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- Knowledgebase: Newborn Questions: General
- Questions about the care of newborns, rashes, stooling.
- 22. What is Colic? - Top
- Colic is a general term that refers to a fussy baby that is not acting sick and has no other diagnosis to justify the fussiness. It is kind of like saying "I don't know what is wrong with your baby, but I don't see anything bad wrong."
Some babies are colicy because they eat too much at one time or because they gulp down too much air when they eat. For those babies, try smaller feedings, burping better, or Mylicon drops.
Some babies have a problem with their formula. Please call the office before changing formulas.
Some babies are colicy because they sense their parents are insecure. Hold your baby securely- don't pick up the baby like you are afraid it will break. Babies can sense when you are comfortable handling them.
Some babies are colicy because they are over-stimulated. Make sure they have enough quiet time even if they are not sleeping.
Some babies are colicy because their gut has a hard time passing stool through it. If your baby is not having hard stools, but strains and draws up alot, he may feel better with a glycerine suppository (over the counter) or try taking a rectal temperature. Rectal stimulation may help him have a good wave of gut contraction and stop the cramping.
Some babies are colicy because of esophagitis (sore food pipe). Babies with Gastroesophageal Reflux (babies that spit up a lot) may have irritation of the esophagus and may be unhappy shortly after starting to feed. Call the office- they may respond to treatments that stop the spitting up and the stomach's acid production. - Updated: March 5, 2001
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- Knowledgebase: Newborn Questions: General
James L Horwitz, MD
David C. Thomas, MD
Barbara Lindberg, PNP