Baby with colic

by Dr Howard Lee

My baby girl has serious colic. She is disturbed throughout the day with short bursts of inconsolable crying. After her mid-night feed she seems to wake up every half hour or so very distressed and with large amounts of gas. What can be causing so much wind? I really feel at the end of my tether, can you offer any advice?

answer

Colic is a very common problem affecting between 10-30% of newborn babies. We don't know the cause. Whether you're breast or bottle-feeding makes no difference both sexes are affected equally but the highest rates seem to occur in babies of older mothers.

The colic pain comes and goes, but it is enough to make your baby cry and scream inconsolably, and I know, it's extremely distressing for you. Remember that infant colic isn't a disease and will not harm your baby. If your baby is developing normally in all other respects, then you shouldn't be too concerned.
If your baby gets feverish (remember, however, after a colic fit she may feel feverish), goes off her food, develops green stools or is otherwise unwell, then consult your GP.

Remember that treating your baby for colic will almost certainly involve a degree of trial and error - what works wonders for your friend's baby may make no difference at all to your little one! Have a look at our article about easing your baby’s colic.

Whatever you choose to try, remember that you are the most important source of comfort to your baby, and you need looking after too. Having a baby with colic can be physically and emotionally exhausting - so do not be ashamed to ask for help.

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Baby with colic