Frequently asked questions about baby's nonstop crying. What causes colic? How can I get her to stop crying? When should I call the pediatrician? Could this be serious? How can I deal with it? Colic is tough on babies, but it's probably harder on their parents. Listening to your baby cry for hours on end and trying to offer comfort, often without any success, is exhausting both physically and emotionally. About one in five babies suffers from colic. It generally starts when a baby is 2 to 3 weeks old and ends by 2 or 3 months, peaking when baby's around 5 or 6 weeks of age. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more about your baby's crying. 1. What causes colic? Although no one's sure what causes colic, most experts now think that colic is a result of sensory overload for a newborn. For some babies, the transition from the quiet, dark environment of the womb to the outside world of light, sound, and touch can be very stressful. The nervous system of these babies hasn't yet developed enough to filter all that's going on around them. They feel as if they're being bombarded by noise and sensations, so by the end of the day (when most colic crying jags occur) they're worn out. Some breastfeeding mothers are convinced that colic may be exacerbated by certain foods they eat. Foods that seem to give some babies gas include: Products containing caffeine (including chocolate) Cabbage and other gas-producing vegetables Dairy products Certain grains and nuts But unless you're eating a whole head of broccoli or five onions in one sitting, it's improbable that your diet is the cause of your baby's colic. 2. How can I get her to stop crying? What soothes a colicky infant depends on the child. Experiment with these ideas to see what gives your baby the most comfort. Keep your baby close to you, in a front carrier for example. Try playing peaceful-sounding CDs, such as soothing ocean sounds or soft music. Put her in an automatic baby swing or take her for a car ride. Try infant gas drops. Even though it's unlikely, if you suspect that your diet may be leading to your baby's colic, it doesn't hurt to keep a diary. Note when your baby has his crying jags while keeping track of your diet, just to see if there's any kind of pattern. 3. When should I call the pediatrician? Even if your child has already been diagnosed with colic, call your doctor if: Your baby's crying pattern changes He seems to be in more or different pain Your baby awakens in pain The crying spree isn't limited to the evenings And remember, not all cries are colic. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor. She may want to check your baby again. Even if she still thinks it's colic, her reassurance that something isn't terribly wrong should help you through this difficult time. 4. Could this be serious? In 95 percent of colicky babies, there's no underlying disease. But what if you're in that five percent? Talk to your pediatrician if colic persists longer than five months or if your baby's crying is accompanied by: Severe vomiting Poor weight gain Unexplained fever Your doctor may order tests to determine if your baby needs treatment. 5. How can I deal with it? For your well-being, it's important that you take a break from coping with your baby's colic. Trade off with your partner so you can take a walk or a hot shower. Consider hiring a sitter, or accepting the offer of a grandparent, friend, or relative to come over and hold your child for a few hours. You'll find that you can handle baby's colic better if you're not exhausted. Before you know it, your baby's colic will end, perhaps just as abruptly as it started. This usually happens at about 3 months, just about the time that baby is flashing that first toothless grin. He's ready for company--and so is his nervous system. Catherine Dundon, MD, FAAP, is associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical School and a practicing pediatrician in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

The information on this website is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.