Yogurt Girl

A Parent’s Guide to Colic

May 8, 2024 Infant

All Babies Cry

All babies cry, but what if the crying is really, really intense? Well, it may be colic. Colic is more than just regular fussiness or crying. It’s when a baby cries a lot, really loud, and really intense at least 3 days a week, for over 3 hours each time. The crying usually starts around the same time every day, often in the evenings.

Babies with colic seem to cry for no reason at all. They keep crying even after trying things that usually help, like feeding them or holding them. Their crying sounds different, too – it’s like they’re in pain, and they might seem stiff or arch their backs.

Colic usually starts when babies are between 2 to 6 months old, but it can start earlier. It can last for several weeks and might even get worse before it gets better. The exact reason why babies get colic is not known, but it may be in part because their nervous system isn’t fully developed yet, or they’re having trouble soothing themselves. It could also be tummy troubles like gas or reflux, or even an allergy to something in their milk.

Having a baby with colic can be really tough on parents!

You might feel like nothing you do helps, and it can be exhausting and stressful. Some parents even feel frustrated or angry. Talk to your baby’s doctor or reach out to friends and family. Remember, shaking or hurting a baby is never okay, no matter how upset you are. If you feel like you might lose control, put your baby down in their crib and step away.

Call someone you trust for help right away!

If your baby has colic, relief is possible!
Here are a few things to try:

Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket or hold them close to your body.

kid refusing to eat

Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket or hold them close to your body.

kid refusing to eat

Gently rock your baby or take them for a ride in the car.

Try holding your baby in different positions or making soothing sounds with singing or shushing

kid refusing to eat

Try holding your baby in different positions or making soothing sounds with singing or shushing

Taking care of yourself is important too! It’s okay to take a break sometimes, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Parenting is hard work, and every baby is different. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

And remember, colic won’t last forever - there is help available, so don’t hesitate to talk to your baby’s doctor for support!

Feeding a 6-7 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon and from a bowl, never from a bottle.

Feeding a 10-12 Month Old

Breast milk is the most important source of nutrition for your baby, even after you start offering solid foods.

Feeding a 8-9 Month Old

Feed solids with a spoon. Never put cereal in a bottle.

Tips

Mom new born home

Breast milk and formula feeding:

Around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age, babies may experience a growth spurt when they feed more often.

As they grow babies can hold more milk, so feedings may become further apart and take less time.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Start offering whole milk when your baby is one year old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months and beyond.

feeding solid foods

Feeding solid foods:

Wait to offer solid foods until your baby:

  • Can sit up and hold up their own head.
  • Opens their mouth when they see food.
  • Can close their lips around a spoon.

To prevent choking, always hold your baby when feeding. Never prop up a bottle to feed.

Try one new food at a time. Wait 5 days before trying another new food to watch for allergies. Food allergies may include wheezing, rash, or diarrhea.

Introduce peanut butter around 6 months. Spread a small, thin smear of peanut butter or nut butter thinly on a cracker.  Watch your baby for any reaction for the next 2 hours.

Babies under one year should NOT have honey due to the risk of botulism. Also, babies should not have foods that can cause choking like nuts or whole grapes.

All babies are different. Talk with WIC or your baby’s healthcare provider about your baby’s needs.

Feeding Cues

Feeding a 4-5 Month Old

Before teeth come in, wipe gums with a soft, clean wash cloth after each feeding, especially before bed.

Feeding a 0-3 Month Old

Newborns have tiny tummies and need to be fed often. In the first few weeks, you may need to wake your baby to feed if they sleep longer than 4 hours.

Growth Spurts

Many babies are fussy during a growth spurt and will want to nurse longer and more often. This is called cluster feeding. This is your baby’s way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with their needs. Remember, the more your baby nurses, the more milk your body makes.

Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different.

They often happen at these ages:

two-three-weeks

2 to 3 Weeks

6 Weeks

three-months

3 Months

six-months

6 Months

What foods can I get?

Authorized Food List
Authorized Food List

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