Excessive Crying in Newborns (Colic): Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Crying is a normal part of an infant's life, but especially for a newborn. It is the only way they can effectively communicate with you about feeling hungry, uncomfortable, tired, or wanting comfort. To parents, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if their crying seems constant or unusually intense. Excessive crying is tiring and stressful, and it leaves both you and your baby unsettled. Understanding what is normal, recognising when something might be wrong, and learning some simple ways to calm your baby may help you take care of your baby with ease.

What is Normal Crying in Babies?

Crying is a baby's primary means of communication. In the first weeks of life, babies cannot say what they need, so crying acts as a key way to communicate hunger, tiredness, discomfort, or the need for attention. It is normal for newborns to cry 2 to 3 hours a day during the first weeks. Crying generally peaks at 6 to 8 weeks and then decreases by three or four months.

Some reasons why newborn babies cry are:

• Hunger
• Tiredness
• Need to burp
• Too much activity, noise, or handling
• Wet or dirty diaper
• Feeling too hot or too cold

With time, parents usually start observing a pattern in their baby's cry. The cries of hunger are generally rhythmic. Discomfort or pain can take on a more serious or high-pitched tone. Often, simple soothing methods, such as feeding, holding, rocking, or changing a diaper, may help calm the baby. Sometimes, however, crying persists longer or seems harder to settle and may thus need closer attention.

What is colic?

Colic refers to bouts of crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, and for more than three weeks continuously, in an otherwise healthy infant. It typically starts when a baby is between 2 and 5 weeks old. The episodes of colic crying often happen around the same time every day, commonly in the late afternoon and evening.

Colic affects many newborns. In fact, it is estimated to occur in 3% to 28% of infants worldwide. This inexplicable excessive crying in newborns was once called "child seeing a ghost" syndrome, which is only folklore and not true.

Although it is a source of stress for the parents, colic usually resolves by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old. In rare cases, if the crying is unusually severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to consult a paediatrician in order to rule out medical issues.

Causes of Colic in Infants

The true cause of colic in infants is not known, but several factors may contribute to it, including the following:

• Air swallowing during feeding or crying can cause gas and discomfort.
• Sensitivity or allergic reactions to some foods, especially milk proteins.
• Feeding difficulties, including overfeeding and underfeeding.
• Acid reflux, where stomach contents return to the oesophagus and cause pain.
• An immature digestive system that’s unable to process food properly.
• Emotionally intense states, irritability, anxiety, or overstimulation.
• Sensitivities to environmental factors, like loud noises or bright lights.
• Changes in routine or sudden transitions that may upset the baby's comfort.
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation or bloating, that can exacerbate crying.

How to Tell if Your Baby Has Colic

Some common signs and symptoms of colic in infants include:

• Crying that is intense and may make the baby's face bright or dark red
• Facial expressions displaying any discomfort, distress, or unhappiness
• Pulling the legs up toward the stomach
• A firm or bloated abdomen
• Passing gas more frequently than usual
• Clenched fists or tight hand motions
• Arching the back while crying

What Are the Complications Associated with Colic?

Colic crying itself does not hurt the baby, but it may impose a great strain on the parents, particularly on the mother. The continuous crying, along with the efforts to soothe the colicky newborn, may result in stress, fatigue, and, at times, postpartum depression, eventually affecting the emotional and mental well-being of a mother.

Read More: 5 Most Common Digestive Disorders in Kids

How to Calm a Colicky Newborn

Calming a colicky baby can be a challenge, but it can be done in several gentle ways:

• Make sure your baby has been fed and has a clean diaper.
• Hold your baby close and rock slowly, or walk around while cradling them.
• Talk or sing softly to your baby. The sound of your voice is extremely reassuring.
• Offer a pacifier if your baby uses one.
• Take your baby on a short walk in the stroller to provide some smooth, gentle motion.
• Hold your baby against your chest and breathe slowly and calmly together.
• A warm bath can help relax tense muscles.
• Rub your baby's back or gently pat it, or lay them tummy-down across your lap while you are doing so.
• Try a baby swing or vibrating seat for soothing motion.
• Try playing soft music or white noise, as it may comfort some babies.

Keep in mind that all babies are different, and it may take trying multiple methods to find what works best for your little one.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

• Your baby has a high fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher).
• Your baby vomits frequently, especially if the vomit is green or contains blood.
• Your baby has bloody diarrhoea.

Your doctor may recommend tests to determine the cause and suggest proper treatments or care measures.

Also Read: Understanding Newborn Hiccups: Causes, Tips, and When to Seek Help

The Bottom Line

While crying is normal and a key way of communication for babies, excessive crying, such as that associated with colic, might be very stressful for both the infant and the parents. Understanding what is normal, recognising the signs of colic, and using gentle methods to soothe your baby may help them feel more comfortable and secure. Typically, colic resolves itself by three to four months, but it may be reassuring to monitor any unusual symptoms and consult a doctor when necessary. With patience and care, parents can take their baby through this challenging stage.