Why Won't my Baby Stop Crying? or What is Colic?

Colic describes uncontrollable crying in an otherwise healthy infant. A constantly crying baby can be stressful to the mother, and babies can sense frustration.

According to statistics around twenty percent of all babies (usually between two and four weeks of age) suffer from Colic.

It is worth noting that Colic is not a disease or disorder. Most babies are over Colic by four months of age. While it occurs is still a mystery.

The most popular theory attributes the condition to a baby’s under-developed digestive system that is still developing the necessary enzymes and digestive juices to break down food.

Gas is released by the process of digesting breast or formula milk which causes discomfort, so the baby cries.

The crying then causes the baby to swallow additional air, causing more discomfort.

We recommend gently rocking the baby whilst sitting or walking, gently stroking or rubbing the back and/or stomach. Any kind of repetitive motion (and you will quickly work out what works for your baby) can be a successful, soothing treatment.