I also received conflicting advice from well-meaning family and friends. That experience was the reason I became a doula!
What is colic? Colic is defined by intense crying or fussiness in a healthy baby that happens with frequency and regularity, typically in the evening. It is not a diagnosis, but usually, a symptom of something else. Colic is defined by crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks. Colic peaks around 6 weeks but can continue for months and improves greatly by 3-4 months.
Bottom Line: You do not have to wait 3 weeks in order to determine if your baby is colicky. Use your instincts. If something feels off, please talk to your pediatrician. Pro Tip: record a brief video of your baby crying and show that to your pediatrician. Talk to your doula about strategies to manage colic and other resources that can support you and your baby.
What causes colic? While reasons are unknown, some suspected factors include food sensitivities (like a milk protein intolerance), an immature digestive system, imbalance of gut bacteria, or in some cases overfeeding or non-paced feeding with large volumes (e.g. 6+ ounces at 4 weeks old).
How can I help MY BABY if they have colic?
Know that this phase will pass. In the meantime, here are some things that can help:
Help your baby relieve gas pains.
3 min Video: Managing Constipation, Colic, Gas with Knees to Chest
2 min Video: Tiger in the Tree hold
Try these 6 soothing strategies and things to consider see 5 min video here.
Walk or move with the baby. Sitting on a yoga ball and gently bouncing can help.
Reduce overstimulation. Turn off bright lights, loud music or TV.
Wear your baby in a carrier (like the Solly wrap, Ergo, Baby Bjorn, or Baby K’Tan). Being upright, snuggled against you, with gentle pressure against their belly can help. Please check the infant weight requirements and guidelines for safe baby wearing before using a carrier.
Try Dr. Harvey Karp’s “5s for soothing baby” to turn on the baby’s calming reflex.
SWADDLE your baby
Hold baby in a SIDE-LYING position or along their STOMACH
SHUSH (using a noise machine or in baby's ear to match the sound of their crying)
SWING or SWAY with baby in gentle motions
SUCK (pacifier, finger)
Use white noise (e.g. Hatch noise machine, spotify: “white noise” playlist).
See your pediatrician to rule out any digestive issues (food sensitive or reflux)
Schedule a home visit with an IBCLC to see if oral restrictions (tongue tie, lip tie, etc) are suspected, which can cause excess gas and discomfort
How can I manage as a parent if I have a colicky baby?
Take a break. Put your baby down in a safe sleep position, on their back, in a crib or bassinet without any blankets or pillows
Call in your support (loved ones, friends, doula) who can hold the baby for a bit.
Step outside, even just standing outside your front door. Sometimes the change in temperature or atmosphere is a good “reset” for both parents and babies.
Wear ear plugs to soften the sharpness of crying. Don’t worry– you will still hear your baby.
Know this will not last forever.
Know you are doing your best and this is not your fault.
Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.
