What’s the matter, Baby?

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The crying is unmistakeable: ear-piercingly loud, urgent and uncontrollable. There is absolutely no way to ignore the episodes, which typically occur around the same time every day, usually in the late afternoon or early evening.

It is heart-breaking and frustrating for any new mum to see her baby in such a state – distressed, with her head thrown back and body curled into a tight ball – but what’s worse is feeling completely helpless to do anything about it.

This manic crying for no apparent reason usually starts when Baby is between three and six weeks old, and lasts for about three to four months. Known as colic, it is fairly common, affecting all babies whether or not they are male or female, breast- or bottlefed, or full-term or pre-term. Colic also has nothing to do with your baby’s birth order. Some experts however believe that, if either parent was colicky, then their baby is more at risk of being the same.

A fussy baby does not necessarily have colic; after all, it’s not unusual for infants to cry for up to two hours a day. But what sets colic apart from “normal” crying is that it begins suddenly, often after a feeding, and ends just as suddenly, with each bout lasting up to three or even four hours.

In addition to being continuous, the crying is also louder, and more intense or higher-pitched than normal. It might sound like your infant is in a lot of pain.

Other physical signs of a colicky baby include a flushed or red face, frowning and grimacing, a distended and hard belly, clenched hands and cold feet. Your baby may also pull her legs into her belly – an indication of stomach pain – and arch her back.

A colicky infant is almost impossible to console. No matter what you do – changing her wet diaper, talking to her, bundling her up to keep her warm or turning on the air conditioner because you think she’s overheated – you simply cannot make the screaming fits stop.

The cry of colic

Although many studies have been done about colic, the exact cause has not been proven. However, various theories exist.

Colicky babies are thought to have higher levels of serotonin. This hormone makes the intestinal muscles contract. Serotonin levels peak later in the day, which may explain why your baby’s crying episodes usually occur in the late afternoon or early evening. Some experts believe that colic is simply part of a baby’s natural temperament, while others attribute it to fatigue or overstimulation.

Another interesting theory does not blame colic on gas, but instead points to colic as causing gas, since babies swallow a lot of air when crying. If an infant’s bowel movements are too slow, it is also thought that air can build up in her gut, making it expand and thus causing intestinal pain.

Soothe your baby

Thankfully, colic is not dangerous or harmful, and resolves itself without treatment. As the condition is not fully understood, it is difficult to say what might alleviate it, but you can try one or some of these expert suggestions for getting your little one to settle down:

Gently rock her Rhythmic movement may help calm Baby. Rock her in a cradle, while sitting in a rocking chair, or while holding her over your shoulder.

Hold her close Carrying your infant in a sling has also been shown to help – she may find some relief in your body heat and movement. Wrap her in a blanket for extra comfort.

Try upright feeding This position is thought to minimise the possibility of your little one swallowing air while she is feeding.

Burp her after feeding This is important as it helps expel air from your baby’s stomach and prevents bloating.

Give her a warm bath The warmth combined with the sensation of being in the water may also help to calm your little one.

Play relaxing music Singing is also believed to have the same pacifying effect on newborns.

Massage her belly Quell any intestinal discomfort with a gentle massage where her large intestine lies. Massage in slow circular movements. This action may help your baby expel any wind that may be trapped in there.

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