Caring for a colicky baby

I know that all infants are prone to crying, but I feel like my newborn has been crying excessively. Sometimes it just means he’s hungry, tired, or needs his diaper changed, but there are other times when he seems inconsolable, no matter what I do. I’ve read that this may be a sign of colic. How can I know for sure, and what should I do?

It is normal for infants to cry and fuss somewhat, but excessive crying from a healthy, well-fed baby for more than three hours at a time may be a sign of infantile colic. Colic in infants typically begins at two to three weeks of age and lasts anywhere from 3 to 4 months.

Currently, the exact causes of colic remain unknown, but there are several strong “suspects.” Some doctors believe that colic occurs when food passes too quickly through the baby’s digestive tract. Others theorize that some babies have gastroesophageal reflux disease, which causes stomach acid to make its way into the esophagus, and can be extremely uncomfortable.

While its causes remain somewhat of a mystery, if you suspect your baby of being colicky, there is a concrete course of action you should certainly take: make an appointment with your pediatrician! There are no specific tests for colic, but it is important to rule out several other causes of sudden-onset screaming in infants such as a hernia, ear infection, or abdominal infection. There is no proven single treatment to make colic disappear, but there are ways to soothe your baby until his colic goes away.

Avoid overfeeding by nursing or giving the baby a bottle when he or she is colicky. Keep in mind that colicky babies do not cry because they are hungry. It is better to adhere to your baby’s regular feeding schedule.

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid consuming milk products and other gas producing, irritating foods. For formula-fed babies, it may be helpful to switch to a low-allergy formula such as Alimentum or Nutramigen.

Other helpful measures include walking with your baby, wrapping him snugly in a blanket (swaddling), playing music, or burping your baby more often during feedings.

If at any time you begin to feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the baby’s crying, ask a family member or friend to watch your child. It is also okay to put your baby down in the crib if no one is readily available. Taking a break is a good way to help you relax, which may also improve your baby’s disposition.

The good news is there are no long-term effects associated with colic, and the condition is temporary. After 3 or 4 months, all symptoms should cease, and both you and your baby will be much happier.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Campus Day Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Located at Brooklyn College steps away from the Nostrand/Flatbush Junction. Trips, swimming, overnights, martial art, sports and much more. Extended hours and transportation available.</span></p>

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp

<p><span style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">Chelsea Piers Summer Camp in Chelsea and NOW Brooklyn, offers both Preschool and Full-Day camps where children can learn, play and have fun. With flexible weekly enrollment, your child can join us for a week or all 11 weeks. Camp runs from June 19 to September 1. In Brooklyn, campers receive three swim periods per week with the option to add a 30-minute swim lesson to their camp day at an additional charge. </span></p> <p><span style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">Save 15% when you enroll by 2/28!</span></p> <p><span style="caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">NY: [email protected] <br />BK: [email protected]</span></p>

Launch Math+Science Camp

<h1>Launch Math + Science Centers</h1> <p>For more than 15 years, Launch Math + Science Centers have provided toddlers to tweens with inspiring math instruction and STEM-based camps and classes. Launch offers a true educational experience for students with small group sizes and big opportunities for learning. For Summer 2024, Launch Math + Science Centers offers exciting and educational one-week STEM summer camps for kids from kindergarten to 7th grade (5-12 years old). With a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, children at Launch’s exciting specialty summer programs explore the adventures of archaeology, discover the details of robotics, reveal the wonders of chemical reactions – and that’s just the beginning. Each week is jam-packed with hands-on STEM projects and fun camp activities.</p> <h2>The Camp Day</h2> <p>Each camp day kicks-off at 9:00 am and consists of designated educational segments that are designed to inspire.</p> <p>-STEM Projects (core lessons and builds tied to the theme of the week)</p> <p>-STEM Discoveries (challenge-based learning through problem-solving activities)</p> <p>-Active Adventures (a blend of tech and camp games in Central Park)</p> <p>-Math Mania! (engaging mathematics-based projects and activities)</p> <p>Standard dismissal is at 3:30 pm, with the option to extend to 5:00 pm.</p> <h2>Weekly Camp Themes</h2> <p><strong>Juniors (K+1st Grade)</strong></p> <p>I Wanna Be… A Marine Biologist!</p> <p>I Wanna Be… An Archaeologist!</p> <p>I Wanna Be… A Sports Doctor!</p> <p>I Wanna Be… A Techie!</p> <p><strong>Kids (2nd-4th Grade)</strong></p> <p>Coding + Animation</p> <p>Remarkable Robots + Marvelous Machines</p> <p>Potent Potions + Fizzing Formulas</p> <p>Rocket Science: Destination Mars</p> <p><strong>Tweens (5th-7th Grade)</strong></p> <p>Coding + Game Development</p> <p>Rockin' + Robotics</p> <p>Chaotic Chemical Reactions</p> <p>Architecture + Engineering</p> <h2>Register Early, Save Big!</h2> <p>Huge discounts for Early Bird enrollments. Register by March 31st and receive $200 off EVERY camp after the first.</p> <p>For well over a decade, Launch has delivered engaging STEM programs for children throughout New York City. Real-life rocket scientist, Scott Heifetz, founded Launch with one mission in mind: Inspire children to love and learn math and science!</p>