Hearing your baby cry, especially in the early weeks, can feel overwhelming. But crying is one of the first ways babies communicate. It does not always mean something is “wrong”, it often means they need something.
Below is a simple guide to help you work through common causes, including when crying may be linked to colic and digestive discomfort.
Start with the basics
Hunger
Crying can be a late hunger cue. If you notice rooting, sucking hands, or searching for the breast or bottle, a feed may help.
Nappy or skin discomfort
A wet or soiled nappy, or irritation around the nappy area, can quickly upset a baby. A change and a gentle clean are often enough to settle them.
Temperature
Babies can become unsettled if they are too warm or too cold. Feel their chest or back and adjust layers if needed.
Tiredness
Overtired babies can find it hard to switch off. Early sleep cues include yawning, eye rubbing, staring into space, or turning away from stimulation.
Need for comfort
Sometimes the answer is simply closeness. Holding your baby upright, skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, or a calm, familiar routine can be reassuring.
Could it be colic?
If your baby has repeated episodes of intense crying that is difficult to soothe, and they are otherwise healthy and feeding and gaining weight as expected, you may start to wonder about colic.
Colic is commonly described as frequent, prolonged periods of crying (often in the late afternoon or evening). It typically begins around 2 to 4 weeks and often improves by around 3 to 4 months.
Signs you may notice
Some babies may also:
- clench their fists
- draw up their knees
- arch their back
- look flushed
- seem very hard to settle
Colic and temporary lactose intolerance
In the early months, some babies can temporarily struggle to break down lactose in breast milk or formula. This can contribute to digestive discomfort and colicky episodes.
Supporting little tummies
Colief Infant Drops help break down lactose in milk before feeding, making feeds easier to digest and supporting digestive comfort during this stage.
Colief can also be used as a diagnostic tool. A simple one-week trial can help establish if temporary lactose intolerance may be contributing to colicky symptoms. Importantly, Colief Infant Drops is the only colic product in the market supported by clinical trials, giving parents added reassurance when supporting their baby’s digestive journey.
When to get advice
If your baby’s crying feels different to usual, is persistent, or you are unsure what is causing it, speak to your GP or health visitor for reassurance and guidance.
A note for you
If you’re reading this while trying to soothe a crying baby, you’re not alone. You’re doing your best, and it’s okay to ask for support from a partner, family member, friend, or healthcare professional.
Find out more useful information on our Instagram.
