Crying and Unsettled Babies

"Colic" has been the common word used to describe regular times of crying and not settling in a baby. It is now understood that "colic" refers to the normal range of unsettled behaviour in many babies. This can be very demanding and exhausting for parents.

This crying and fussing can happen at any time, but often occurs in the late afternoon and evening, especially in babies between 2 weeks and 4 months of age. It is very common for young infants to have crying and unsettled times.

Causes

Sometimes there is a medical reason for the baby's crying and this may need to be checked by a doctor or nurse. However, in most babies no medical cause is found. Young babies cry as a normal response to any sort o discomfort or stress. Sometimes the causes of the discomfort may be a wet nappy, being too hot or cold, wind (gas in their tummy), hunger or tiredness.

This is a normal part of their growth and development. The temperament (personality) of some babies makes them more likely to cry for longer periods and to be more difficult to settle into a predictable routine.

Some babies seem to cry more than others - this does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong, rather that all babies respond differently.

Parents also worry that crying is caused by something they have done and this can sometimes affect their confidence in handling and looking after their baby. Parents should be reassured that a number of things can help them with a difficult baby. The most important is to get support from the family and talk to a health professional such as a maternal and child health nurse or doctor.

Care At Home

Try to stay calm. If you get upset or distressed this may make the situation worse and your baby may become more upset.
Let your baby suck at the breast or bottle. It may help them to settle for a short period - your nurse or doctor can advise you on feeding and the amount of milk your baby needs.
Gently rock or hold your baby in your arms or in a baby carrier or sling.
Continue to speak softly to your baby - your voice and presence may help soothe them. You can try playing some soft music.
Try giving a warm bath.
Use a dummy - it may provide comfort sucking to help your baby settle.
The demanding evening time may be easier if you plan around it. For example, plan to eat dinner earlier if your baby is unsettled around this time.
Soften the lighting - some babies are distressed by looking up into harsh lights.
Try baby massage oil. This may calm the baby and also help you to relax.
If possible try and get support from family and friends and have a break from the baby so you can relax.
If your baby is crying for most of the day then it is important to get support and talk to a health professional during this difficult time.
Talk with other parents about things that have helped them.
Remember, you cannot spoil your baby by too much cuddling or feeding.

Medication

Medication is not recommended. It may mask illness, interfere with feeding or make your baby too sleepy.
Medication should be used on the advice of a doctor and only for a short period of time.

Follow-up

See a doctor if:

You would like the doctor to check there is no medical cause for the crying
Your baby is refusing feeds or is having less than half their normal feeds
Your baby does not seem to settle with any of the things you are trying
Your baby continues to cry for long periods
You feel you are not coping

OR you are worried for any other reason.

Key points to remember

Being unsettled and crying is very common in young babies up to 4 months old
Sometimes there is a medical reason for the baby's crying
Comfort your baby if they seem distressed
The temperament of some babies makes them more likely to cry for longer periods and be more unsettled
Try and have breaks from your child or have an afternoon nap before the early evening

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Resource: Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne

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