What is a colicky baby? Causes, symptoms, and tips

Crying is your baby's way of communicating. It’s completely normal for your little one to cry, especially during the first few months. It can signal hunger, discomfort, or tiredness. On average, a baby cries about 1 to 1.5 hours a day, and the crying may even increase between 2 and 6 weeks. But what if your baby cries more than usual? What if your little one is impossible to calm, and the crying turns into screaming? Then you might be dealing with a colicky baby. 

A colicky baby cries longer and more intensely than usual. Your baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days in a row, for at least 3 weeks. The crying is often uncontrollable and may be accompanied by tension, overtiredness, poor feeding, and colic. It’s a tough situation for you as a parent because it can feel like you’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work. 

There are many possible causes for your baby’s crying. Sometimes it’s simply due to overstimulation or the development of new skills. Other times, it could be due to physical discomforts like reflux, colic, or tummy cramps. Factors such as a stressful birth, cow’s milk allergy, or even a premature baby can also contribute to prolonged crying. 

Keep comforting

It may sometimes feel like your baby can’t be calmed, but stay calm and be patient. Remember, your baby needs you, even when the crying makes it difficult. It’s important to seek help when needed. There are many professionals and experts who can assist and advise you.

Seek and accept help

Taking care of a colicky baby is exhausting and demands a lot of your energy. Make sure you take time for yourself. Ask for help from friends, family, or a professional caregiver. Whether it’s household help or someone to look after your baby for a while, accepting help is essential for your well-being and your baby’s.

Try swaddling

Swaddling can help your baby sleep better. It provides a sense of security and calm, which is crucial for your little one’s development. A good night’s sleep also helps reduce crying because it gives your baby a chance to recover from the day’s stimulation and stress.

Take care of yourself

Be patient, accept that this is a phase, and focus on the moments when everything goes well. Use skin-to-skin contact to soothe your baby, and stick to a consistent routine. In most cases, if there’s no underlying medical issue, the crying will naturally decrease as your baby gets older.

Trust your instincts and be patient with both yourself and your baby. Keep a diary to gain insight into your baby’s behavior and see if there are patterns you can improve. Sometimes it’s just about finding the right balance and establishing a steady rhythm. And remember, your baby is learning that they can always count on you, which is the best foundation for a calm, happy future