Excessive fussiness, or colic, occurs in many babies. It usually begins when the baby is about 2 weeks old; it peaks at 6 to 8 weeks; and it usually resolves by 3 to 4 months of age. A colicky baby may cry an average of 3 hours a day. If your child is fussy, determine whether he or she is hungry, wet or ill. If these do not appear to be causing your baby’s fussiness, certain colic measures may be tried:
1. Motion techniques (rocking, walking in a snugli, wind-up swing, going for a ride in the car).
2. Noise (TV, stereo, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or hair dryer).
3. Heat (heating pad on a low setting or warm water bottle). Caution: Newborns have thin, delicate skin. Use only low heat.
Any combination of the above measures may help to comfort your infant. If your baby’s fussiness seems to be excessive or if you are worried about it, please call our advice nurse.
1. Motion techniques (rocking, walking in a snugli, wind-up swing, going for a ride in the car).
2. Noise (TV, stereo, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or hair dryer).
3. Heat (heating pad on a low setting or warm water bottle). Caution: Newborns have thin, delicate skin. Use only low heat.
Any combination of the above measures may help to comfort your infant. If your baby’s fussiness seems to be excessive or if you are worried about it, please call our advice nurse.
