The evening's inconsolable crying that starts suddenly, lasts for hours and resists any usual soothing methods. The baby turns red, pulls his legs to his belly, and the parents feel despair and helplessness. Familiar scene? It's colic. Probably one of the most mysterious and most exhausting phenomena in life with a newborn. It's important to understand right away: colic is not a disease and not a sign that you are "bad" parents. It is a temporary functional condition related to the adaptation of the baby's nervous and digestive systems. This guide will help you understand what colic really is and, most importantly, will offer only those assistance methods that have an evidence base.
What Is Colic? The "Rule of Three"
In pediatrics, the classic "Rule of Three" proposed by Dr. Morris Weissel is used to define colic:
- Crying lasts **more than 3 hours a day**.
- Occurs **more than 3 days a week**.
- Lasts **more than 3 consecutive weeks**.
Colic usually starts at 2–3 weeks of life, peaks around 6–8 weeks, and typically resolves on its own by 3–4 months of age. Meanwhile the baby is perfectly healthy, feeds well and gains weight normally. This is the key distinction between colic and illnesses.
Causes of Colic: What Modern Science Says
The exact cause of colic is still unknown. It was previously thought that it was all about "gas", but today that is only one theory. Modern science leans toward colic being a multifactorial condition caused by a combination of several factors:
- Immaturity of the nervous system: This is the main theory. The newborn's nervous system is still unable to cope with the huge amount of stimuli (light, sounds, touches) it receives throughout the day. By evening it becomes overloaded, and crying becomes a way to "release" the accumulated tension.
- Immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract: The gut is still learning to contract properly and produce necessary enzymes, which can cause discomfort.
- Swallowing air: During feeding or prolonged crying the baby may swallow air, leading to bloating.
- Establishment of the microbiome: The gut becomes colonized by bacteria, and this process can be turbulent.
It is important to understand: the diet of a breastfeeding mother is in the vast majority of cases not the cause of colic (except for rare cow's milk protein allergy). We discuss this in the article about breastfeeding mother's nutrition.
Evidence‑Based Help Methods: What Really Works?
The market offers countless "magical" remedies for colic, but the effectiveness of most of them is unproven. Let's focus on what evidence‑based medicine recommends.
1. Methods that Mimic the Womb ("Fourth Trimester")
These techniques aim to soothe the immature nervous system. Read more about this approach in the article "Fourth Trimester".
- Swaddling: Tight swaddling creates a sense of security and limits chaotic movements that irritate the baby.
- "White noise": Monotonous, hissing sounds (special device, hair dryer) resemble womb sounds and block external stimuli.
- Rocking: Rhythmic, monotone movements (in arms, in a fitness ball, in a stroller) help calm the baby.
- Sucking: The sucking reflex has a powerful soothing effect. Offer the breast, bottle, or pacifier.
2. Physical Contact and Position Changes
- Carrying in arms: Your emotional bond and warmth are the best medicine.
- Placing on the belly: Lay the baby belly‑down on your own belly or on your lap. Gentle pressure on the abdominal wall can relieve discomfort.
- Abdominal massage: Light strokes clockwise around the navel.
- Warm washcloth: A washcloth warmed with an iron (not hot!) placed on the belly can relax the muscles.
3. Medications: What You Should Know
- Simethicone‑based preparations: They "collapse" gas bubbles in the gut, but their effectiveness for colic is quite low because gas is not the main cause. They are safe, but don’t expect miracles.
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri): Some studies show that this probiotic strain may reduce crying duration in breastfed infants. Discuss the possibility of using it with your pediatrician.
- Dill water and fennel teas: Their effectiveness is unproven, and they can cause allergic reactions in infants.
"Red Flags": When It’s Not Just Colic?
Consult a doctor if the crying is accompanied by:
- Fever.
- Vomiting (especially "projectile"), diarrhea, or blood in the stools.
- Refusal to eat or poor weight gain.
- Lethargy or excessive sleepiness.
Read about other concerning symptoms in the article "When to Call the Doctor?".
Self‑Care
The colic period is a huge trial for parents. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, take turns with your partner so you can get at least a 30‑minute break. Remember your emotional health. And most importantly: repeat like a mantra — **it’s temporary**. One day it will simply end.
