Colic is typically when a baby spends long uninterrupted periods of time crying (often for 3 or more hours at a time) and are difficult to console. These bouts tend to occur in the late afternoon and into the early evening, and are accompanied by other symptoms related to the gut. Gentle reminder that is it is perfectly normal and expected for your newborn to cry and fuss from time to time.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Medical professionals are actually unsure what causes this phenomena to occur. However it is suspected it happens due to;

- Immature digestive system
- Food allergeies
- Food intolerance
- Reflux
- Over feeding
- Burping issues
- Tongue ties

SIGNS;

- Intense crying like they are in pain
- Crying for no reason (ruled out hunger etc).
- Predictable timing i.e. happens every evening
- Gut discomfort signs such as pulling up their legs, burping, passing gas etc.
- Extreme fussiness even after the crying has stopped
- Difficult to console. May cry uninterrupted for hours at a time

SURVIVING IT - Every baby is unique so you may have to experiment with different ways to help relieve your infant when they are experiencing colic. You may;

- Use a paci/dummy
- Soothe with the 5 S's
- ⁠Offer a warm bath
- Give tummy massages
- Dim the lights and lower stimulation
- Try different feeding positions
- Trial changes in your diet (if breastfeeding)
- Consider a formula change (if formula feeding)
- And most importantly take care of yourself.

Alternate taking breaks with your partner, put your baby down in a sate place if you need a tew minutes to calm down and remind yourself this too shall pass.

GENTLE REMINDER that is it perfectly normal and expected for your baby to be unsettled and cry from time to time. So it is important that if you suspect your baby might have colic, consult your doctor for diagnosis.