Wyoming WIC

Persistent Crying in Infants

Persistent Crying in Infants

Many babies are fussy, especially in the evening. But if your baby cries for long periods with no clear reason, they may be experiencing persistent crying episodes (used to be known as “colic”).

Signs of Persistent Crying

  • Crying or screaming for more than three hours a day, three times a week.
  • Pulling up legs, arching back, or passing gas while crying.
  • Crying can happen at any time but often gets worse in the evening.

Persistent crying episodes typically start when a baby is 2 to 4 weeks old and often improve or go away by the time they are 3 to 4 months old.

What Causes Persistent Crying?

Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but some babies may cry more because:
  • They are sensitive to foods in a breastfeeding parent’s diet, like caffeine, dairy, or nuts.
  • Their digestive system is still developing.
  • They have a medical condition, like a hernia, a Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), or reflux.
If you think your baby’s crying might be caused by a medical problem, talk to your doctor.

HOW TO SOOTHE YOUR BABY

  • Skin-to-skin contact: Hold your baby close to comfort them.
  • Gentle movements: Rock your baby, carry them in a wrap, or take them for a walk.
  • Create a calm environment: Reduce noise, dim the lights, or play white noise.
  • Warm bath: A bath can sometimes help relax your baby.
  • Feed only when hungry: Wait to feed until you observe hunger cues, like rooting or lip-smacking. Stop feeding when they show signs of fullness, such as turning away or slowing their sucking.
  • Formula feeding: Verify proper formula preparation, safe storage and feeding.
  • Try the "5 S's":
  • Swaddling: Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket to recreate the secure feeling of the womb. Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll over; it’s not safe.
  • Supervised Side or Stomach Position: Hold your baby on their side or stomach (while awake and supervised) to help calm them; or lay your baby tummy down across your knees and gently rub their back. Always place your baby on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Shushing: Make a "shh" sound near your baby's ear or use white noise to replicate the sounds they heard in the womb.
  • Swinging: Use gentle, rhythmic motions to calm your baby, such as rocking in your arms or safely in a baby swing.
  • Sucking: Let your baby suck on a pacifier, their hand, or your breast, as sucking is a natural way babies self-soothe.

If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or WIC before making any changes to your diet. They can help you figure out if certain foods might be affecting your baby.

Taking Care of Yourself

Caring for a baby who cries a lot can be stressful. Remember:
  • You are not alone, and your baby’s crying is not your fault.
  • It’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, or a healthcare provider.
  • Take breaks when needed. Set your baby down in a safe place like their crib and step away for a few minutes to regroup.
Persistent crying is a phase that most babies outgrow. If you’re worried about your baby’s crying or need extra support, ask for help.

For more support/information, learn more about the PURPLE Crying Program, which helps you understand why your baby cries a lot. It will teach you that it’s normal for babies to cry and that you shouldn’t shake your baby. Shaking your baby can hurt them very badly.

The program provides you with videos and books that explain why babies cry and what you can do when your baby won’t stop crying. The program has been studied to ensure that it helps parents like yourself and keeps babies safe.

PURPLE Crying Program

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