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Signs
! Baby cries a lot when he or she is not nuts, eggs, chocolate, coffee, tea and
hungry, wet or lonesome. caffeine may be the cause. You may
! Baby cries or screams for two or more want to limit these particular foods.
hours at a time. ! Remember that it is not your fault if your
! Crying happens about the same time of baby has colic.
What to Do
the day.
! Baby stiffens legs or pulls up his or her
knees to the tummy and cries.
! Never shake your baby!
! Try to find out why your baby is crying.
What to Know Check to see if baby is hungry; needs a
! Most often, colic develops within the diaper change; is too warm/cold, tired,
first month and may continue until 3 to scared, hurt, lonely, bored, etc.
4 months of age. ! If you do not know why your baby is
! Babies cry about 60 to 90 minutes a day crying, then you may want to try
during the first three weeks of life. The different things to soothe your baby.
crying may increase to two to four ! No one method works every time. Use
hours/day by 6 weeks of age and the method that works best for your
gradually decrease by 3 months of age. baby.
! No one knows the cause of colic,
although some theories exist about an You can try:
immature digestive system, food ! Feeding your baby slowly in an upright
allergies, abdominal gas or sensitivity to position and burping your baby at least
a busy, noisy home. once during and after the feeding.
! Colic occurs most often during the late ! Not letting your baby go hungry, but not
afternoon and evening hours. overfeeding.
! Babies who suck quickly during bottle ! Offering a pacifier or a clean finger to
or breastfeeding can swallow large suck on.
amounts of air that may cause colic-like ! Cuddling, swaddling or carrying your
signs. baby in your arms.
! Occasionally, certain foods/beverages in ! Rocking your baby in your arms, cradle
a breastfeeding mother’s diet may cause or infant swing.
her baby to be fussy. Milk products,
Continued on back page
! Pushing your baby in a stroller or
carriage.
When to Call Your Health
! Taking your baby for a ride in the car Care Provider
using a car seat. ! Your baby’s cry becomes a painful cry
! Talking, singing or humming softly to rather than a fussy cry.
your baby. ! If baby cries constantly for more than
! Wrapping your baby in a blanket.
two hours.
! Laying your baby on a warm blanket.
! If your baby vomits more than three
! Giving your baby a warm bath.
times in 12 hours.
! When your baby is awake, laying your
! If your baby shows signs of dehydration:
baby on his or her tummy and
# Four or fewer wet diapers in 24 hours
patting/rubbing baby’s back.
# Dry mouth
! Massaging your baby. (Check for infant
# Sunken eyes
massage classes in your area.)
# Sunken soft spot on head (fontanel)
! Laying your baby down on his or her
# Extreme irritability
back for a nap.
# Listlessness (decreased activity)
! Darkening your baby’s room at naptime.
# Possibly no tears
! Allowing your baby time alone to settle
! If your baby has diarrhea or loose stools:
and go to sleep.
# More than one per hour
! Keeping the noise level and stimulation
# Blood in stool
down if baby is upset.
# Signs of dehydration
! Taking care of yourself and resting.
! If your baby has a fever.
! Taking naps when the baby is napping.
# Axillary [armpit] 98.6° F (37.0° C) or
! Trying to relax so your baby does not
higher
feel your stress.
# Rectally 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
! Calling a friend or relative for support.
! If you are afraid you might hurt your
! Giving yourself a break and having
baby.
someone else watch your baby.
! If you can’t find a way to soothe your
! Talking with your health care provider.
baby.
! Changing formula may be necessary.
! If you or someone else has shaken your
Check with your health care provider.
baby.
Remember, never shake your baby!
North Dakota Department of Health
1.800.472.2286 www.health.state.nd.us
May 2000