Identifying Baby Colic Symptoms

Colic can be difficult to identify. Many of the symptoms look remarkably similar to normal babies; after all, every baby cries. The only way babies know how to communicate is to cry, but a colicky baby will cry even after all possible causes of their crying have been considered. However, there are a few telling signs that your baby is suffering from colic.

The first and most telling sign of colic is crying, but a colicky baby will set itself apart from other babies by crying in a way that satisfies the three C’s: constant, consistent, and considerable. A colicky baby will cry constantly. It won’t stop after its diaper has been changed, after it has been fed and burped, or after getting other attention. Crying will often last up to three hours. A colicky baby will also cry consistently. One episode of unexplained crying does not mean your baby suffers from colic. The baby will have episodes at least three times a week, possibly more. Finally, a colicky baby will cry with considerable strength. Whimpering or moaning does not mean a baby is colicky; wailing for three hours does.

Although the three C’s of colicky babies are a big indicator, many babies are in a sort of gray area that may or may not be colic. There are also other symptoms of colic and they fall into two categories. The first is when the baby suffers fits of crying. Colicky babies will often get upset and disturbed soon after being fed, especially after the last meal of the day. If your baby seems normal most of the day but then cries during the last few hours of the day, he or she might be suffering from colic. As a result, a colicky baby will have difficulty falling asleep when it comes time.

The other category is what the baby does with the rest of its body during its crying fits. The rest of the baby’s body will generally appear just as anguished as the baby. The baby’s face might get red and it might clench its hands and feet. The baby may kick its feet wildly or pull them up to its chest. Its circulation may also suffer, causing its hands and feet to get cold. Sometimes the best way to determine whether your baby has colic is to keep a journal of its symptoms; it can be difficult to piece together your baby’s symptoms in the midst of another fit of crying.