Tonight, my daughter was incredibly colicky and it felt nearly impossible to get her to settle down. I’m pretty sure that at one point or another, all parties involved had a good cry. This is a tough situation that many new parents can relate to, and most experienced parents dread when adding a new family member. Luckily for me, tonight she decided to be fussy early in the evening, sparing me the 2 a.m. chaos of colic. In these moments, parenthood can feel really isolating. Let’s take a closer look at what colic is and how to soothe a fussy baby.

Understanding Colic

The exact cause of colic remains unknown, but several possible factors may contribute to it happening. Understanding these factors can help parents feel more empowered and less frustrated during these challenging times:

• Immature Digestive System: Newborns have immature digestive tracts, making them more sensitive to gas and discomfort. This immaturity can lead to crying sessions as their little bodies adjust to processing food.
• Food Intolerance or Allergies: Some babies may react negatively to certain foods, or proteins in breast milk or formula. This sensitivity can lead to discomfort that triggers crying.
• Excessive Air Swallowing: Babies can swallow excessive air while feeding or crying, causing gas and bloating, resulting in crankiness from discomfort.
• Stress or Anxiety: Just like adults, babies can be sensitive to stress or anxiety in their environments. Excessive overstimulation or tension can trigger crying spells in some infants.

It’s crucial to understand that colic is not a sign of neglect or poor parenting. It is a common condition that many babies experience, and it usually resolves on its own within a few months.

Coping Strategies

Though the experience of colic can feel overwhelming, there are various soothing strategies and even some products that you can experiment with to help ease your baby’s discomfort. Keep in mind that some of these may work better than others, and what works one time may not necessarily work the next. Here are some strategies and products to consider:

1. Using a Pacifier: Sucking can be soothing for many babies. Offering a pacifier might help calm your little one during difficult moments. My daughter loves her Philips Avent Soothie pacifier and it calms her down super fast.
2. Car Rides or Stroller Walks: The gentle motion of a car ride or a walk in the stroller can lull babies to sleep. Many parents have found this to be a reliable trick.
3. Walking and Rocking: Sometimes, simply holding your baby and walking around the house or rocking them can provide comfort and reduce crying. I’ve found that sitting on the edge of my bed and lightly bouncing is a highly effective way to calm my baby.
4. Swaddling: Wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket can help them feel secure and warm, mimicking the cozy environment of the womb. Swaddle sleep sacks are a great alternative to traditional blanket swaddling if you struggle with it like myself.
5. Warm Baths: A warm bath can be incredibly soothing for a fussy baby. The warmth may help relax them and alleviate discomfort.
6. Tummy Time: Rubbing your infant’s tummy gently or placing them on their tummy for a back rub can help relieve gas and promote relaxation.
7. Soothing Sounds/White Noise:: Many babies are calmed by repetitive sounds or sounds that mimic what baby heard in your womb. Playing an audio of heartbeats/white noise and running a vacuum cleaner, or clothes dryer in a nearby room are great ways to create a peaceful environment to soothe baby.
8. Dim the Lights: Reducing visual stimulation by dimming the lights can create a calming atmosphere for your baby, helping them to settle down. Using a humidifer with a night light feature not only is good for keeping the lights low but helps keep the room at a good humidity for baby.

Coping with colic can be one of the most challenging aspects of early parenthood. As always, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and many parents experience similar struggles. Finding effective soothing strategies requires patience and experimentation, as what works for one baby may not work for another. If you are really struggling to calm your baby, be sure to talk to their doctor about it at their next appointment.

When faced with overwhelming moments of colic, be sure to take care of yourself once your baby settles. With each day presenting new challenges and victories, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and be aware of your mental health. Remember that this phase is temporary, and in the blink of an eye, your little one will have out grown the colic. Hang in there!