CRYING BABY LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD (INCLUDES COLIC)

Symptom Definition

• A child less than 90 days of age has the sudden onset of unexplained crying.
• The younger the child, the harder it is to identify the cause of the crying.

Causes

• Main cause of recurrent crying: normal fussy crying. When this occurs > 3 hours/day, it’s called colic.
• Gas does not cause crying. All crying babies pass lots of gas and their intestines make lots of gassy noises. The gas comes from swallowed air. The gas is normal and it does not become trapped nor cause any pains.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Age older than 3 months old (not colic), see CRYING CHILD OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS OLD.
• FEVER or any symptoms of an illness, see that topic.
• Crying from hunger, see BREASTFEEDING or BOTTLE FEEDING QUESTIONS

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR CRYING BABY LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

• Not moving or very weak

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Age less than 1 month old and looks or acts sick in any way
• Age less than 3 months with fever above 100.4°F (38°C) rectally.
• Low temperature below 96.8° F (36.0°C) rectally.
• Injury suspected.
• Pain suspected as cause of crying
• Bulging or swollen soft spot.
• Swollen scrotum
• Vomiting.
• You are afraid you might hurt your baby or have shaken your baby.
• Your baby cannot be comforted after trying for more than 2 hours.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Not gaining weight or seems hungry.
• You are exhausted from all the crying.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns.
• Your baby has never been examined for excessive crying.
• Crying began after 1 month of age.  
• Crying occurs 3 or more times per day.

Parent Care at Home If

• Normal crying or colic and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NORMAL CRYING OR COLIC

1. Reassurance:   All babies cry when they are hungry. In addition, the average baby has 1 to 2 hours of unexplained crying scattered throughout the day. As long as they are happy and content when they are not crying, this is normal. Some babies cry excessively ( > 3 hours/day) or are very difficult to comfort. If they are growing normally and have a normal medical exam, the crying is called colic. Remind yourself that colic is part of your baby’s “personality” (temperament) and has nothing to do with your parenting or any disease.
2. Hold and Comfort:  Hold and soothe your baby whenever he cries without a reason.  The horizontal position is best for helping a baby relax, settle down, and go to sleep.
   • Provide a gentle rocking motion in a cradle or rocking chair.
   • Dance with your baby to some slow music.
   • Place in a front pack or sling (which frees the hands of the caregiver).
   • Place in a wind-up swing or a vibrating chair.
   • Take for a stroller (or buggy) ride - outdoors or indoors.
3. Warm Bath:  If crying continues, take a warm bath with your baby.
4. Feedings:  Feed your baby, if more than 2 hours since the last feeding (1½ hours for breast fed).
5. Sleep and Swaddling: Put your baby down to sleep, if more than 3 hours have passed since the last nap and you have tried quiet holding for more than 30 minutes. Some overtired infants need to cry themselves to sleep. Swaddling often helps. Wrap your child in a light blanket with the arms tucked close to the body. Place on the back in the crib.
6. Warning: Never shake a baby. It can cause bleeding on the brain and severe brain damage. Also never leave your baby with anyone who is immature or has a bad temper.
7. Expected Course:  Once you find the right technique, the crying should decrease to 1 hour per day.  Colic improves after 2 months of age and is gone by 3 months
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Cries constantly for more than 2 hours
   • Cannot be comforted using this advice
   • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2005

Revised 8/2005

See Other Topics:

• Crying Child Older Than 3 Months Old (Irritability, Fussiness)
• Fever

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