Colic - what you need to know

Colic is experienced by 1 in 4 babies. Colic isn’t an illness and won’t harm your baby’s health or have any long-term effects, but it’s a tough thing to go through for all involved – babies and parents. It can break your heart and test your patience all at the same time.

The most common sign of colic is that your baby cries uncontrollably for several hours at a time. Your little one is considered colicky by diagnosing with the rule of 3:

• If it begins around the first 3 weeks of life
• Lasts at least 3 hours a day
• Occurs at least 3 days a week
• Continues for at least 3 weeks
• Seldom lasts longer than 3 months

While it’s not harmful to them, it’s still very distressing. No parent likes to see their little angel upset and in discomfort. Unfortunately no one knows for sure what causes colic in babies, but it has been linked to excess air being swallowed during feeding, trapped wind, sensitivities to milk or the fact their little digestive system is still developing.

• Babies cry. That’s not new news! When they’re wet, hungry, frightened, or even tired. But if you’ve tried all the above and they are still crying, inconsolably for 2-3 hours, it’s most likely colic
• Bringing their little legs up to their chest
• Clenching their tiny fists
• Becoming flushed in the face
• You may also notice that it can get a bit worse in the late afternoon

If your little one suffers from Colic, don’t worry as there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Colic usually disappears by the time your baby is 3months.

In the meantime, comfort them as best you can and ask for help when you need it. Caring for a colicky baby can be very stressful, and you need to take regular breaks to keep yourself sane. Tag in your partner, a relative or a friend while you go for a walk, a nice long hot bath or even have a good cry yourself (you’ll feel much better after it).