Infant colic

Understanding Infant Colic: A Guide for Parents

As a holistic chiropractor in Lutz, Florida, I see many families dealing with tough baby issues. One common problem is infant colic. It’s heartbreaking to watch your little one cry so much, and it can make parents feel helpless. But don’t worry—I’m here to explain what infant colic is in a simple way. I’ll cover the basics, symptoms, causes, how doctors figure it out, and how my gentle care can make a difference. My goal is to help you feel more in control and know when to seek support.

What is Infant Colic?

Infant colic is when a healthy baby cries a lot more than usual, without any clear reason. It’s not a disease, but a phase some babies go through. Doctors often use a rule called the “rule of threes” to describe it: crying for more than three hours a day, happening more than three days a week, and lasting for at least three weeks. This usually starts when babies are about two to three weeks old, gets worse around six weeks, and stops by three or four months.

Colic affects up to one in five babies, so you’re not alone if this is happening in your home. The good news is that babies with colic are otherwise healthy—they eat well, gain weight, and grow normally. It’s just that intense crying that wears everyone out. As a parent, it’s normal to feel frustrated or tired, but remember, this too shall pass.

Common Symptoms of Infant Colic

The main sign of colic is lots of crying that seems to come out of nowhere. Your baby might cry loudly and not stop easily, even if you try rocking, feeding, or changing them. This often happens in the late afternoon or evening, like clockwork.

Other things you might notice include:

• Your baby pulling their legs up to their belly, clenching their fists, or arching their back.
• A red, flushed face while crying.
• A hard or bloated tummy, sometimes with gas or burps.
• Crying that sounds more like screaming, and it’s hard to soothe.

These symptoms can make it seem like your baby is in pain, but colic doesn’t hurt their health long-term. If your baby has other issues like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it might not be colic—always check with a doctor.

What Causes Infant Colic?

No one knows exactly what causes colic, but experts have some ideas. It might be linked to a baby’s tummy not being fully developed yet. Things like gas, trouble digesting milk, or food allergies could play a role. For breastfeeding moms, what you eat—like dairy or caffeine—might pass through milk and upset the baby.

Another thought is that babies’ nervous systems are still growing, so they get overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or daily routines. Some babies might be extra sensitive to their surroundings. It’s not because of bad parenting or anything you did wrong—colic can happen to any family.

Sometimes, it’s a mix of factors, like tummy troubles plus too much stimulation. While we can’t always pinpoint the cause, understanding these possibilities helps us find ways to ease it.

How is Infant Colic Diagnosed?

Diagnosing colic is straightforward but important to rule out other problems. Your baby’s doctor will start with a full check-up. They’ll measure weight, listen to the heart and lungs, and feel the tummy to make sure nothing else is wrong.

The doctor will ask about the crying patterns: How long does it last? When does it happen? What have you tried to stop it? If it fits the rule of threes and your baby is healthy otherwise, it’s likely colic. No blood tests or scans are needed unless something else seems off, like an infection or reflux.

It’s key to see a doctor early to confirm it’s colic and get tips on coping. They might suggest keeping a diary of crying times to track patterns.

How I Can Help with Infant Colic as a Holistic Chiropractor

As a holistic chiropractor in Lutz, Florida, I focus on the whole body to promote natural healing. For infant colic, gentle chiropractic care can be a safe, drug-free option to reduce symptoms. I use very light adjustments—nothing like what adults get—to help align the spine and improve how the nervous system works. This can ease tension that might contribute to crying and discomfort.

Studies show that chiropractic care can cut down crying time by about half an hour a day in some babies. It might help with digestion by supporting better nerve signals to the gut. Plus, I offer advice on holistic approaches, like mom’s diet changes if breastfeeding, soothing holds, or probiotics if needed.

In my practice, I’ve helped many families find relief. One study found that up to 94% of colicky babies improved quickly with chiropractic. It’s gentle and can make a big difference without meds. We start with a careful exam to see if it’s a good fit for your baby.

If you’re in Lutz or nearby, come see me. We’ll work together to calm your little one and give you peace of mind. Colic is tough, but with the right support, you can get through it. Contact my office today—I’m here to help!