Colic
Many infants are fussy in the evenings, but if the crying happens for long periods of time for no clear reason, it may be colic.
Colic is when a baby cries for more than three hours a day and three times a week without a clear cause.
- A baby may cry a lot or scream, extend, or pull up their legs, and pass gas
- Crying can happen anytime, although it often gets worse in the early evening
- Colic usually starts between 2 and 4 weeks after birth
- Colic will likely get better or go away by 3 or 4 months after birth
Healthcare providers don’t know why some babies get colic. Some breastfed babies may be sensitive to a food their breastfeeding mother eats, such as caffeine, chocolate, dairy, or nuts. Sometimes colic can be a sign of a medical problem, such as a hernia or some type of illness.
If your baby shows signs of colic, talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes changing what you eat can help. Some babies seem to be soothed by being held, rocked, or swaddled (wrapped snugly in a blanket).
Do not swaddle your baby once they show signs of trying to roll, it is not safe.
