CRYING BABY LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD (INCLUDES COLIC)

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME ADVICE FOR COLIC

Reassurance: Colic is the normal fussy crying seen in healthy babies. It occurs once or twice a day and should respond to comforting. With colic, babies act happy between bouts of crying.
Hold and Comfort: Hold and soothe your baby whenever he cries without a reason. The horizontal position is best for helping a baby relax, settle down, and go to sleep.
- Provide a gentle rocking motion in a cradle or rocking chair.
- Dance with your baby to some slow music.
- Place in a front pack or sling (which frees the hands of the caregiver).
- Place in a wind-up swing or a vibrating chair.
- Take for a stroller (or buggy) ride - outdoors or indoors.
Warm Bath: If crying continues, take a warm bath with your baby.
Feedings: Feed your baby, if more than 2 hours since the last feeding (1½ hours for breast fed).
Cry to Sleep: Put your baby down to sleep, if more than 3 hours have passed since the last nap and you have tried quiet holding for more than 30 minutes. Some overtired infants need to cry themselves to sleep. Swaddling often helps. Wrap your child in a light blanket with the arms tucked close to the body.
Expected Course: Once you find the right technique, the crying should decrease to 1 hour per day. Colic improves after 2 months of age and is gone by 3 months.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Cannot be comforted, using this advice.
- Cries constantly for more than 2 hours, using this advice.
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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