Colic
WHAT IS COLIC?
- Long periods of sudden, unexplained crying that will not stop. Could be due to stomach pain.
- Usually starts around 2-6 weeks old
- Usually stops around 3-4 months old
SYMPTOMS:
- Cries for 3+ hours a day, for 3+days a week, for 3+ weeks
- Hard to calm down baby
- Stiffening of legs, pulling legs up in pain, clenching fists Passing a lot of gas
- Spitting up and crying during and after feeding
- Not sleeping for long periods at a time
REMEMBER
There is no cure for colic and there is no known cause, but there are ways to help.
THINGS TO TRY:
- Playing calming music or talk quietly to your baby
- Give your baby a gentle massage
- Place baby on your chest, skin to skin
- Wrap your baby in a swaddle
- Hold your baby on its side or stomach
- Gently rock baby in your arms
- Shush baby
- Try taking a car ride or brisk walk in a stroller
- Do NOT give your baby juice, this can cause gas
- Talk to a WIC Breastfeeding Counselor about breastmilk overproduction (www.breastmilkcounts.com)
IF NOTHING WORKS:
- See a doctor
- Ask a doctor before starting any medications
- DON’T SHAKE THE BABY
- Find someone to help you during this time
- Be Patient – colic usually goes away within 3-4 months
Source: TexasWIC.org