You’ve fed them, changed them, rocked them - yet the wails still keep coming.

If you've ever found yourself pacing the nursery with a red-faced, screaming newborn who won't settle no matter what you try, you're not alone. Infant colic affects between 10% and 40% of babies and can be one of the most overwhelming early parenting challenges. The good news? It’s temporary. 

What Is Infant Colic?

Colic is defined by the "Rule of Threes": crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks. These crying spells often occur in the late afternoon or evening and are typically high-pitched and intense. Your baby might clench their fists, arch their back, or draw their legs to their belly while doing so.

Colic typically begins around 2 to 3 weeks of age, just when many parents are starting to settle into newborn routines. It tends to peak at around 6 weeks, often coinciding with growth spurts and increased wakefulness. While this period can feel especially intense, it's important to know that colic is short-lived. Most babies outgrow it completely by 3 to 4 months of age, sometimes sooner. Recognizing this timeline can offer reassurance that the challenging moments are part of a passing phase.

Why Does Colic Happen?

While the exact cause is still debated, experts suggest a few possibilities:

• Immature digestive systems can lead to painful gas buildup
• Oversensitive nervous systems might make infants more reactive to everyday stimuli
• Feeding techniques, such as swallowing air during bottle feeding
• Parental stress may unintentionally affect the baby’s mood

Tips to Calm a Colicky Baby

There may not be a cure for colic, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are a few expert-backed strategies:

There may not be a cure for colic, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are a few expert-backed strategies:

Try the 5 S’s: This popular soothing method includes:

• Swaddling: Wrap your baby snugly to mimic the womb and reduce overstimulation
• Side/Stomach position: Hold your baby on their side or stomach (only while awake and supervised) to calm their reflexes
• Shushing: Use white noise machines or soft, rhythmic sounds to recreate the comforting hum of the womb
• Swinging: Gentle, rhythmic motions help relax your baby and can be incredibly soothing
• Sucking: Offer a pacifier or let your baby nurse to trigger the calming reflex

 

Use gentle motion therapy: Rock your baby in your arms or a rocking chair, go for a stroller walk, or take a slow car ride to help lull them to sleep.

Give warm baths: A warm bath can relax tense muscles, offer sensory comfort, and create a calming pre-bedtime routine.

Consider probiotics or dietary changes: Some research shows that probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri may help with colic. For breastfeeding moms, reducing dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods can sometimes alleviate symptoms. Always consult your pediatrician before making changes.

Look for an anti-colic bottle: Bottles with specialized venting systems can significantly reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding. This helps cut down on gas and reflux, which are two major contributors to colic discomfort.

Designed with a discreet venting system, the BuubiBottle redirects air away from the milk, which helps reduce gas and reflux, which are known triggers for colic. Plus, its flexible tip and thick, textured base mimic the feel of a breast, making transitions smoother and more comforting for your baby.

When to Talk to a Doctor

While colic is generally harmless and self-limiting, there are times when it's important to reach out to your pediatrician. You should consult a doctor if: 

• Crying persists beyond four months
• You notice symptoms like fever, vomiting, or poor weight gain

Crying is a normal part of a baby’s early life, but when it stretches for hours and nothing seems to soothe them, it could be colic. Colic doesn’t mean something is wrong with your baby, or with you, so remember to give yourself grace- you’re doing great.