What Is Newborn Colic and How Can You Recognize It?
Colic in infants refers to episodes of intestinal pain marked by prolonged crying without an obvious cause. Typically, colic starts around 3 weeks of age and lasts up to 3 months, occurring for more than 3 hours a day on several days each week. During these episodes, babies often pull their legs up toward their abdomen and experience intestinal spasms.
One key sign is crying at the same time each day, most often in the evening. Despite this, the baby remains healthy, without fever or other signs of illness.
Main Symptoms of Colic
- Crying lasting more than 3 hours per day
- Crying recurs several days per week
- Spasms and drawing legs up to the tummy
- No other signs of infection
Why Do Newborns Get Colic?
The exact causes of colic are not fully understood, but experts highlight several factors that contribute to its symptoms:
- Immaturity of the infant’s digestive system
- Swallowing air during feeding, which leads to gas buildup
- Sensitivity of the intestines to certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers
- Psychological tension and stress in parents, which can affect the baby
Understanding these causes helps in choosing the right approach to easing the baby’s discomfort.
How Does the Baby’s Position After Feeding Affect Colic?
Keeping the baby upright after feeding is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce colic. This position helps release excess air from the stomach and reduces pressure on the intestines.
It is recommended to hold the baby vertically for at least 15–20 minutes after each feeding. This helps prevent gas buildup and lowers the chance of colic episodes.
Optimal Ways to Hold the Baby
- The classic upright position on the shoulder
- Using a sling for close contact and support
- The «cradle» hold with the head slightly elevated
How to Properly Massage the Belly for Colic?
Belly massage helps improve intestinal movement and ease the release of gas. For babies with colic, it is recommended to massage in clockwise circular motions using the fingertips.
The massage should last about 5–10 minutes and is best done after feeding when the baby is calm.
Belly Massage Technique
- Use warm hands and gentle pressure
- Move clockwise, repeating motions 10–15 times
- Focus on the area around the navel
What Other Home Remedies Help with Colic?
Besides upright positioning and massage, there are additional ways to soothe the baby:
- A warm compress or wrapped cloth on the tummy to relax muscles
- Using special anti-colic nipples, such as the Philips Avent Natural SCF033/27
- Creating a calm environment with minimal noise and soft lighting
It is also important for parents to stay calm, as anxiety can worsen the baby’s condition.
How to Differentiate Colic from Other Illnesses?
While colic has distinctive signs, it must be distinguished from more serious issues like intestinal infections or allergies. If crying is accompanied by a high fever, vomiting, changes in stool, or pale skin, a pediatrician’s consultation is necessary.
A pediatrician may order tests to rule out conditions requiring treatment. When colic is suspected, consulting a doctor helps avoid incorrect self-treatment.
| Symptom | Colic | Infection | Allergy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prolonged crying | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fever above 38°C | No | Yes | Sometimes |
| Vomiting | Rarely | Yes | Sometimes |
| Change in skin color | No | Yes | Sometimes |
| Crying at the same time of day | Yes | No | No |
- 3 weeks — typical age when colic begins in most infants
- 20 minutes — minimum time to hold baby upright after feeding
- 5–10 minutes — recommended duration of belly massage
- up to 3 months — typical period during which colic may occur
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for colic?
Can I give my baby medication for colic?
How long do colic episodes usually last in newborns?
Does changing the mother’s diet during breastfeeding help?
Key Takeaways
- Colic is a common condition in babies under 3 months, characterized by prolonged crying and abdominal pain.
- Upright positioning after feeding and belly massage reduce colic symptoms.
- Warm compresses and a calm environment help soothe the baby.
- If worrying symptoms appear, consult a pediatrician to rule out serious illness.
Colic is a temporary condition many families face. Proper care and attention can greatly ease the baby’s discomfort and help parents stay calm. Using proven methods — upright holding, massage, warmth, and calm — makes this period as comfortable as possible for the whole family.
Sources
- mamadeti.ru — “Newborn Colic: How to Understand and Help Your Baby”
- gorzdrav.org — “Newborn Colic: Causes, Signs, Treatment, and Prevention Methods”
- emcmos.ru — “Intestinal Colic in Newborns and Infants: Articles by EMC Clinic Doctors on Diseases, Diagnosis, and Treatment”
- renewal.ru — “Newborn Colic: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Help Your Baby with Tummy Pain”
- alfarebaby.ru — “Newborn Colic: What to Do?”