My baby was so easy, but now at 6 weeks old, he cries every night,
is this colic?
All babies cry and most babies cry a lot during the first few months
of life. Crying is the baby's form of communicating needs. Crying
is not harmful itself but it could be a signal of distress that
you would not want to ignore. If your baby is not sick, hungry or
in pain, then the following suggestions may help you get through
this time period with some sanity still intact. "Colic" is used
to describe the crying episodes that can go on for up to 3 hours.
It is not well understood, and there are several theories about
colic and young infants. Parents do not cause colic. Babies that
tend to have a more sensitive temperament are more likely to have
crying episodes.
Signs and symptoms of colic:
- Unexplained crying episodes - not related to hunger, pain, discomfort,
or illness - occurring 1 -2 times a day, usually at the same time
of day
- Crying episodes usually last 1-3 hours
- Infant is consolable when held
- Occurs at 1 month age and resolves by 3 months of age
- Healthy, thriving baby that is happy between crying episodes
Home Treatment:
Bathing
- Pick up and soothe your young infant when he cries - you can
not spoil a young infant by holding him too much
- Use a swing, sling or carrier, vibrating seat, stroller
- Offer a pacifier if your baby takes one
- Give your baby a bath
- Run the vacuum cleaner or radio with a poor signal, babies like
white noise Avoid taking baby for a ride in the care - nothing
is more dangerous than a sleep-deprived parent behind the wheel
with a crying baby in the car
- As a last resort or if you are at your wit's end, place your
baby in the crib where it is dark, quiet, and soothing - your
baby may calm himself or fall asleep - if crying continues for
10 minutes pick baby up and try to comfort him again
- Understand that this is a very trying time as a parent, but
it is short-lived and it is not your fault, don't be afraid to
ask for help
- Rest when your baby does
Call our office if:
- You think your baby is sick, in pain or inconsolable
- Crying episode lasts more than 3 hours
- Crying episodes occur frequently throughout the day
- Your baby is younger than 1 month or older than 3 months
- You are afraid you might hurt your baby
- You have other questions or concerns
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