Seeing a newborn cry and struggling to soothe them can be a tough experience for any parent, especially first-timers. Often, this crying is attributed to gas or what is commonly known as "infant colic."
“It’s completely normal to worry because we associate crying with pain, alarm, and fear, which is a natural response from caregivers,” explains Dr. Cristel Perdigón, a pediatrician specialized in breastfeeding, sleep, and primary care, affiliated with the Molini-Mataix Pediatric Clinic in Castellón.
Colic refers to episodes of inconsolable crying that typically occur in infants from about two to three weeks old until they are around three months old. These episodes can last over three hours and happen more than three times a week, which is why it’s often referred to as the "rule of threes."
But what causes colic? Traditionally, colic has been linked to gas or digestive pain; however, it’s not the only reason for these crying spells. “Colic can be a necessary response from a baby who needs assistance, as they are unable to resolve many of their physical sensations on their own,” Dr. Perdigón explains.
Newborns don’t have a clear understanding of their surroundings due to their sensory immaturity, and crying is their way of signaling for help. Some of the needs that a baby might be trying to communicate include:
- Fatigue and sleepiness.
- The need for movement and contact, which reflects a desire for protection.
- Hygiene concerns, such as feeling uncomfortable from a wet diaper.
- Hunger or overfeeding; babies can become distressed if they eat too quickly or in large amounts for their small stomachs.
- Digestive immaturity, which can lead them to experience intestinal movement as painful — a common issue for some infants.
When the crying indicates mere fatigue or overwhelming feelings, families often find ways to soothe their baby while discovering what the child truly needs. "It’s common for babies to feel uncomfortable after a day filled with activity and then struggle to process these experiences when things finally quiet down, leading to overstimulation," Dr. Perdigón adds.
It’s essential to note that discomfort can also arise from actual abdominal pain or digestive issues caused by gas, overfeeding, reflux, or intolerance.
To prevent these crying crises, Dr. Perdigón emphasizes that there are no magical solutions or remedies that work for everyone. Many of these crises occur around the same times every day, often when parents are the most fatigued and less able to handle the demands of their baby.
Here are some recommendations from Dr. Perdigón:
- Take a late walk, avoiding noisy environments.
- Carry the baby in a backpack, sling, or wrap. Research shows families practicing babywearing throughout the day (not just during crises) experience fewer colic episodes.
- Create a calm atmosphere leading up to the time the baby typically begins to cry.
- Avoid having friends or family visit at inconvenient hours.
- Establish a relaxing family routine, which can include singing to the baby, giving a short bath, massaging, playing soft music, and dimming the lights.
Dr. Perdigón also notes that maintaining a balanced microbiome for both mother and baby can protect against many functional disorders in early childhood. If typical methods of calming don’t help, considering the use of probiotics may be an option.
So, what should parents do when a crying crisis occurs? “We should attempt to recreate the ‘intrauterine’ environment outside the womb. Ensure the basic needs we discussed are met (hunger, sleep, hygiene, temperature, and even comforting sucking with a pacifier or breast),” she suggests. After that, using specific positional holds, like cradling the baby or holding them vertically, along with gentle massaging while speaking softly or singing can help soothe them.
It’s crucial for caregivers not to become overwhelmed. Ideally, multiple caregivers should take turns when a baby is crying. If it’s not feasible, and the caregiver feels overwhelmed, they should place the baby safely in their crib and take a moment to breathe and calm down. Unfortunately, shaken baby syndrome can occur in these high-stress situations, so seeking help from others is essential.
Lastly, when should parents suspect something more serious is happening? If the crying is prolonged and caregivers feel helpless, it’s wise to consult a pediatrician. Dr. Perdigón points out several warning signs to watch for:
- Continued irritability that isn’t confined to specific times of day.
- Frequent regurgitation followed by persistent irritability.
- Several days without bowel movements, especially with formula feeding, and difficulty during bowel movements, which should be confirmed by a pediatrician.
- Poor weight gain or growth issues.
- Continuous refusal to feed, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Presence of mucus, blood, or sudden changes in stool consistency causing significant irritation in the genital area.
By staying vigilant and seeking support, parents can navigate the challenges of infant crying and colic more effectively.
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