Why colic for newborn

Never shake or harm your child. Shaking a baby can cause serious brain damage and even death. If you feel like you might shake or harm your baby, get help right away.

This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. A crying baby is normal.

Bonding is a special connection you have with your baby. Bonding with your baby is not a one-time event. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Fever in Infants and Children. Vomiting and Diarrhea. Home Diseases and Conditions Colic. Table of Contents. What is colic? Other features of colic can include: Crying for no obvious reason. Crying around the same time s each day.

Colicky babies often get fussy toward the end of the day. However, the crying can happen at any time. Clenching their fists when crying or curling up their legs. Turning bright red when crying. What causes colic? You could also call Lifeline on , or Beyond Blue on You should also see your GP or nurse if you or your partner experiences the signs of postnatal depression in women or postnatal depression in men. Symptoms of postnatal depression include feeling sad and crying for no obvious reason, feeling irritable, having difficulty coping and feeling very anxious.

Never shake a baby. It can cause bleeding inside the brain and likely permanent brain damage. Try going to another room to breathe deeply, or calling your state or territory parenting helpline for help.

Medications and mixtures Over-the-counter colic mixtures from pharmacies have no scientific basis. This means that you should not have milk, eggs, nuts, or wheat for a period of time. Dealing with a colicky baby is stressful. It may help to let someone care for your baby from time to time. Ask an adult family member, friend, or a responsible babysitter. Taking care of yourself and reducing your stress level may help your baby as well.

Having a colicky baby can be very stressful for parents. It can make you feel tired, guilty, and even depressed. Your baby's healthcare provider can suggest some things to do that may help to calm your baby. It will go away on its own, often by age 3 months. In most cases it is gone by age 6 months. If possible, have someone else watch your baby when you become stressed.

If no one else is available, make sure your baby is safe and go into another room. Distract yourself from your baby's cries. Crying will not hurt your baby. Some communities have free or low-cost care called respite nurseries.

You can leave your baby there for short periods of time. Call your child's healthcare provider if you see any of these symptoms. Also call if your baby is crying too much.

Your child's provider will give your baby an exam. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes colic?

Colic may occur when babies: Are sensitive and have trouble adjusting to the world. After birth, newborns must get used to lights, loud noises, and other new things around them. But babies have different personalities temperaments. Some infants can handle these things well.

Crying may be one way for a baby to show his or her feelings while getting used to the world. Are unable to calm themselves. Some babies seem very sensitive to stimulation. Their nervous system is still developing is immature. As babies get a little older, they are better able to control their nervous system. As this happens, colic goes away. Other theories about what causes colic are less likely.

Symptoms of colic Colic tends to appear in the first two to four weeks of life and peaks at around six to eight weeks of age. Symptoms include: Frowning and grimacing Reddening of the face The baby may pull up its legs, suggesting stomach pains Loud and long screaming fits Loud tummy rumblings The baby cannot be consoled The crying lasts for three hours or more The baby passes wind or faeces poo around the time the crying stops, which could be coincidental The baby recovers, none the worse for the experience.

The cause of colic Despite much research into this common condition, the cause of colic remains unknown. Feeling of fullness — babies may overreact to the unfamiliar sensations of gas or fullness and may interpret these feelings as painful or alarming. General immaturity — babies may take a few months to adjust to life outside the womb. Medication for colic It is not clear how useful medicines for colic are. Diagnosis of colic A crying baby needs to be checked by a doctor, to make sure there is no health problem causing pain or discomfort.

How to help a crying baby By holding or stroking your baby, they are learning that you are there for them, even if they are not able to calm down yet. Try the following ideas, which may help to calm your baby: Respond quickly if your baby is crying. This may mean that they will cry less later on. Crying babies tend to arch their backs and stiffen their legs. Holding them curled in a C or flexed position helps to calm them down.

Check that your baby is not too hot or cold or uncomfortable in some way. Many babies soothe themselves by sucking, so a dummy can be helpful, once your breast milk supply is going well. Patting can help soothe a baby. Soft lighting can also help some babies who may be distressed by harsh lights.

Baby slings are great to provide comfort and contact if the baby needs to be held. Soft music or noise that has a beat or rhythm, such as a loud clock, may help. You may be trying too hard to calm the baby too much bouncing, patting and burping. Put your baby down somewhere safe for a while and see if they settle. Take the baby for a walk in a pram or a sling or for a ride in the car.

You might find yourself going out for many rides in the car for a couple of weeks, but this will not last forever and many babies seem to find it helps them calm down. Suggestions include: Put your child in a safe place, such as a cot, and leave the room.