Help for Colic-y Babies

Does your baby seem to need your attention more than other babies? Cry for three hours a day or more, usually at night?  If so, your baby may have colic.  Colic usually peaks at about 6 weeks old and is usually down to one hour a day by 3 months old. 

No one knows what causes colic.  It is not caused by a medical problem because babies with colic are healthy.  It may be caused by stomach pain or the baby’s temperament.  To make your baby more comfortable and happy, try a few of these quick and easy ideas to help you help your baby!

• Place a warm bottle on your baby’s stomach.
• Rock your baby in a rocking chair.
• Give your baby a warm bath.
• Take your baby for a walk.
• Gently rub your baby’s stomach.
• Give your baby a pacifier.
• Go for a drive with your baby in the car seat.
• Place your baby where she can hear the clothes drier or vacuum.  Steady noise may help your baby sleep.
• Ask for help!  If you are feeling tired and anxious ask someone to look after the baby for an hour or so.

Posted: October 2004

Our online Health Encyclopedia is a great source for learning how to cope with colic.