Infantile Colic Nick R. Patel, MD Rev 3/2010 PATIENT EDUCATION HANDOUT Family Medicine, ECU Physicians

Symptoms/Definition What to do for your baby

• Soothe your baby – hold and rock him/her in a chair, walk • Healthy, well-fed with the baby, go for a drive with a vibrating infant car seat • No medical cause found for (gentle rhythmic motions) crying is found • Give your baby a pacifier • Crying uncontrollably for more • Cuddle your baby or swaddle him/her in a light soft blanket than 3 hours a day, 3 days a • Try placing the baby near “white noise” – for example week, for more than 2 weeks vacuum cleaner, white noise machine, ticking clock, calming • Age when colic starts: 2 weeks to music, or the noise of the clothes dryer (never put car seat on 4 months of age. top of dryer) • Boys and girls are affected equally • Employ the 5 “S’s” (need to be done at the same • About 1 in 4 children will have time) this condition o • Predictable crying at the same o Side/stomach: laying baby on side or stomach time every day, usually late afternoon or evening o Shushing: using white noise as above • Intense crying that is louder or o Swinging: rhythmic motion as above variable in pitch. Red flushed o Sucking: sucking on finger or pacifier face and can’t soothe the baby • Feed your baby smaller, more frequent portions, switch to a different formula (1-2 week trial), use low air/curved bottles, Causes & Risk Factors avoid over and under feeding Coping and Outcomes when Dealing with Colic: • Exact cause is unknown • Colic is just as exhausting for as it is for the baby. • One proven risk factor for colic is Take a break, ask for help from your partner, relatives, or smoking friends. • Factors that may a role: • Stay positive, your baby’s colic does not mean you are a bad o Infant GERD/Reflux and is not the result of bad . o Allergy to milk Usually subsides by 3-6 months of age, has no bearing on o Swallowing air during crying, • feeding or sucking baby’s intelligence or future development. Colic will go away by itself. o Inadequate after feeding • Express your feelings and confide in your partner or another o Family tension, parental good listener. Talk to your physician as another person to anxiety, depression, &/or support you. fatigue • may cry more if they sense your tension or anxiety. o Immature digestive system Speak with your physician about ideas to help with dealing o Difficulty adjusting to day & with anxiety or tension night schedule • NEVER SHAKE A BABY – put the baby in the crib and leave alone for a short period of time if you need a break • Schedule frequent visits to see your physician if needed.

References: 1) Roberts DM, et al. Infantile Colic. Am Fam Physician 2004; 70: 735-740. 2) Lee DT. “Colic, Infantile.” The 5-minute Clinical Consult. Ed. Frank J Domino. LWW Philadelphia, PA, 2009. 292-293.