While parenthood brings many beautiful first-time experiences, colic is not one of them. The long-crying spells without obvious reasons make things difficult for even the calmest parents. The good news is it’s temporary. To help make things easier for you, we’ve listed the top three questions that every newborn’s parents have: when colic starts, when it peaks, and when it starts fading. Here’s what a pediatrician in Mulund says:
What is Colic?
Colic is the intense, prolonged crying episodes in infants who are otherwise normal, healthy, and well-fed. Colic pain can occur at any time, but is more common in the late afternoon. Here are some common signs:
- Continuous, loud crying
- Crying continues despite diaper changes or consoling
- Clenched fists
- Arching of the back
Often, it’s a combination of causes that make babies cry inconsolably. For one, they are more vulnerable to gas and digestive discomfort due to their immature digestive system. Besides, they can’t self-soothe. Note that colic is absolutely normal in infants.
When Does Colic Peak?
Fortunately, colic doesn’t last forever. It starts when your baby is 2-3 weeks old. That’s when you notice sudden, intense sessions of crying in your previously calm and overall healthy baby. Colic peaks when your baby is between 6 and 8 weeks old. That’s often described as the most emotionally exhausting phase for parents. Babies tend to cry for long periods loudly and inconsolably.
The intensity and duration are not the same for every baby. They depend on multiple factors, such as the baby’s sensitivity, temperament, environment, feeding patterns, and digestive development. While the symptoms can be severe and might seem alarming, know that these are the signs your baby’s digestive and nervous systems are developing.
When Does Colic End?
In most healthy babies, colic fades by the time they turn 3 months old (although it can be a little late for premature babies). However, the phase may last for 5 months in some babies. Colic can end suddenly and miraculously, or may pass gradually, with some good and other bad days, until it stops completely.
Managing Colic During Its Peak
When it’s at its peak, soothing the baby might seem the most challenging task, as nothing you do may seem to work. Here’s what parents find helpful to relieve colic:
- Hold them Upright: Do it after feeding to prevent digestive issues. Besides, babies feel comfortable when they hear familiar heartbeats.
- Gentle Motion: Gentle swaying, rocking, or walking can help soothe your baby. These might mimic the movements they felt in the womb.
- Give them a Calm Environment: Colicky babies may cry louder when exposed to lights, loud noises, or crowded environments. Dimming the lights, reducing background noise, and avoiding visitors, especially during fussy hours, can help.
- Pacifier: Gentle sucking motion can be comforting for some babies. You can also try comfort feeding.
Conclusion
Colic can seem concerning and may take a toll on your physical and emotional health. If you suspect anything unusual, such as low weight, unresponsiveness, excessive sleeping, poor feeding, or low urine output, visit a pediatric clinic in Mulund immediately to rule out other serious issues.