Cause:
The cause of colic is unknown but suggestions include indigestion, allergies or trapped
wind. During a colic spell, a baby:
- has high-pitched crying or screaming
- is very hard to soothe
- can have a red face or pale skin around the mouth
- may pull in the legs, stiffen the arms, arch the back, or clench fists
Treatment: There is no cure for colic but various techniques may offer some comfort:
Assess the infant’s general health, crying, stools, feeding, and any suspected foods or milk that
lessen or worsen crying.
Ways to soothe your baby:
- Consider a warm bath or tummy massage for the baby.
- Take offers of support to have a break.
- If necessary, make sure the infant is safe, warm, dry and fed and leave the room for ten
minutes if a parent needs a break.
- White noise such as washing machines may help to soothe the infant.
- A pram or car journey may help as well as walking with the infant in a sling or
cuddling the infant. Stress is a phase that will pass usually at 3-4 months.