A baby’s digestive system is still learning how to work.
Here is why it causes so much distress.
Immature
Intestines
When a baby is born, their intestines are immature. They are learning how to move food and gas through the body. Sometimes, these muscles don't coordinate well, leading to sudden, sharp spasms.
Trapped
Air
Babies swallow a lot of air while feeding or crying. If this air isn't burped out, it gets trapped in the intestines. This creates a balloon effect, stretching the sensitive walls of the baby's gut.
The Intense
Squeeze
To move that trapped air, the baby’s tiny intestinal muscles squeeze with a force they aren't used to. This over-squeezing is the source of the sharp, cramping pain that makes the baby pull their legs up to their tummy and cry.
Overload &
Oversensitivity
At the end of a long day, a baby’s nervous system can become overloaded by sights and sounds. This stress makes their gut even more sensitive to the normal movement of gas, turning even a small air bubble into a big pain signal.
The wave
effect
Infantile colic is famous for its rhythm. The baby will scream in agony for several minutes (when the squeeze happens), then suddenly go quiet (the relaxation), only to start screaming again a few minutes later as the squeeze happens again.
What are the signs of (Infantile Colic)?
The physical signs of infantile colic are very specific.
1st Sign: The Colic Hour
The crying almost always starts in the late afternoon or evening. It is a predictable cycle that happens nearly every day.
2nd Sign: The Physical Clench
During a crying bout, you will notice the baby:
- Pulls their legs up toward their tummy.
- Clenches their fists tight.
- Has a belly that feels hard or tight to the touch.
3rd Sign: The Redness on Face
This isn't just a normal whimper. The baby’s face often turns bright red or even purple from the intensity of the squeezing effort, and they may pass gas or have a bowel movement toward the end of the episode.
Infantile Colic causes Parental Burnout
Listening to a baby cry for 3 hours straight is mentally and physically exhausting. It can lead to feelings of helplessness, guilt, and extreme stress for new parents.
Infantile Colic creates doubt
When nothing you do—rocking, singing, or feeding—stops the crying, it can make parents feel like they are doing something wrong.
#KnowYourPain
How to find relief
Relief from infantile colic is about helping the immature intestines run smoother and calming the baby's nervous system.
Holding Position
Holding the baby face-down across your forearm puts gentle pressure on the tummy. This physical pressure helps "un-trap" gas bubbles and provides comfort.
Burping
Ensuring the baby is burped thoroughly halfway through a feed and after a feed prevents the air trap from moving deep into the intestines where it’s harder to clear.
Sensory Reduction
When the colic hour begins, dim the lights and reduce noise. This prevents the nervous system overload that makes the gut spasms feel more intense.
Tummy Massage
Gentle, clockwise strokes on the baby's belly can help manually move gas through the intestines and encourage the intestinal muscles to relax.
Infantile Colic: The Indian Context
In India, various traditional and modern factors play a role in how we manage colic.
Prevalence
Statistics suggest that roughly 15% to 20% of Indian infants experience significant colic, usually starting at 2 weeks of age and subsiding by the 3rd or 4th month.
Infant Massage (Maalish)
India has a rich tradition of Maalish (infant massage). When done correctly, this is one of the most effective ways to reduce gas-related colic.
Dietary Wisdom
Mothers are often advised to avoid certain gas-forming foods. Many Indian mothers find that subtle dietary adjustments help the baby’s comfort.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning we must ensure nothing else is wrong. Speak to a paediatrician if:
- The baby has a fever or is vomiting forcefully.
- There is a change in the baby's stools (like blood or mucus).
- The baby is not gaining weight or refuses to feed.
- The crying is constant and doesn't follow the evening wave pattern.