Colic Treatment

What to Do

• Never shake your baby!
• Try to find out why your baby is crying. Check to see if baby is hungry; needs a diaper change; is too warm/cold, tired, scared, hurt, lonely, bored, etc.
• If you do not know why your baby is crying, then you may want to try different things to soothe your baby.
• No one method works every time. Use the method that works best for your baby.

You Can Try:

• Feeding your baby slowly in an upright position and burping your baby at least once during and after the feeding.
• Not letting your baby go hungry, but not overfeeding.
• Offering a pacifier or a clean finger to suck on.
• Cuddling, swaddling or carrying your baby in your arms.
• Rocking your baby in your arms, cradle or infant swing.
• Pushing your baby in a stroller or carriage.
• Taking your baby for a ride in the car using a car seat.
• Talking, singing or humming softly to your baby.
• Wrapping your baby in a blanket.
• Laying your baby on a warm blanket.
• Giving your baby a warm bath.
• When your baby is awake, laying your baby on his or her tummy and patting/rubbing baby’s back.
• Massaging your baby. (Check for infant massage classes in your area.)
• Laying your baby down on his or her back for a nap.
• Darkening your baby’s room at naptime.
• Allowing your baby time alone to settle and go to sleep.
• Keeping the noise level and stimulation down if baby is upset.
• Taking care of yourself and resting.
• Taking naps when the baby is napping.
• Trying to relax so your baby does not feel your stress.
• Calling a friend or relative for support.
• Giving yourself a break and having someone else watch your baby.
• Talking with your health care provider
• Changing formula may be necessary. Check with your health care provider.

When to Call Your Health Care Provider

• Your baby’s cry becomes a painful cry rather than a fussy cry.
• If baby cries constantly for more than two hours.
• If your baby vomits more than three times in 12 hours.
• If your baby shows signs of dehydration:
  • Four or fewer wet diapers in 24 hours
  • Dry mouth
  • Sunken eyes
  • Sunken soft spot on head (fontanel)
  • Extreme irritability
  • Listlessness (decreased activity)
  • Possibly no tears
• If your baby has diarrhea or loose stools:
  • More than one per hour
  • Blood in stool
  • Signs of dehydration
• If your baby has a fever.
• Axillary [armpit] 98.6° F (37.0° C) or higher
• Rectally 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
• If you are afraid you might hurt your baby.
• If you can’t find a way to soothe your baby.
• If you or someone else has shaken your baby.