Signs of Colic in Babies and How to Soothe Your Little One the Right Way

Nighttime should be a time to rest, but for new parents, the house can instead be filled with the sound of a crying baby. Your little one cries for hours. You've held them, fed them, and changed their diaper, yet they still won't settle. Parents start to panic and wonder whether their baby is sick. Situations like this are exhausting and can leave parents feeling unsure of themselves.

One possibility worth understanding is colic, especially in the early months of life. Recognizing the signs of colic in babies helps parents understand their little one's crying patterns and choose the right way to soothe them, without immediately assuming every cry is a sign of illness. Find out more right here!

What Is Colic in Babies?

Colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby has episodes of intense crying that are hard to soothe, with no clear cause. Colic usually appears in the first few weeks of life, can peak at around 6 weeks of age, and then gradually improves as the baby gets older.

Colic doesn't necessarily mean your baby has a serious problem. However, constant crying still needs to be monitored, since some medical conditions can show similar symptoms.

Why Does My Baby Keep Crying at Night?

Colic is often more noticeable in the late afternoon or evening. A baby's still-developing nervous and digestive systems, tiredness, and stimulation throughout the day can all contribute to fussy episodes. Even so, not every baby who cries at night has colic.

Signs of Colic in Babies to Watch For

Recognizing the signs of colic in babies isn't just about how long the crying lasts. Parents also need to notice when the crying happens and how their baby's body responds. Here's what to look out for:

1. Loud Crying at Certain Times of Day

One of the most common signs of colic in babies is intense, recurring crying at certain times, especially from late afternoon into the evening. The crying may sound louder than crying from hunger or sleepiness.

2. Baby Is Hard to Soothe

Your baby keeps crying even after being fed, held, or having their diaper changed. This often leaves parents confused, since the baby's basic needs have already been met.

3. Baby's Body Looks Tense

While crying, your baby may clench their fists, pull their legs up toward their tummy, and arch their back. However, these signs don't specifically prove colic, since they can appear with many kinds of discomfort.

4. Baby's Tummy Looks Bloated

A tummy that feels full or bloated, along with passing gas more often, may accompany the crying. Air swallowed during feeding can increase discomfort in some babies.

5. Baby Seems Uncomfortable After Feeding

Fussiness after feeding can be a clue that your baby is experiencing discomfort during or after feeds. Also notice whether your baby often pulls away from the nipple or teat, chokes, or takes a long time to finish feeding.

What Causes Colic in Babies?

Source: Magnific

The exact cause of colic isn't fully known. Several factors may play a role in excessive crying, such as the following:

1. An Immature Digestive System

A baby's digestive system is still developing, so digesting food and passing gas can feel uncomfortable. This is often linked to fussiness, although its direct connection to colic isn't fully understood.

2. Swallowing Too Much Air While Feeding

Improper feeding technique can cause babies to swallow more air. A gassy tummy can make babies uncomfortable and harder to calm.

3. Feeding Too Fast

Babies who drink too quickly may struggle to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. A milk flow that's too fast can also make babies choke or pull away from the nipple.

4. Overstimulation from the Environment

Bright lights, loud noises, lots of people, or too much activity can overwhelm babies. A baby who receives too much stimulation can become fussy and hard to settle.

5. Sensitivity to Changes in Routine

Babies' sleep and feeding patterns are still developing. Schedule changes that happen too often can make babies tire more easily or become fussy.

How Feeding Relates to the Risk of Colic in Babies

The way your baby drinks can affect their comfort during and after feeding. Even so, it's important to understand that feeding technique isn't the only cause of colic, and anti-colic bottles can't guarantee your baby will be colic-free. Here's a closer look at colic risk and how it relates to feeding technique:

1. Babies Who Swallow a Lot of Air Get Bloated More Easily

When babies drink, air can enter through their mouths. If the amount is significant, your baby may burp or pass gas more often, or seem uncomfortable.

2. An Unsteady Milk Flow Can Frustrate Babies

A flow that's too fast can overwhelm your baby, while a flow that's too slow can frustrate them. Both can disrupt their drinking rhythm.

3. An Uncomfortable Teat Can Disrupt Your Baby's Feeding Rhythm

The size and flow rate of the teat should match your baby's needs and abilities. If your baby keeps choking, coughing, or struggling to suck, review your feeding technique and the type of teat you're using.

Can Baby Bottles Cause Colic?

Baby bottles aren't the sole cause of colic. However, bottle design, teat flow, and feeding technique can affect how much air your baby swallows and how comfortable they feel.

How Can You Reduce Air While Your Baby Drinks?

Hold your baby in a comfortable, relatively upright position, make sure they latch well onto the teat, and take breaks to burp them when needed.

How to Soothe a Colicky Baby the Right Way

Source: Magnific

When the signs of colic in babies start to appear, parents can try a few simple steps to help their little one calm down. Follow these tips:

1. Hold Your Baby Upright

An upright position can help your baby feel more comfortable, especially after feeding. Make sure their head and neck are well supported.

2. Burp Your Baby After Feeding

Burping can help release air swallowed while drinking. However, not every baby burps every time, so don't force it if your baby already seems comfortable.

3. Create a Calm Atmosphere

Dim the lights, lower the noise, and limit how many people take turns holding your baby. A calm environment can help reduce overstimulation.

4. Use Gentle, Consistent Movements

Rocking slowly, walking gently while holding your baby, or using monotonous sounds like white noise can help some babies feel more relaxed.

5. Pay Attention to Comfort During Feeding

Calm feeding starts with the right position, a suitable milk flow, and an unhurried atmosphere. Watch how your baby responds while drinking.

Why Do Anti-Colic Feeding Bottles Help Babies Feel More Comfortable?

Anti-colic feeding bottles are designed with specific features to help reduce the chance of babies swallowing air while drinking. However, the term anti-colic doesn't mean the bottle can prevent or cure colic.

1. Helps Reduce the Risk of Excess Air

The venting systems in some bottles are designed to help regulate airflow during feeding. The goal is to support a more comfortable drinking experience.

2. Helps Babies Drink with a More Natural Rhythm

A suitable milk flow can help babies regulate their sucking and swallowing rhythm. Parents still need to choose a teat flow rate that matches their baby's abilities.

3. Helps Reduce Discomfort After Drinking

With good feeding technique and the right equipment, the amount of air swallowed can be minimized. This can help reduce one source of discomfort during feeding.

Comfortable Feeding Solutions for Babies from Hegen

Hegen offers feeding essentials designed with a focus on baby comfort and ease of use for parents. Here are Hegen's advantages:

1. Anti-Colic Technology for More Comfortable Feeding

The system in Hegen bottles is designed to support the flow of milk and air during feeding. The goal is to help create a more comfortable drinking experience and reduce the chance of your baby swallowing too much air.

2. Soft-Touch Teats That Are Gentle and Comfortable

Hegen teats are designed with a soft surface and a shape that supports a more natural feeding experience. The flow rate still needs to be matched to your baby's age and abilities.

3. Supports a Calmer Drinking Experience

Comfortable feeding can help your baby feel more relaxed while drinking. Parents can create a calm atmosphere by combining the right feeding technique with suitable equipment.

4. A Modern, Ergonomic Feeding Bottle Design

A practical bottle design makes it easier for parents to hold and feed. Ease of use matters, since feeding happens many times every day.

Common Mistakes When Dealing with a Colicky Baby

Some parents may have made mistakes when dealing with a colicky baby. To avoid doing the same, it's best to steer clear of the following:

1. Panicking and Switching Many Products at Once

Don't change the bottle, teat, milk, and routine all at the same time. Too many changes make it hard for parents to figure out which factor might be affecting their baby's comfort.

2. Feeding in a Position That's Too Flat

A position that's too flat can make sucking and swallowing less effective. Try to keep your baby in a comfortable position with their head supported.

3. Not Burping Your Baby

Not every baby needs to burp after every feed, but giving them the chance to burp can help when they seem to have swallowed a lot of air or look uncomfortable.

4. Overstimulating Your Baby While They're Crying

Trying to play, turning on lots of sounds, or constantly changing positions can overwhelm your baby even more. Try one method consistently before switching to another.

5. Ignoring Your Baby's Feeding Patterns

Write down feeding times, how long your baby drinks, how much milk they take if bottle feeding, and when they start crying. Simple notes can help you spot patterns.

When Should Colic Be Checked by a Doctor?

Although colic is generally harmless, don't immediately assume all crying is colic. Consult a doctor right away if the crying comes with fever, excessive vomiting, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, refusing to feed, fewer wet diapers, poor weight gain, or if your baby seems to be in pain.

Crying that is very different from usual, nonstop, or accompanied by changes in behavior also needs medical attention. A doctor can make sure there's no other condition causing your baby to cry.

Tips to Help Parents Stay Calm with a Colicky Baby

1. Take Turns with Your Partner

Dealing with hours of crying is incredibly exhausting. Taking turns holding or soothing your baby gives each parent a chance to rest.

2. Don't Blame Yourself

Colic doesn't mean you've failed as a parent. Its causes are complex and often can't be fully prevented.

3. Focus on Bonding and Your Baby's Comfort

You don't always have to succeed in stopping the crying. Your presence, gentle touch, calm voice, and cuddles can help your baby feel safe.

4. Build a More Consistent Feeding Routine

Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, give your baby time to drink calmly, and avoid forcing them to finish their milk.

Colic can leave parents feeling exhausted, worried, and even emotional, especially when the crying repeats every day. However, understanding the signs of colic in babies helps parents respond more calmly and avoid rushing to blame themselves. Pay attention to crying patterns, comfort during feeding, and warning signs that require a doctor's evaluation. The right feeding essentials can also help reduce swallowed air and support a more comfortable drinking experience.

For everyday feeding needs, Hegen Indonesia offers feeding bottles with technology designed for comfort, along with soft-touch teats designed for a more natural feeding experience for your baby.