Why babies cry
Did you know? Up to 20% of healthy babies may cry inconsolably during their first weeks of life. This is often called ‘colic’.
If your baby is healthy but cries excessively for more than three hours a day on three or more days a week, for over 3 weeks, they may be suffering from colic.
Most parents notice symptoms of colic when their baby is between two and four weeks old and it peaks at about six weeks. Colic is often described as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby. Colic is particularly challenging to caregivers, who seem unable to help their babies stop crying. In addition, if your baby has colic this can lead to you feeling anxiety, frustration, and exhaustion. The good news is that babies tend to outgrow colic within several weeks.
Causes of colic
The exact causes of colic are not known. Since colic is not diagnosed in older babies, it could be related to the immaturity of a young baby’s digestive system. Their gut will naturally mature as they get older. Some experts have also suggested that the excessive crying of colic is related to the amount and types of friendly bacteria in a baby’s intestines.
In fact, multiple studies have shown that babies who were given a specific probiotic supplement, L. reuteri, had reduced crying time compared with babies that did not take the probiotic.
If you suspect your baby has colic, ask your healthcare provider for advice and whether probiotic L. reuteri may be helpful for your baby.
Sources
https://www.nestlenutrition-institute.org/resources/library/Free/infographics/infant-colic/Pages/Infant-Colic-What-do-you-know-about-it.aspx (Accessed December 29 2016)
Benninga MA, Nurko S, Faure C et al. Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: Neonate/toddler. Gatroenterology 2016; 150:1443-55.
Camilleri M, Park, SY, Scarpato E et al. Exploring hypotheses and rationale for causes of infantile colic. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017; 29(2): doi: 10.1111/nmo.12943
Chau K, Lau E, Greenberg S et al. Probiotics for infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. J Pediatr 2015; 166(1):74–8.
Indrio F, Di Mauro A, Riezzo G et al. Prophylactic use of a probiotic in the prevention of colic, regurgitation, and functional constipation. A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatr 2014; 168(3):228-33.
Johnson J, Cocker K, Chang E. Infantile Colic: Recognition and treatment. Am Fam Physician 2015; 92(7):577-82.
Savino F, Ceratto S, Poggi E et al. Preventive effects of oral probiotic on infantile colic: a prospective, randomised, blinded, controlled trial using Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. Benef Microbes 2015; 6(3):245-51.
Szajewska H, Gyrczuk E, Horvath A. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for the management of infantile colic in breastfed infants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Pediatr 2013; 162(2):257–62.
Vandenplas Y, Huysentruyt K. Early nutrition and its effect on the development of functional GI disorders.
Early Nutrition and Long-Term Health 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100168-4.00014-8
Vandenplas Y, et al. Prevalence and Health Outcomes of Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants From Birth to 12 Months of Age. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015;61(5):531-537.
Zeevenhooven J, Koppen IJ and Benninga MA. The new rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and toddlers. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2017; 20(1):1-13.
Related articles
Why do babies cry?
When you’re a new parent your baby’s cries can be overwhelming. Remember it’s a new world outside the womb and your little one is adjusting to his new surroundings.
2 mins to read
How to Soothe a Baby with an Upset Stomach
Watching your baby suffer from the symptoms of tummy troubles can be distressing.
3 mins to read
How to Soothe a Baby with Colic
Got a fussy baby? Infantile colic is characterized by intense, uncontrolled crying or fussing in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. About 20% of babies suffer from colic.
4 mins to read
3 tips for your baby’s happy, healthy tummy
By Dr. Ted Jablonski, family physician
3 mins to read
Baby Poop Guide
This baby poop guide will help you understand the differences between different baby stool colours and consistencies as well as the stools of babies on different diets.
7 mins to read
Top 3 tummy troubles
Because babies are born with immature digestive systems, they may experience episodes of colic, constipation, or spit-up during their first months.
1 min to read
Newborn Sleep Development - What you need to know
You’re half-awake at 4 am with a wide-awake baby in your arms and wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again. Don’t worry, you will.
6 mins to read
Disposable-diaper-changing routine
You’re going to do a lot of diaper changing over the next few months and years, so here’s a helpful diaper changing routine.
2 mins to read
Questions and answers about allergies in young babies
Find answers to the 6 essential questions about allergies in young babies answered by a Nestlé Nutritionist.
2 mins to read
Vitamin D for Babies: Why it’s Important
Today more than ever we are hearing about the importance of Vitamin D for babies’ healthy growth and development.
5 mins to read
Newborn feeding schedule | Nursing quiz
Is your baby getting enough?
1 min to read
Lonely mom? 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you
Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom.
4 mins to read
How many calories do moms who breastfeed need?
It’s no surprise that your energy and nutrition needs go up when you’re breastfeeding. Choose healthy foods and beverages to get the extra calories and nutrients you both need.
2 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
Tummy time: let’s play!
Did you know? Tummy time helps your baby develop muscles and motor skills.
2 mins to read
Combination Feeding: Combining Breast Feeding & Formula-Feeding
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding or combo feeding, is when you feed your baby both breast milk and infant formula.
4 mins to read
Baby digestion development | First days
By Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician
3 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
What your baby is telling you
Did you know? Your baby was born with the natural ability to eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full.
2 mins to read
