What to do about 3-month colic?

Every baby cries to express their needs. These can include, for example, hunger, tiredness, a full diaper, or the desire for affection. However, some children cry significantly more often and longer than others. In search of reasons for the crying, one quickly comes across the term "3-month colic." As a result, many parents assume that stomach pain is the cause of their little explorer's restlessness. But bloating is often not the cause, but rather a consequence of the crying. In this article, you will learn what else could be behind the crying fits and how you can help your baby.

What could be the reasons for crying episodes?

Approximately one in ten babies experiences frequent crying episodes without an apparent cause during the first three to four months and is difficult to soothe. The intense crying usually occurs in the first few weeks of life and generally decreases by the third month – hence the outdated term "3-month colic," which is still commonly known. In the past, crying was interpreted as an expression of stomach pain and bloating. However, it is now believed that only 5 percent of crying babies actually suffer from digestive problems, and much more often, early childhood adjustment or regulation difficulties are the triggers for the discomfort. Behind the seemingly alarming term lies a completely natural phenomenon: newborns suffering from adjustment disorders are particularly sensitive and must first learn to cope with the many stimuli in their environment. Therefore, they initially find it difficult to regulate their well-being and behavior on their own and to calm themselves. These children often find it hard to settle down or can only do so with the help of a close caregiver and to fall asleep. The good news: regulation disorders have no organic causes.

How can I tell if my baby has a regulation disorder?

In the past, the crying attacks were attributed to severe stomach pain or bloating, which can trouble children in the first months, since the Digestive tract is not yet fully developed after birth and only begins to develop must. However, today it is known that stomach aches are only rarely the cause of crying fits. Much more common are bloating or Digestive problems first due to regulation disturbances because the nervous systems of the brain and abdomen are located very close to each other. There are certain signs that suggest a regulation disorder could be the cause of your little explorer's discomfort:

• Your baby cries excessively, that is, more than three hours a day, on at least three days a week, and for over three weeks

• The seizures occur suddenly, like attacks,

• The screaming fits are strongest in the late afternoon and evening

• You can rule out other reasons for crying, such as hunger or a full diaper

When crying, babies swallow more air, which then causes pressure in their stomach. Regulation disorders and stomach pain often overlap and are not always easy to distinguish. However, there are some signs that can help you determine whether stomach pain is bothering your baby – regardless of whether its sensitive digestive tract or adjustment difficulties are the cause.

• Your baby usually starts crying right after milk feeds

• If you gently tap your little explorer on the stomach with a finger, a hollow sound is produced due to the air in the stomach

• You notice increased bloating in your child

• Your child adopts a tense, hunched posture

How can I help my baby to calm down?

Not only for the babies, but also for their parents, the "initial difficulties" and frequent crying often represent a significant burden. First of all, it is completely normal for the crying episodes to stop just as suddenly as they started. The most important advice is: be patient. Nevertheless, there are some tips you can try if your newborn does not want to be comforted. Many of these tips help to provide your baby with calm and security in its overstimulating environment as well as to relieve stomach pain caused by crying.

1. Conveying calm: Excitement, stress, and any form of overstimulation can quickly overwhelm your baby. Therefore, especially in the first period, pay attention to a consistent daily routine with regular sleep and wake phases and regular meals. This provides your baby with security and helps them process all the new, exciting impressions. Of course, friends and family will also want to meet and welcome your little explorer in the first few weeks. Especially in the Postpartum however, it is advisable to consciously limit the number of visitors and to give not only your baby but also yourself enough time and peace to get to know each other and to adjust to the new situation.

2. Listen to your child's signals: After some time, you will surely learn to recognize when your child is tired and when they are awake and ready for interaction. If your baby shows signs of tiredness, you should avoid exposing them to additional stimuli that could quickly overstimulate them. Instead, you can use your child's attentive wakeful periods to interact and play with them. However, be careful not to constantly occupy your child or expose them to stimuli even during these attentive phases. When your baby learns to entertain themselves for short periods from time to time, it helps them develop their ability to self-regulate.

3. Your baby's pacifier: Often, in babies suffering from regulation disorders, a similar pattern can be observed: the child is visibly exhausted but keeps startling awake when falling asleep and begins to cry again. To counteract this typical Moro reflex in newborns, it can help to your Wrapping the baby . Wrap it snugly in a cloth, a thin blanket, or a swaddle. Many babies feel reminded of the time in the womb through the tightness and confinement and can therefore relax better.

4. Pilot handle: At Aircraft handle Hold your baby on your arm in a tummy-down position. The position, the closeness to you, and gentle rocking relieve your little explorer from gas and soothe him.

5. Massage: One Baby massage can work true miracles in case of restlessness and tense baby tummies. First, gently press your baby's legs at a 90-degree angle against their body and move them as if pedaling a bicycle. The movement can help loosen cramps and release air. Gentle stroking over your little explorer's tummy can also relieve bloating and stimulate digestion.

6. Heat: A warm cherry stone or spelt pillow acts calming and can help relieve cramps in your baby's stomach. Make sure the pillow is not too hot to prevent burns. Your body heat when carrying or a warm bath can also help your little explorer relax.

7. Get help: Perhaps you have also experienced situations where your baby simply wouldn't stop crying and you were at your wit's end. In such moments, if possible, seek help from a trusted person. Your partner, a good friend, or your parents can take care of your baby for half an hour while you go for a walk or just take some time for yourself. Once you've regained some strength, your own calmness will transfer to your child, and you'll be able to help them better. If you still feel overwhelmed despite everything, don't hesitate to seek professional help from your midwife or your pediatrician.

Even if the many impressions and stimuli initially cause some "start-up difficulties" for your little explorer, we can reassure you: your darling is not sick. The crying attacks will certainly present a challenge for you and are just as stressful for you as for your baby, but you will also overcome this phase together. We wish you and your baby lots of perseverance!