Baby Care: Colic and Crying in Newborns
My colicky newborn cries constantly. What should I do?
You are not alone! Eventually, every parent will have some experience with an infant who cries nonstop, despite every possible parental intervention. Colicky babies can be frustrating both for the bleary-eyed parent (no matter how experienced) and the pediatrician.
Colic can appear as early as 2 weeks of life but, thankfully, will be over within a few months (and usually sooner). Colic is not dangerous to the baby and represents what may be a normal stage in your baby's development. Though, you may want to consult with your baby's doctor if you notice the crying is associated with a fever, feedings or after a few days of crying, just to make sure that it truly is colic and not something else making the baby cry.
Unfortunately, there is no known cause of or cure for colic. Usually changing an infant's formula or changing the diet in a breastfeeding mom is not the answer. Some babies may respond to being swaddled in a blanket. Others may respond to being rocked or carried around a room. But ultimately, the best and only solution may be investing in a good set of earplugs while you wait out your baby's fussy period.
Another piece of baby-care advice: Take a parental time-out, especially when you feel at wit's end because of all the crying. Ask a trusted (and forewarned) friend or loved one to take care of your colicky baby for a while (even if it's just for an hour) so that you can have some mommy or daddy time to recharge and regroup and to help you get through a difficult period.
Colic can appear as early as 2 weeks of life but, thankfully, will be over within a few months (and usually sooner). Colic is not dangerous to the baby and represents what may be a normal stage in your baby's development. Though, you may want to consult with your baby's doctor if you notice the crying is associated with a fever, feedings or after a few days of crying, just to make sure that it truly is colic and not something else making the baby cry.
Unfortunately, there is no known cause of or cure for colic. Usually changing an infant's formula or changing the diet in a breastfeeding mom is not the answer. Some babies may respond to being swaddled in a blanket. Others may respond to being rocked or carried around a room. But ultimately, the best and only solution may be investing in a good set of earplugs while you wait out your baby's fussy period.
Another piece of baby-care advice: Take a parental time-out, especially when you feel at wit's end because of all the crying. Ask a trusted (and forewarned) friend or loved one to take care of your colicky baby for a while (even if it's just for an hour) so that you can have some mommy or daddy time to recharge and regroup and to help you get through a difficult period.
Answered by
Dr. Poj Lysouvakon
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