Colic

It is common for babies to cry and have unsettled times. Some pēpi cry for longer periods and are more unsettled than others. Colic, also called PURPLE crying, is crying that can last for several hours without an obvious reason in an otherwise healthy baby.  

There is no known cause for this unsettled period, but colic is not considered to be harmful to your baby or cause any long-term health issues. 

Pēpi with colic are otherwise healthy. They will be happy between crying episodes, and feeding and gaining weight as normal.

Most babies with colic outgrow it by 16 weeks old.

Babies with colic may cry for several hours at a time for no reason (e.g. they aren’t hungry, nappy is clean and dry, you’ve tried cuddling them and they are otherwise well). They may clench their fists or draw their legs up to their tummy.

Crying often occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. It may stop after your baby has a poo, passes gas, or they may continue crying until they fall asleep.

• Hold your baby upright for feeds and burp them afterwards
• Check that your pēpi is attached (latching on) properly with feeds – see our free breastfeeding support options 
• There is no evidence that changing your diet will help. However, if your baby is breastfed and seems worse after you eat certain foods, talk to your Plunket nurse, or other Well Child provider.
• If your baby is bottle-fed, check you are preparing the formula correctly

Tips to calm your little one

• Create a calming atmosphere: hold your baby while they are crying and talk to them with a soothing voice. Consider playing music and dimming the lights.
• Babies like to move, so try gentle swaying, push them in a pram, or for older pēpi use a front pack to carry them while you do things around the house
• Give your baby a warm bath or a gentle stomach rub.

Caring for a baby suffering from colic can be exhausting and hard on both you and your whānau. It's just as important to look after yourself as your pēpi.

Sometimes your baby’s crying may make you feel frustrated, helpless or angry. Ask for and accept offers of help – caring for a baby with colic is not a one-person job.

If you are feeling frustrated, stressed or overwhelmed with your baby’s crying: 

• hand your pēpi to a trusted whānau member or friend, or put them down in a safe space for a few minutes to take a break
• try a change of scenery
• get some fresh air outside ‐ try going for a walk with the pram
• call a trusted whānau member or friend, or PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 for support.

Handling baby gently is really important as they are more vulnerable to injury. Accidentally shaking your baby can lead to injury, including permanent brain damage or death (known as shaken baby syndrome).

Pēpi with colic are otherwise healthy. They are happy between crying episodes and they feed and gain weight as expected.

Talk to your Plunket nurse, call PlunketLine, or your doctor's office if your baby:

• isn't feeding well
• appears unwell
• doesn't settle between crying episodes
• has any changes you are unsure about
• has a different cry than normal – a louder, more urgent or high-pitched cry could be a sign of a more serious illness.

Or if you:

• aren't coping well with the crying
• feel anxious or depressed
• feel your baby's crying has an impact on how you feel about them
• feel the crying is affecting your relationship with your partner
• are worried about your pēpi.