Colic / Fussy Baby

Dealing with a fussy, colicky baby can be exhausting, but there are ways to help soothe them and make things easier for you. Colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3-4 months. Here are some tried-and-true tips:

1. Try the "5 S’s" (Dr. Harvey Karp’s Method)

Swaddle – Wrap baby snugly to mimic the womb.
Side or Stomach Position – Hold baby on their side or stomach (only when awake).
Shushing Sounds – White noise, a fan, vacuum, or baby shusher can help.
Swinging/Rocking – Gentle bouncing or rocking motions soothe baby.
Sucking – Offer a pacifier or let baby nurse for comfort.

2. Check for Gas & Tummy Discomfort

• Burp baby frequently during and after feeds.

• Try bicycle leg movements or tummy massage to relieve trapped gas.

• Hold baby upright for at least 20 minutes after feeding.

• Consider anti-colic bottles if bottle-feeding, and be sure to pace feeds.

3. Use Warmth & Motion

• A warm bath

• Wear baby in a soft carrier—movement and closeness can be soothing.

• Try a stroller walk, getting out will also relax you.

4. Adjust Feeding (If Necessary)

• If breastfeeding, lay back if your supply is spraying, or catch your let down with a cloth when baby is too overwhelmed and gulping.

• If bottle-feeding, ensure you are using a newborn teat, pace feeding, and allowing baby to burp at times between the feed.

• Slow down feeding to prevent gulping too much air - pace feeding is helpful.

5. Offer White Noise or Gentle Sounds

• Try white noise machines, lullabies, or soft humming.

• Some babies calm down with the sound of running water or a fan.

6. Keep the Environment Calm

• Dim the lights and reduce stimulation if baby seems overwhelmed.

• Gentle rocking in a dark, quiet room can be effective.

• Holding baby upright and allowing a straight oesophagus to allow burping to occur after feeds.

7. Medications (Check with a Pediatrician First)

• Some studies suggest probiotics may help colic.

• If you are breastfeeding, breastmilk is a natural probiotic and no further purchased medications are necessary.

• Some babies may or may not have infant reflux - it is quite unlikely this is the case, and you would need to see a paediatrician to investigate this.

8. Take Care of Yourself Too

• A colicky baby can be stressful—ask for help when needed.

• If you feel overwhelmed, take a short break (put baby down safely and breathe).

• Share settling tasks with your partner

• Remind yourself: Colic is temporary and will pass!
  

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  Purple Crying refers to a period in infancy when a baby may cry more than usual, and it’s a term used to describe the intense and often unpredictable crying pattern that peaks around 2 months of age and can last until 3–4 months. It’s important to understand that this phase is completely normal and not caused by anything you are doing wrong.

  The "PURPLE" in Purple Crying stands for:

  • P – Peak of crying: The baby’s crying may increase in intensity and duration, often peaking at 2 months.

  • U – Unexpected: The crying can happen suddenly, and there may be no obvious cause.

  • R – Resists soothing: No matter what you do, it may be hard to comfort the baby.

  • P – Pain-like face: The baby may appear to be in pain, even though there is no underlying health issue.

  • L – Long-lasting: Crying episodes can last for 30 minutes or longer.

  • E – Evening: Babies often cry more in the late afternoon or evening.

  Why It Happens

  • Developmental stage: It’s a normal phase in development where babies are adjusting to the world outside the womb.

  • Sensory overload: Babies are experiencing a lot of new stimuli, which can be overwhelming.

  • Growth spurt: Increased crying may coincide with growth spurts.

  How to Cope

  • Stay calm: It’s normal to feel frustrated, but it’s important to take deep breaths.

  • Check for comfort: Make sure baby is fed, changed, comfortable, and not in pain.

  • Try soothing techniques: Rocking, gentle shushing, swaddling, or walking in a stroller can help.

  • Take breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby in a safe place and take a short break.

  • Talk to a pediatrician: If the crying seems excessive or you have concerns about the baby’s health, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.

  The purple crying phase is temporary and usually lasts until the baby is around 3-4 months old, after which the crying tends to reduce and become more manageable.

  Would you like more tips on soothing techniques during this phase? 😊 Give Moana Care a call and we can help you with an over the phone or in person sleep consultation.