We don’t actually know what causes colic. It’s thought that it’s an acute tummy ache or a chronic indigestion that affects otherwise fit, healthy newborn babies. A baby who has colic will cry inconsolably for long periods of time, they’ll get very red in the face, they’ll draw their legs up to their tummy and they’ll often clench their fists like this.
Colic is incredibly common and it affects one in five babies. It normally starts in the first few weeks of life and it’s very upsetting for parents and very distressing for babies.
And the things that you can do to help are simple things like warm baths, checking that they haven’t got wind so making sure that you sit them upright after a feed and gently bringing their wind up, gently rubbing their back.
Sometimes sort of rhythmic movements, regular rhythmic movements help, rocking a baby or putting them in a pram. Different things work for different babies, they’re all different so it is actually finding what works for you.
The most important thing is if you find that it’s really getting to you is get help, get friends, family, phone people.
If you are ever worried about the baby yourself then it’s always a good idea to see your GP. It’s far better to see your GP and err on the side of caution than be worried about your baby and not get them checked out when something could be seriously wrong.
It’s important to remember that colic is short-term, the majority of babies grow out of it by three months, it’s not harmful and there are no long-term side effects from it.
About video: Health visitor Maggie Fisher explains what colic is and what you can do if your newborn has it.
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