Not all intense crying is colic. Hunger, being cold or hot, a diaper, tiredness, overstimulation and the need to be held can also explain the discomfort. Colic is a possibility when a baby under five months old is healthy and has recurring episodes, with no other cause found during an evaluation.
It usually starts in the first few weeks, peaks at around six to eight weeks and improves by the third or fourth month. Even though it passes, it can be very exhausting for the whole family.
A calm routine for crying spells
Check feeding, diaper, temperature and signs of sleepiness. Then try dimming the lights and reducing noise, holding your baby, skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking or a comfortable position for burping. A technique may work today and not tomorrow; the goal is to comfort, not to “beat” the crying.
A gentle tummy massage and slow bicycle movements with the legs can bring comfort to some babies, as long as the baby accepts being touched. Stop if it seems uncomfortable.
What to avoid
Don't give teas, water, medications or supplements, and don't switch formula or remove foods from the breastfeeding parent's diet without guidance from the pediatrician. These attempts can carry risks and also delay identifying another cause.
If you feel you are reaching your limit, place the baby on their back in a safe crib and step away for a few minutes to breathe and call for help. Never shake the baby.
When crying needs to be evaluated
Seek care if there is fever, refusal to feed, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness, a very distended belly, poor weight gain or crying that seems different from the usual pattern. With young newborns, being unsure is also reason enough to ask for guidance.