Colic Follow-Up Guide: What Parents Need to Know

Understanding Colic

What is it? Excessive crying in healthy babies under 3 months old (3-5 hours daily). Affects about 1 in 5 babies and peaks at 4-6 weeks, then gradually improves.

Common Patterns:

  • True colic: Intense crying, hard to comfort, normal between episodes
  • Normal crying: Brief episodes from identifiable causes (hunger, discomfort)
  • Overfeeding: Crying with bloated stomach after frequent feeds
  • Medical causes: Signs of illness, poor feeding, or abnormal behavior

Common Signs to Monitor

✅ Normal Colic:

  • Crying 3-5 hours daily, often late afternoon/evening
  • Baby acts normal and happy between crying episodes
  • Started around 2-4 weeks of age
  • Gaining weight and feeding well

⚠️ Watch For:

  • Baby acting sick or abnormal between crying
  • Poor feeding or not gaining weight appropriately
  • Excessive spitting up with poor weight gain
  • High-pitched, unusual crying different from normal

How to Treat at Home 

Feeding Guidelines:

  • Wait 2-2.5 hours between feeds to avoid overfeeding
  • If breastfeeding: limit caffeine to <300mg daily
  • If baby seems hungry: feed if >1.5 hours since last breastfeed or >2 hours since bottle

Calming Techniques:

  • Movement: Hold close and walk, rock in chair, stroller rides
  • Swaddling: Wrap in thin blanket for sleep (arms out after 2 months)
  • White noise: Continuous low sounds during crying (turn off when calm)
  • Position: Hold on side/stomach while awake (back for sleep)
  • Soothing: Gentle back rubs, pacifier, warm bath

When Baby Won't Stop Crying:

  • If crying >2 hours since last nap, baby may be overtired
  • Swaddle, place on back in crib, turn on white noise, leave room
  • Let baby fuss until falls asleep - sometimes only solution for overtired babies

Safety Reminders:

  • Never shake baby - can cause brain damage or death
  • If frustrated: place baby in safe crib, take 10-15 minute break
  • Return only when you feel calm

When to Contact Poppins 

📱 Contact us again when:

  • Baby can't be consoled using recommended techniques
  • Concerns about feeding difficulties or weight gain
  • Colic seems to be getting worse instead of better
  • Questions about specific calming strategies

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

  • Baby starts acting sick or abnormal between crying episodes
  • Excessive spitting up with poor weight gain (possible reflux)
  • Colic not improving by 8-10 weeks of age
  • Extreme caregiver stress or thoughts of harming baby

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is: 

  • Baby has fever (any fever under 2 months is emergency)
  • Baby appears seriously ill or has difficulty breathing
  • High-pitched, shrill crying very different from usual cry

We'll check in with you 24 hours after your visit. If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out.

Need more support? Help is just a text message away.