One of my closest friends had a baby who struggled with colic, and I’ll never forget how hard it was—for both of them. Her sweet little boy cried and cried, sometimes for hours at a time. He was so clearly uncomfortable and miserable, and nothing seemed to console him. It broke his mama’s heart… and mine too.
She tried everything—different bottles, gas drops, babywearing, endless bouncing and rocking. But in those early weeks, it just felt like nothing helped. She was completely exhausted and at her wit’s end, constantly questioning if she was doing something wrong, even though she wasn’t.
It was a really eye-opening reminder of how isolating and overwhelming those newborn days can be when things don’t go as expected. Watching her go through that gave me such deep compassion for families navigating colic—and I carry that with me anytime I photograph a baby who’s having a hard time. It’s not anyone’s fault. Sometimes babies just need more time and support to settle into their little bodies.
A challenge a lot of parents face with new babies is colicky or fussy babies. f you’ve found yourself at the mercy of relentless cries and seemingly unexplainable discomfort (or you just want to plan ahead, just in case), fear not!
In this blog post, I’m sharing …
- How to identify if your baby has colic
- Effective strategies to navigate this trying phase
- Tips to soothe your baby
- How to take care of yourself when your baby won’t stop crying.
Is It Colic or Something Else?
You’re not alone in wondering whether your baby’s fussiness is due to colic or something else entirely.
Colic is typically defined as intense, inconsolable crying in a healthy baby that lasts for at least three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or more.
However, it’s essential to rule out other potential causes of fussiness, such as hunger, discomfort, gas, or illness.
If you suspect colic, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and ensure there are no underlying issues.
What Causes Colic?
While the exact cause of colic remains a mystery, several factors may contribute to its development.
These can include gastrointestinal issues, an immature digestive system, sensitivity to stimulation, or even parental stress transferring to the baby.
It’s important to remember that colic is not caused by something you did or didn’t do as a parent. It’s simply a phase that many babies go through and eventually outgrow.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074#:~:text=Food%20allergies%20or%20intolerances,Family%20stress%20or%20anxiety
Riding the Waves of Colic: Tips for Soothing Your Baby
When your baby is experiencing colic, finding effective ways to soothe them can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But there are strategies that may provide some relief.
Holding and Rocking: Sometimes, simply holding and gently rocking your baby can help soothe them. Babies often find the rhythmic motion comforting, which might help alleviate some of their distress.
Swaddling: Swaddling can provide a sense of security and warmth for your baby, which may help to soothe them.
White Noise: Some babies find white noise, such as the sound of a fan or a white noise machine, soothing. It’s thought that this can replicate the constant noise they were used to in the womb.
Warm Bath: A warm bath can be soothing and may help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with colic.
Gentle Massage: Massaging your baby’s belly in a gentle, clockwise motion might help to relieve some of the tension and discomfort. Always be gentle and watch your baby’s reactions to make sure they’re comfortable.
Bicycle Legs: Gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion can help to relieve gas, which is often a contributor to colic.
Changing Feeding Positions: Sometimes, adjusting your feeding position can help to minimize the amount of air your baby swallows, which can reduce gas and potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of colic.
Feeding and Burping More Frequently: Smaller, more frequent feedings can help prevent your baby’s stomach from getting too full, which can cause discomfort. Burping your baby regularly can also help to relieve any built-up gas.
Using a Pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can provide a calming effect for many babies.
Using a Baby Carrier or Sling: Some babies find being carried in a sling or baby carrier soothing. The close contact can be comforting, and the movement as you move around may help to calm them.
Consider talking to your doctor about using gas drops too!
Experiment with different soothing techniques to find what works best for your baby’s unique preferences.
Seeking Support: Finding Comfort in Community
Reach out to fellow parents, join online support groups or local parenting communities, and share your experiences.
Connecting with others who understand firsthand what you’re going through can provide immense comfort and valuable insights!
When my oldest was a newborn, I joined a local Camp Hill new mom group—and honestly, it was one of the best things I could’ve done. We met weekly, swapped stories, shared the tough stuff and the funny stuff, and it just felt so good to know I wasn’t alone in the things I was experiencing. Sleep struggles, feeding questions, feeling totally touched out… someone else in the group got it.
Almost 10 years later, I’m still close friends with a few of those mamas. We’ve continued swapping stories through toddler years, school drama, and everything in between. Having that support system made such a difference in those early days, and I truly believe resources like that—whether it’s a group, an online forum, or even an IG page you relate to—can be a lifeline when you’re in the thick of it.
If you’re struggling right now, especially with something like colic, please know you don’t have to go through it alone. There are people who understand. Sometimes, all it takes is finding your people.
Self-Care for Sanity: Taking Care of Yourself
Caring for a colicky baby can be emotionally and physically draining, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
It’s crucial to prioritize self-care during this challenging phase. Take breaks when you can, lean on your support system for help, and don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being.
Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, finding small pockets of self-care can make a world of difference in your ability to cope.
Reaching out to a postpartum doula can be the lifeline you need—whether it’s to get a nap, run a few errands, or just have someone who gets it to talk to. A few amazing local options to check out are Dauphin County Doulas, Meghan at Held Harrisburg, Audrea Blayer, and Lauryn Shatzer. They all offer compassionate, hands-on support right here in the Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg area.
Take it from me, the colic stage won’t last forever. I know it can feel like it right now though!
You’re doing an incredible job, and every effort you’re putting in right now is making a difference. Keep trying different soothing techniques, reach out for support when you need it, and don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Soon, this challenging phase will be just a memory.
I hope reading Is it Colic or a Fussy Baby? has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Camp Hill Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of newborn images.
And hey, why not check out some of my other blog posts on pregnancy and motherhood in Camp Hill?
New Mom Must-Haves: How to Set Up Your Home for Your Newborn in 14 Days
Top 6 Places to Find Breastfeeding Support in Mechanicsburg, PA
