Colic: The Method Soothe The Crying In Baby

     Have you ever heard the belief that “a baby who cries at the same time every day might be seeing something adults cannot see”? Medically speaking, this type of crying can be explained by a condition known as “colic”, which is commonly observed in infants and has scientifically explainable causes.

What is Colic?

     Colic is a condition where infants cry intensely for hours without a clear reason, often at the same time each day. It usually begins around 2–3 weeks of age and peaks in the late afternoon or evening. Episodes can last for several hours and may extend into the night. Though the exact cause is unknown, symptoms typically improve by 3 months old.

Common Symptoms of Colic

• Sudden and intense episodes of crying, often recurring at the same time each day
• Crying for more than 3 hours per day
• Symptoms occur on more than 3 days per week, lasting for over 3 weeks
• High-pitched, intense, and louder-than-usual crying
• Physical tension, such as clenched fists, stiff arms, and tight legs
• Inconsolability
• When not experiencing colic symptoms, the infant appears healthy and gains weight normally

Possible Causes of Colic

Although the exact cause of colic is still unknown, several contributing factors may include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort due to bloating or excess gas
• Cow’s milk protein intolerance
• Swallowing air while feeding
• Overfeeding
• Inadequate burping or inability to pass gas
• Excessive intake of starchy foods
• Immature digestive system
• Imbalance in gut microbiota

When to See a Pediatrician Immediately

In addition to excessive crying, the presence of any of the following symptoms requires urgent medical attention:

• Fever or elevated body temperature
• Abnormal breathing
• Vomiting
• Unusual bowel movements
• Lethargy, refusal to feed, or signs of worsening condition

How to Soothe a Crying Baby

1. Create a calming environment

     Hold your baby in a comfortable position—either against your shoulder or chest to create a sense of warmth. Alternatively, lay the baby face down across your lap.

2. Relieves abdominal gas

     If your baby shows signs of bloating or stomach discomfort, hold them over your shoulder or in a slightly reclined seated position. Gently massage the stomach and ensure proper feeding techniques to minimize air intake. Avoid letting the baby cry for long periods, and do not overfeed.

3. Gentle movement to calm the baby

     If the baby continues crying, try rocking gently while holding them or swaying the crib. Light back pats or even placing the baby in a stroller for a walk may help relax them.

What Not to Do When a Baby Cries Excessively

     One of the most important things parents or caregivers should never do is to shake the baby. Shaking does not calm the baby—in fact, it is extremely dangerous, especially for infants under 3–4 months. An infant's head is proportionally larger than an adult’s and contains more fluid. Their neck muscles and bones are not yet fully developed. Vigorous shaking—whether forward and backward or side to side—can cause the brain, which floats in fluid, to move and strike the skull, potentially resulting in brain injury.

Summary

     Furthermore, the blood vessels that supply the baby’s brain are delicate and can tear easily if subjected to force, leading to intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain membranes). In severe cases, this may even result in death.