Every baby cries to express their needs. These can include hunger, tiredness, a full diaper, or the desire for affection. However, some children cry much more often and for longer periods than others. When you start looking for reasons behind the crying, you quickly come 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’ll 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 The intense crying usually begins in the first few weeks of life and generally decreases by the third month—hence the outdated term "3-month colic," which is still widely used. In the past, crying was interpreted as a sign of stomach pain and bloating. However, it is now believed that only 5 percent of crying babies actually suffer from digestive problems; much more often, early childhood adjustment or regulation difficulties trigger the distress. Behind the seemingly alarming term lies a completely natural phenomenon: newborns with adjustment difficulties are particularly sensitive and must first learn to cope with the many stimuli in their environment. As a result, they initially struggle 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 they may also have difficulty falling asleep. The good news: regulation disorders have no organic causes.

How can you tell if your baby has a regulation disorder?

In the past, crying attacks were attributed to severe stomach pain or bloating, which can trouble children in the first months because the Digestive tract is not yet fully developed after birth and still needs to develop . However, today it is known that stomach aches are only rarely the cause of crying fits. Much more often, bloating or Digestive problems occur 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, meaning more than three hours a day, on at least three days a week, for over three weeks

• The episodes occur suddenly, like attacks

• The crying 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 can then cause pressure in their stomach. Regulation disorders and stomach pain often overlap and aren’t always easy to distinguish. However, there are some signs that can help you determine whether stomach pain is bothering your baby—regardless of whether their 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 you help your baby calm down?

Not only for babies, but also for their parents, these "initial difficulties" and frequent crying can be a significant burden. First of all, it is completely normal for crying episodes to stop just as suddenly as they started. The most important advice is: be patient. Still, there are some tips you can try if your newborn doesn’t want to be comforted. Many of these suggestions help give your baby calm and security in an overstimulating environment, while also easing stomach pain caused by crying.

1. Convey calm: Excitement, stress, and any form of overstimulation can quickly overwhelm your baby. Especially in the early weeks, aim for a consistent daily routine with regular sleep and wake phases and regular meals. This gives your baby a sense of 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’s advisable to consciously limit the number of visitors and to give not only your baby but also yourself enough time and quiet to get to know each other and adjust to the new situation.

2. Listen to your child's signals: Over time, you’ll learn to recognize when your child is tired and when they are awake and ready for interaction. If your baby shows signs of tiredness, avoid exposing them to additional stimuli that could quickly overwhelm them. Instead, use your child's alert, wakeful periods to interact and play. However, be careful not to keep your child constantly occupied or overstimulated even during these attentive phases. When your baby learns to entertain themselves for short periods from time to time, it supports the development of their ability to self-regulate.

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

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 can relieve your little explorer’s gas and soothe them.

5. Massage: A Baby massage can work true miracles for 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. This 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 has a calming effect and can help relieve cramps in your baby's stomach. Make sure the pillow isn’t too hot to prevent burns. Your body heat while carrying your baby, or a warm bath, can also help your little explorer relax.

7. Get help: You may have experienced moments when your baby simply wouldn’t stop crying and you felt at your wit’s end. In situations like these, if possible, ask a trusted person for help. Your partner, a good friend, or your parents can care for your baby for half an hour while you go for a walk or simply take a little time for yourself. Once you’ve regained some strength, your calm will transfer to your child, and you’ll be able to support them better. If you still feel overwhelmed despite everything, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from your midwife or 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 challenge you and are just as stressful for you as they are for your baby, but you will get through this phase together. We wish you and your baby lots of perseverance!