Your Ways to Cope with Colicky Infant?

Updated on November 21, 2009
M.O. asks from Barrington, IL
10 answers

Warning, a little lengthy description/question:

We are blessed to have a 8 week old baby boy! Unfortunately we think he has colic. We have friends who had babies with colic. They said it was uncontrollable high pitched screaming that never ceased or stopped with any sort of rocking, soothing, etc.

Our son has a good day or two, and then a bad day or two. When it's bad, it's BAD. He hardly naps. His screams are high pitched and sound like he's in pain. It's awful. HOWEVER, he can temporarily be soothed...usually only for 10-15mins and then it starts all over again.

He does not vomit or projectile spit up. He has has had clean bills of health. The pediatrician thinks it's reflux, so we got the prescription filled, but haven't noticed it helping stop his screamy days. I've also tried gas drops, gripe water, altering my diet (since he's exclusively breast fed), etc. He's gaining weight very well. We can't figure this out - so we're stuck with "colic" as our diagnosis.

The 5 Ss from the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD has been a LIFESAVER! What other suggestions do you have for coping, or better yet, addressing this colicky behavior?

Thanks Mamas - I know you'll have some ideas.

1 mom found this helpful

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M.C.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like colic to me. If the meds the doc prescribed for the reflux are not working, take him off of it. You would notice a change if this was a correct diagnosis. My 1st had terrible colic for 7 months. That's right, 7 MONTHS. I wanted to run screaming into the night. The only thing that worked for him was putting him the swing to sleep. We called it the "magical swing" because it worked and we could sleep so mission accomplished. He took naps in it but at night what we would do is have him fall asleep in it and then transfer him to his crib after he was in a good solid deep sleep. It was honestly the only thing we could do for him aside from being up all day and night walking/bouncing him. Best wishes to you. I know it's very difficult but you will get through it.

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L.K.

answers from Chicago on

The swing would help my little guy but other than that you have to just wait it out. Our little guy would cry from 2-4 everyday. Then once in a while he would have a day of non stop crying. WE took him to the ER we were so scared something was wrong. There really is nothing you can do but it does end. My best advice would be to make sure that you take some time for yourself, a crying baby really can make you nuts after a few days. Take care!!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Chicago on

Maybe try a sling. They can take a few trys to get used to but when you get the hang of them, they're great.

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

If you notice he cries, strains and is gassy then tummy massage with a bit of warm oil could help. Rub in a clockwise circle. It helps move the gas.
I was lucky enough to have a few family members to spell me most days. Dont hesitate to ask for this kind of help.
I exclusively breast fed and also drank strong brewed chamomile tea each day. I gave a little to baby as well (no honey).

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A.K.

answers from Chicago on

When our little guy was colicky and nothing would work, a friend recommended the Fisher-Price Rainforest Open Top Cradle Swing (it swings from side to side and front to back) It did wonders for him, he would calm down within seconds ;-))) Nothing else we tried seemed to work. I know how overwhelming it could get. Hope that helps-A. ;-)

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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

Have you noticed what you ate on the days he had that were good? Maybe something in your diet is hurting his tummy? My girlfriends daughter is allergic to eggs and she was somewhat colicky. Some days were okay and other days were no so good.

My son would get bad gas and we would put him on the boppy pillow on his tummy and he was move over it by climbing with is feet and it would settle him down.

You need to take time for yourself. When you hubby gets home go out for a break. Go to the garage with a book and read, or something you enjoy doing.

Good luck

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

Have you tried the Hyland's brand Colic tablets? I don't know if they work - just know that they exist. I hope something helps soon, or the colic goes away! I can't imagine the stress you must be under!

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A.A.

answers from Columbus on

Oh dear, we didn't have it quite that bad, but I remember the day it started - we called the doctor to come over because our son started screaming at night and we couldn't figure out what was wrong. Unfotunately, I don't think the doctor was used to babies because he stared at him like he was a being asked to take apart an engine rather than fix our screaming baby. Anyways... my only tip may not soothe your little man but may keep YOU sane - go on walks. LONG walks. Especially around 4 or 5 in the evening, that's when my son used to really get revved up. Even if other people walking by heard him screaming I didn't care, at least I wasn't sitting in the house going crazy. I can't remember the day it stopped but he eventually did get better. My kept using gripe water, moving his legs like he was ridding a bike and got a swing. Good luck!

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P.

answers from Chicago on

My daughters responded best to sounds. My first daughter would calm instantly to the sound of the hair dryer. Crazy I know but if worked. My second daughter it was the shower running. I think these loud sounds mimicked the sounds inside the womb and therefore were calming. It sounds like you've already tried swaddling which is great. I know it is so hard right now. Hang in there. This too shall pass.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Your child's story sounds so familiar - we went through the same thing too and tried every trick under the sun, only to have it work temporarily.

Keep doing what you can to try to soothe your child. Hopefully what worked for us will work for you - time. At 14 weeks the screaming and crying just stopped, like turning off a switch. I posted this same question when he was first born and so many people assured me that around the age of 3 months it would seem to magically 'stop', and it did. It was like we had a new baby.

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