A colic baby Singapore parents care for can test even the calmest mum or dad, and if you are reading this at the end of your tether, please know you are not alone. Long spells of crying that seem to have no cause are exhausting and worrying, especially when nothing you try seems to help. This article is a warm, general overview to help you understand colic and cope with the crying. It is not medical advice, so do see a doctor if you are worried or need reassurance.
The most important thing to hold on to is this: colic is not caused by anything you have done wrong, and it does not last forever. Your baby is not rejecting you, and you are not a bad parent. This is a phase, and it will pass.
What Is Colic?
Colic is the term used when an otherwise healthy, well fed baby cries for long periods for no clear reason. The crying often follows a pattern, tending to happen at the same time each day, frequently in the late afternoon or evening. During these spells, a baby may seem hard to settle, clench their fists, go red in the face, or pull their legs up as though in discomfort.
Nobody knows for certain what causes colic. It may be linked to a developing digestive system, wind, sensitivity to stimulation, or simply a baby’s way of releasing tension at the end of a busy day. What is reassuring is that colic usually begins in the early weeks, peaks around six to eight weeks, and eases by around three to four months as your baby matures. It is a phase of development rather than an illness.
Even though it is harmless, colic can be one of the hardest parts of early parenthood, precisely because you feel so helpless. Understanding that the crying is not a sign of harm, and that it will pass, can take some of the fear out of those long evenings.
Gentle Ways to Soothe Your Baby
There is no magic cure for colic, but there are many gentle things you can try. Every baby is different, so it helps to work through a few and see what brings your little one some comfort. The aim is to soothe, even if you cannot stop the crying entirely.
- Hold and rock. Being held close, rocked or gently swayed can be very calming. A baby carrier keeps your baby snug and leaves your hands free.
- Try white noise. Soft, steady sounds such as a fan, a shush, or gentle background noise can echo the womb and settle some babies.
- Offer motion. A slow walk, a gentle bounce, or a pram stroll can help.
- Wind your baby. Burping during and after feeds, and holding your baby upright, may ease trapped wind.
- Try a warm bath. The warmth and change of scene can break the cycle of crying.
- Dim the lights and lower the noise. Some babies are simply overstimulated by the end of the day.
Feeding technique can matter too. Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, taking your time, keeping your baby fairly upright, and winding them well can reduce swallowed air. If you wonder whether something in your own diet or the formula is a factor, speak to a doctor before making changes rather than guessing.
Looking After Yourself Too
Coping with a crying baby is not only about the baby. It is also about you, because listening to hours of crying is genuinely draining and can leave you feeling frazzled, tearful or on edge. Your wellbeing matters, and looking after it is part of caring for your baby.
If the crying is getting to you, it is completely fine to put your baby down safely in their cot for a few minutes and step away to breathe. A calm parent soothes a baby far better than a frantic one, and no baby has ever come to harm from crying for a short while in a safe place. Never, ever shake a baby, no matter how frustrated you feel. If you sense yourself reaching breaking point, put your baby down somewhere safe and take a break.
Share the load wherever you can. Take turns with your partner, accept help from family or a helper, and let someone else take the evening shift now and then so you can rest. Talking to other parents, who often have their own colic stories, can be a real comfort and a reminder that this is normal and temporary.
When to See a Doctor
Colic itself is harmless, but crying can occasionally be a sign of something else that needs checking. Seeing a doctor is worthwhile both to rule out other causes and simply for reassurance if you are worried or not coping. Trust your instincts as a parent.
| Sign to watch for | What to do |
|---|---|
| Fever, vomiting, or refusing feeds | See a doctor promptly |
| Crying that sounds different, weak or high pitched | Get your baby checked |
| Poor weight gain or very few wet nappies | Speak to your doctor |
| Blood in the stool, or a swollen tummy | Seek medical advice |
| You feel unable to cope or very low | Reach out to your doctor for support |
This is a general guide, not a full list. If your instinct tells you something is not right, or you are simply exhausted and need help, please do not hesitate to see a doctor. There is no such thing as a silly reason to seek reassurance.
Holding On to Hope
When you are in the thick of it, the evenings of crying can feel endless. It genuinely helps to remind yourself that colic is temporary and that your baby will grow out of it, usually by around three to four months. Many parents look back on this stage and are amazed at how quickly it faded once it lifted.
Take each evening as it comes, be kind to yourself, and lean on the people around you. You are doing a hard job with great love, and that love is exactly what your baby needs. This phase will pass, and calmer, smilier days are on their way.
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