There were episodes when my baby was crying inconsolably. Every time I mentioned this to the grandparents, they all jumped and said: “It’s colic!” Frankly, I got upset at this because it felt like they were saying there was nothing I could do – just let it run its course. Wrong, I said. So I tried all the soothing techniques I wrote about , and the episodes became less and less frequent. What I noticed was that the baby cried the loudest and longest when she was hungry. At the beginning, I didn’t realize this because she had just eaten, but the reality was that she didn’t get enough from my breasts for one reason or another – I should have offered her the bottle. I didn’t know then!
What worked, other than food, was going outside on the balcony, carrying her and rocking her, distracting her as much as possible, and playing music and dancing. The reality is that I tried not to get impacted (although it’s hard!), kept calm, and I thought that my baby needed me to cuddle and soothe her! I showed her that I loved her even in those moments and that it was safe for her to cry.
Understanding Colic
Colic is traditionally defined as episodes of crying that last for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for three weeks or longer, in an otherwise healthy infant. This phenomenon usually begins around two to three weeks of age and can persist until the baby is about three to four months old.
Common Myths About Colic
Myth 1: Colic is a Disease
Many parents believe that colic is a disease or a sign that something is wrong with their baby. However, colic is not a disease. It’s a term used to describe a pattern of behavior. The exact cause of colic is still unknown, but it is generally considered to be a benign condition.
Myth 2: Only Some Babies Get Colic
It’s easy to think that colic affects only a small subset of babies. In reality, all babies cry, and many will experience periods of fussiness and inconsolable crying. What distinguishes colic is the duration and intensity of these crying episodes. About 20-25% of infants meet the criteria for colic.
Myth 3: Colic is Caused by Poor Parenting
Parents often blame themselves for their baby’s colic, thinking that their parenting skills are at fault. This is simply not true. Colic is not caused by anything a parent does or doesn’t do. It’s a phase that many babies go through and is largely out of the parents’ control.
Myth 4: Colic Has a Single, Identifiable Cause
There is no single known cause of colic. It’s likely that multiple factors contribute to the condition, including gastrointestinal discomfort, an immature digestive system, overstimulation, and even differences in temperament. Because of this, what works to soothe one baby may not work for another.
Myth 5: Gas Causes Colic
A common belief is that gas causes colic. However, it might be more accurate to say that crying causes gas. When babies cry, they swallow air, which can lead to gas and burping. The act of crying can strain their muscles and cause them to pass gas. Therefore, the gas is more likely a result of the crying rather than the cause of it.
The Reality of Colic
A Developmental Phase
Colic is often viewed as a developmental phase that some babies go through. It is believed that colic is related to the rapid growth and changes occurring in a baby’s body and nervous system. This can lead to periods of fussiness and crying as the baby adjusts to their new environment. You can check developmental leaps with this app The Wonder Weeks.
The Importance of a Soothing Environment
Creating a calm, soothing environment can help alleviate some of the symptoms of colic. Techniques like swaddling, gentle rocking, white noise, and offering a pacifier can provide comfort to a colicky baby. Dr. Harvey Karp’s “The Missing Fourth Trimester” theory also suggests that replicating the conditions of the womb can help soothe a colicky baby.
Sources and Studies on Colic
To provide a more evidence-based perspective, here are some sources and studies that discuss colic as not being a disease and not necessarily related to pain:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- The AAP provides an overview of colic, emphasizing that it is a common condition that affects healthy infants. They note that while the exact cause is unknown, colic is not considered a disease and is not necessarily related to pain.
- AAP on Colic
- Mayo Clinic
- The Mayo Clinic describes colic as a condition where healthy babies cry for long periods without an apparent reason. They highlight that colic is not a disease and that it is a temporary phase many infants go through.
- Mayo Clinic on Colic
- National Health Service (NHS)
- The NHS provides information on colic, stating that it is not a sign of illness and that it typically resolves on its own. They discuss various theories about the causes of colic, including the possibility that it is not related to pain.
- NHS on Colic
- “Colic in Infants” by Ronald G. Barr, MD
- Dr. Barr, a renowned researcher in infant behavior, has written extensively on colic. He argues that colic is a behavior pattern rather than a disease and is not necessarily associated with pain. His research suggests that colic may be related to the normal developmental process.
- Study by Dr. Ronald G. Barr
- The ‘Colic’ Conundrum: Challenges of Defining and Exploring Excessive Crying in Infants
- This article explores the complexities of defining colic and the challenges in researching excessive crying in infants. It emphasizes that colic is not a disease and that the behavior may not always be associated with pain.
- Article on Colic Research
- “Infant Colic—A Review of an Age-Old Problem” by Marc R. Williams, MD, and colleagues
- This review article discusses various hypotheses about the causes of colic and emphasizes that colic is not a disease but a self-limiting condition. The authors highlight that colic may not be directly related to pain but could be due to other factors like developmental changes.
- Review Article
Coping with Colic
As a parent, dealing with colic can be incredibly challenging. Here are a few tips to help you cope:
- Stay Calm: Remember that colic is a phase, and it will pass. Try to remain calm and patient during your baby’s crying episodes.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or a support group for help. Sharing your experiences with other parents can provide comfort and practical advice.
- Consult Your Pediatrician: If you’re concerned about your baby’s crying or if you think there might be an underlying medical issue, consult your pediatrician. They can provide guidance and reassurance.
Key Takeaways
- Colic is Not a Disease: Colic is a pattern of behavior in healthy infants and not a sign of illness.
- Varied Causes: There is no single known cause of colic; it may involve gastrointestinal discomfort, developmental changes, or other factors.
- Crying Can Cause Gas: Contrary to popular belief, crying can lead to gas because babies swallow air when they cry, not the other way around.
- Developmental Phase: Colic is often seen as a developmental phase that many babies go through, which typically resolves by itself.
- Managing Stress: Create a calm, soothing environment for your baby, and seek support from others to manage the stress associated with colic.
- Reliable Resources: Utilize resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, and NHS for evidence-based information and support.