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Crying and colic
At home
All babies cry, and some cry for hours for no clear reason. Colic is crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, in a healthy baby. It usually peaks around 6 weeks and gets better by 3 or 4 months.
What to do
- Check the basics: hunger, diaper, too hot or cold, gas. Look for a hair wrapped tightly around a finger, toe or the penis.
- To soothe: swaddle (if the baby isn't trying to roll yet), rock, say 'shhh', use white noise, or walk with the baby in a carrier or stroller.
- Offer a pacifier or the breast.
- If you feel angry or desperate: lay the baby on their back in the crib with nothing else, close the door and step away for 10 to 15 minutes. Breathe, drink water, call someone. Check on the baby every 5 to 10 minutes.
- Ask for help from your partner, family, a friend or the pediatrician. Taking turns helps a lot.
What not to do
- Never shake a baby. A few seconds can cause brain damage, blindness or death.
- Don't give teas, home remedies or colic medicines without asking.
- Don't leave the baby with someone who gets angry easily at crying.
- Don't put the baby to sleep on the tummy, even if it calms them.
