Crying or Colic?

So your baby cries? Some amount of crying is normal, although it may not feel like it. Most babies cry more than two hours a day. But a colicky baby has severe periods of persistent crying. Most physicians consider a baby colicky if she cries more than three hours per day, three times per week.

A colicky baby may also be more irritable after a feeding, pull his legs to his chest, pass wind frequently or clench his hands. Some mothers report that their colicky baby has a "witching hour", a time period when colic is worse, generally between 6 pm and midnight, although it can occur at any time during the day. One thing all colicky babies have in common - they cannot calm or soothe themselves.

Doctors don't know exactly what causes colic. Sometime between two and four weeks of age, up to 25% of newborns will develop colic. Then, somewhere between four and six months of age, the condition disappears. Some doctors think that colic is caused by a baby's underdeveloped gastro-intestinal system. The theory is that the newborn's digestive track doesn't have enzymes to assist in breaking down food and that colic is the result of painful digestive cramps. Still others believe that babies become inconsolable when they are overtired or over stimulated.

"It's important for mothers to know they can soothe their baby, comfort their baby and to never to be afraid they will swaddle their baby too much," says Souad Andrawes, MD of Rex Pediatrics of Cary. "Every baby has different likes and dislikes; some babies may find swaddling to be too stimulating and they do better laying on a blanket. Parents just have to find the best way to soothe their child."

Although colic is not a serious threat to your baby, you need to talk to your pediatrician to rule out other conditions. Colic can impair the ability of a parent to bond with a baby - parents can feel frustrated, heartbroken, helpless and irritated by the relentless cries. If you have a colicky baby, try swaddling him and walking while carrying him. A walk in a stroller, a warm bath, rocking in a rocking chair, a ride in a car seat or a gentle tummy massage may do the trick.

If you're breastfeeding, try eliminating foods that may be irritating baby's digestive system. First try eliminating cow's milk and dairy products. If that doesn't work, try eliminating spicy foods, broccoli, cabbage, raw green peppers, caffeinated products or alcohol. If your baby is bottle-fed, talk to your pediatrician about switching to a low-allergy formula or to a different brand. You can also try changing bottle brands or nipple types. Many moms report success with the low-gas design of Dr. Brown's and Avent bottles. Whether you bottle or breastfeed, burping your child once during and once after a feeding can decrease pressure and discomfort from swallowed air.

You can't forget to take care of yourself! Ask for help from friends and family members and take a break when you need to. Even an hour off can help renew your strength. Dr. Andrawes reminds parents to keep in mind that colic is temporary, most babies crying spells peak at about six weeks of age and gradually decrease.