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A Parent’s Guide to Colic

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May 8, 2024 Infant

All Babies Cry

All babies cry, but what if the crying is really, really intense? Well, it may be colic. Colic is more than just regular fussiness or crying. It’s when a baby cries a lot, really loud, and really intense at least 3 days a week, for over 3 hours each time. The crying usually starts around the same time every day, often in the evenings.

Babies with colic seem to cry for no reason at all. They keep crying even after trying things that usually help, like feeding them or holding them. Their crying sounds different, too – it’s like they’re in pain, and they might seem stiff or arch their backs.

Colic usually starts when babies are between 2 to 6 months old, but it can start earlier. It can last for several weeks and might even get worse before it gets better. The exact reason why babies get colic is not known, but it may be in part because their nervous system isn’t fully developed yet, or they’re having trouble soothing themselves. It could also be tummy troubles like gas or reflux, or even an allergy to something in their milk.

Having a baby with colic can be really tough on parents!

You might feel like nothing you do helps, and it can be exhausting and stressful. Some parents even feel frustrated or angry. Talk to your baby’s doctor or reach out to friends and family. Remember, shaking or hurting a baby is never okay, no matter how upset you are. If you feel like you might lose control, put your baby down in their crib and step away.

Call someone you trust for help right away!

If your baby has colic, relief is possible!
Here are a few things to try:

Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket or hold them close to your body.

kid refusing to eat

Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket or hold them close to your body.

kid refusing to eat

Gently rock your baby or take them for a ride in the car.

Try holding your baby in different positions or making soothing sounds with singing or shushing

kid refusing to eat

Try holding your baby in different positions or making soothing sounds with singing or shushing

Taking care of yourself is important too! It’s okay to take a break sometimes, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Parenting is hard work, and every baby is different. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

And remember, colic won’t last forever - there is help available, so don’t hesitate to talk to your baby’s doctor for support!

Install this web app on your iPhone: tap ios-share and then Add to Home Screen.

SIDE-LYING HOLD

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CROSS-CRADLE HOLD

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CLUTCH OR “FOOTBALL” HOLD

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE HOLD

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Laid-Back Hold

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position