“He won’t stop crying. I have done everything.”
“She has a dry diaper and I know she is full. Why is she still fussy?”
Ooh mama! You’ve probably checked all the boxes and can’t tell what is hurting your baby. If your little one cries for hours on end and nothing seems to work, you might be dealing with colic, one of the most frustrating and exhausting stages of early motherhood.
Let’s start by saying this: it’s not your fault. Colic is common, and it doesn’t mean your baby is unwell or that you’re doing something wrong. It’s just one of those mysterious phases many newborns go through, and thankfully, it does pass. But while you wait it out, let’s help you understand what’s going on and how to manage colic with these 9 techniques to soothe your baby (and yourself).
What Exactly is Colic?
Colic is defined as intense, prolonged, and frequent crying in an otherwise healthy baby. Doctors often use the “Rule of 3” to determine and describe colic.
The Rule of 3 for detecting colic goes like crying for more than 3 hours a day, for 3 or more days a week, lasting for 3 weeks or more. Colic typically appears around the 2nd or 3rd week of life and peaks around 6 weeks, before gradually easing by 3 to 4 months.
The exact cause of colic isn’t fully known. Some experts believe it’s due to underdeveloped digestion system gas, overstimulation, or even sensitivity to certain foods (especially if the baby is breastfed and the mother’s diet affects them).
Others think it might be a baby’s way of adjusting to life outside the womb.
Soothing Techniques to Help Manage Colic
Whatever the cause, colic can leave parents feeling helpless and drained but there are ways to manage it and keep your sanity intact.
1. Master the Colic Carry or Hold
One of the simplest ways to comfort a colicky baby is to hold them in a way that eases gas and provides security.
How to do the colic carry:
Lay your baby on their tummy along your forearm, with their head resting in your hand and their legs straddling your arm.
Gently rub or pat their back as you walk around.
This position puts gentle pressure on their tummy, which can help release trapped gas. Alternatively, hold your baby upright against your chest and lightly sway them, soothing and comforting them.
2. Gentle Motions Work Wonders
Babies love movement; it reminds them of the soothing sways they felt inside the womb.
You can try:
- Rocking your baby in your arms or in a rocking chair.
- Using a baby swing (if age-appropriate and supervised).
- Taking a walk in a stroller or a drive in the car, the rhythmic motion can calm them almost magically.
These motions not only soothe but also help your baby relax their muscles and regulate their breathing.
3. Try White Noise or Soft Sounds
Ever noticed how your baby calms down when there’s background noise, like a fan or a washing machine? That’s because these sounds mimic the whooshing noises of the womb. Try using a white noise machine, lullaby playlist, or even shushing sounds made by you.
You can also softly hum or sing, babies respond well to your voice because it’s familiar and comforting. Singing is one of the ways to bond with your baby when they’re still young.
4. Check for Feeding-Related Causes
Sometimes colic can be triggered by air swallowed during feeding or sensitivity to certain foods. To prevent this from happening, ensure you:
- Burp frequently: After every few minutes of feeding, pause to burp your baby to release trapped air.
- Check feeding position: Keep your baby’s head higher than their stomach to help milk flow down smoothly.
- Bottle check: If bottle-feeding, use anti-colic bottles designed to minimize air intake.
- Monitor your diet (if breastfeeding): Some babies react to dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods in your diet. Try eliminating one food group at a time to see if there’s a difference.
5. Give a Gentle Tummy Massage
A soft, clockwise tummy massage can help relieve gas and discomfort. Use gentle, circular motions with warm hands.
You can also try bicycle leg movements by laying your baby on their back and gently moving their legs as if pedaling a bike. This helps release trapped gas and can bring visible relief.
6. Swaddle Your Baby for Comfort
Swaddling recreates the snug feeling of the womb, giving your baby a sense of security. Use a light cotton blanket and wrap your baby snugly (but not too tight) to limit their startle reflex. Make sure their hips and legs can still move freely.
Swaddling works especially well before sleep or during fussy periods such as to soothe colic. Remember to always lay your baby on their back when swaddled.
7. Give Your Baby a Pacifier to Manage Colic
Some babies just need to suck for comfort. Pacifiers can help soothe colic by satisfying the baby’s natural sucking reflex, even when they’re not hungry. It’s a quick and effective way to calm crying spells.
Related: How to Read Your Baby’s Cues and Cries
8. Try Warm Baths or Warm Compresses
A warm bath can relax your baby’s muscles and soothe their tummy when they’re fussy from colic.
Alternatively, place a warm (not hot) towel on their stomach for a few minutes. The gentle warmth helps ease colic cramps and discomfort.
9. Stay Calm and Take Breaks When Needed
This might be the hardest one, but your baby senses your emotions. If you’re stressed or frustrated, it can make them even fussier. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby safely in their crib, step away, and take a few deep breaths.
Call a friend, partner, family member for support. This is why it is crucial to build your support village during pregnancy to see you through such overwhelming moments.
Remember; colic is temporary. It doesn’t mean your baby doesn’t love you or that you’re not doing enough. You’re doing amazing and this will be over soon, mama.
When to See a Doctor About Your Baby’s Colic
While colic is usually harmless, check with your pediatrician if:
- Your baby’s crying seems different
- Your baby’s crying is high-pitched
- Your baby’s cry is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, fever, poor feeding,
- Your instincts tell you something’s not right
Your doctor can rule out medical causes like reflux, milk allergies, or infections. They can also advise you on proper breastfeeding techniques to manage the colic.
How Malaica Maternity Hospital Can Help Your Baby With Colic
Colic can make you feel like the days and nights will never end, but hang in there. Most babies outgrow it by the fourth month, and before you know it, you’ll be looking back at these days amazed at how far you’ve come.
And whenever you need our support, Malaica Maternity Hospital’s wellbaby clinic team is here for you. We will assess your baby’s wellbeing to rule out any other causes for their fussiness, support your lactation and feeding through guidance techniques, and demonstrate soothing techniques for managing colic. Our 24/7 nurse midwife is always there to answer your concerns even in the middle of the night, while Malaica’s online support group can be valuable with tips that have worked for them.
You also get maternal psychological support for when the constant crying and fussiness has led you to severe stress, exhaustion, and anxiety.
Visit us at 240 General Mathenge Gardens, Westlands or call us at +254 746 610643 to learn how we can support you and your baby’s growth. You can also fill out our online booking form and we’ll call you back.