What in the world is this? Well, truth be told, we are not sure.  If you find out, please let us know! On a more serious note, colic cry is non-stop crying despite all your efforts to soothe your baby.  You might have tried feeding your baby or changing his/her diaper.  You might have even sang to your baby or danced with him/her.  Perhaps you tried taking your baby out in the stroller or driving him/her around the neighborhood.  You might even have bald spots to show from pulling your hair or bruises from banging your head.  We do not recommend that by the way!  But seriously, if its colic none of the above will work.

                      Colic cry usually starts around two to three weeks of age, peaks at about six to seven weeks and stops or slows down by 3 months.  Colic is still a mystery to doctors and since there is no known cause, there is no known treatment. So first get yourself a pair of earplugs!  Some people have tried a variety of tricks from bouncing chairs to chiropractors.  While chiropractic care is an alternative form of treatment, it is not yet prevalent in India and access to a qualified chiropractor might be difficult.  However, keep in mind that there are currently no concrete studies to prove the effectiveness of either of these treatments.

                      So, unfortunately the best way to deal with it is by letting your baby cry to sleep. There is no use in banging your head or tearing your hair out.  Your baby is not going to stop crying.  Remember that your baby is not crying because s/he has nothing else to do. Your baby is probably going through a painful stomach.  It's not your baby's fault, and it's not yours either!  So, if you are sure you have tried everything, then just remember that there is nothing more you can do. It is normal to feel angry, helpless, guilty etc.  Seek your husband's help.  You cannot be expected to go through this alone if you really need the support.  Remember that colic is not a disease.  It will not have any long standing effects on your baby and will not affect him/her physically or mentally. Also be aware that the long standing cry after a DPT vaccination can mimic a colic cry.

                       If your older child is disturbed, talk and spend some time with him/her. Give your older child more affection.  Let your older child know that he/she did similar things when he/she was a baby and that you will always love them regardless. Tell your older child that it is not the baby's fault. Find other ways to entertain yourself.  Get yourself a pair of earplugs and/or spend some time with your baby every few minutes. Once the colic stops, your baby will stop crying and will sleep out of the tiredness. Try feeding your baby during these crying episodes because the colic could have stopped and your baby could just be hungry after spending all his/her energy crying. So if this is the case, feeding your baby will work. If the colic has panicked your baby, hugging him/her will comfort your baby after the colic has subsided. So, do not totally neglect your baby.  Keep paying attention to him/her and take your baby to your doctor if you are extremely worried.  Most importantly, keep your cool and find a way to be composed through these colic episodes.  At least, until modern medicine finds a cause and/or a cure!

Also read Crying FAQs

 Danger Signs in your baby