Colic or Something Serious? Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know

When a baby cries for a long time, parents may worry about what is wrong. Sometimes, the baby may have colic. However, crying can also mean that the baby is hungry, uncomfortable, unwell, or has another health problem.

So, how can you know if your baby has colic or a more serious problem? Knowing the warning signs can help you comfort your baby or get medical help when needed.

At Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala, parents can seek medical advice about newborn health and persistent crying, subject to clinical assessment.

What Is Infant Colic?

Infant colic is when a healthy baby cries a lot without a clear reason. The crying may be hard to stop, even after feeding, burping, or changing the baby’s nappy.

Colic often starts in the first few weeks after birth. It usually gets better by the time the baby is three to four months old.

Common signs of infant colic include:

• Long periods of crying, often in the late afternoon or evening.
• Clenched fists and tightly closed hands.
• Pulling the legs towards the tummy.
• A red or flushed face while crying.
• A tense tummy during crying episodes.
• Difficulty settling down despite feeding and comforting.

However, these signs do not always mean your baby has colic. If your baby cries unusually, keeps crying for a long time, or seems unwell, consult a doctor.

What Does Normal Colic Crying Look Like?

Colic can cause loud and prolonged crying that is hard to stop. However, babies with colic usually feed well, stay alert when awake, and continue to gain weight.

You may notice that your baby:

• Cries at similar times each day.
• Becomes unsettled without an obvious cause.
• Calms down for short periods and then starts crying again.
• Has no fever or other signs of illness.
• Appears comfortable between crying episodes.

However, do not assume that every long period of crying is colic. Other health problems can cause similar signs.

Colic or Something Serious? Warning Signs to Watch For

Colic is usually harmless. However, some signs may point to a serious health problem. Watch your baby carefully for these warning signs.

1. Fever in a Young Baby

A temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby under three months old needs urgent medical attention. Do not assume the fever is cause by colic.

2. Difficulty Breathing

Get emergency medical help if your baby has trouble breathing, stops breathing for short periods, or has blue or grey lips or skin.

3. Repeated or Green Vomiting

If your baby vomits forcefully or often, seek medical advice. Green vomit may be a sign of a serious problem in the intestines and needs emergency medical care.

4. Poor Feeding or Fewer Wet Nappies

If your baby refuses milk, drinks much less than usual, or has fewer wet nappies, seek medical advice quickly. These signs may mean your baby is dehydrate or unwell.

5. Unusual or Inconsolable Crying

If your baby’s cry suddenly changes, sounds weak or unusually high-pitched, or does not stop, it may be a sign of a health problem.

6. Blood in the Stool

Blood in your baby’s poo is not a normal sign of colic. Contact a doctor promptly to find out what is causing it.

7. Unusual Sleepiness or Reduced Responsiveness

Get urgent medical help if your baby is very sleepy, hard to wake up, feels unusually floppy, or does not respond as usual.

Important: If your baby has difficulty breathing, blue or grey skin, seizures, or is unresponsive, seek emergency help immediately.

What Causes Excessive Crying in Babies?

There is no single cause of colic. However, other health problems can also make a baby cry a lot.

Possible causes include:

• Hunger or feeding difficulties.
• Trapped wind or feeding-related discomfort.
• Reflux or frequent milk regurgitation.
• Cow’s milk protein allergy or another feeding-related problem.
• Constipation or other digestive issues.
• Infection or another illness.
• Injury or physical discomfort.

A doctor may ask about your baby’s feeding, poo, sleep, crying habits, and weight gain. This helps them understand the cause and suggest the right treatment.

How Can You Comfort a Baby With Colic?

If your baby seems well and a doctor has checked them, a few simple steps may help comfort your baby.

Try Gentle Soothing

Hold your baby close, rock them gently, and speak softly. Quiet background sounds may also help calm some babies.

Check Feeding and Burping

Make sure your baby feeds comfortably and burp them during or after feeding if needed. If you bottle-feed your baby and they often swallow air, ask a healthcare professional to check the feeding method.

Hold Your Baby Safely

You can hold your baby upright after feeding while they are awake and you are watching them. However, always place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface for sleep.

Take Breaks When Needed

A baby’s constant crying can be tiring and stressful. If you feel overwhelmed, place your baby safely in their cot and take a short break. You can also ask a trusted adult for help.

Never shake a baby. Shaking can cause severe brain injury, even when it lasts only a few seconds.

Also, do not give your baby herbal remedies, gripe water, or medicines, or change their formula without advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

When Should You Consult a Paediatrician?

Contact a paediatrician if your baby cries a lot, has trouble feeding, is not gaining weight well, or suddenly starts crying differently.

Seek urgent medical help if your baby has a fever, vomits repeatedly, has blood in their poo, or shows signs of dehydration. Babies under three months need extra care because serious illnesses can develop quickly.

A doctor may check your baby, review their feeding and growth, and suggest further tests if they suspect another health problem.

Colic and Baby Care at Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital, Patiala

Constant crying can make parents feel worried and tired. However, finding the cause of the crying is the first step towards getting the right care for your baby.

Dr. Vivneet’s Vardaan Hospital in Patiala provides care for mothers, babies, and children. Parents can consult the medical team about excessive crying, feeding problems, and other newborn health concerns.

The doctor can check your baby’s symptoms and suggest the next steps based on their condition.

Conclusion

Colic is common in young babies, but do not assume that excessive crying is always normal. Watch for changes in feeding, breathing, body temperature, alertness, and the number of wet nappies.

If something seems unusual or your baby shows any warning signs, seek medical advice quickly. Early medical checks can help find the cause and ensure your baby gets the right care.

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