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My baby is 6 weeks. I believe she has colic. She gets VERY frantic and screams. We all try to console her from tummy time to gripe water to swaddling her and shushing her. Nothing seems to work. She has screamed herself to a herniated bellybutton-suggestions? could this be medical?

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My baby is 6 weeks. I believe she has colic. She gets VERY frantic and screams. We all try to console her from tummy time to gripe water to swaddling her and shushing her. Nothing seems to work. She has screamed herself to a herniated bellybutton-suggestions? could this be medical?

Colic is unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy newborn that can last in bouts of 1 to 2 hours. It usually peaks between 4 to 6 weeks old and fully resolves around 3 months of age. There is no test to confirm colic, but it is recommended for your physician to see your baby to ensure there is not a medical problem causing the fussiness.

Once colic has been "diagnosed," there are some strategies to help you cope with the crying spells, but unfortunately there is no great solution. Colicky babies often want to be held. It is okay to rock them and hold and soothe them. Motion can help - walk around, bounce, go for a drive, or use a stroller. Sucking is very soothing for a baby. Try your finger or a pacifier. Tight swaddling is another good strategy. Sometimes a change of scenery will make a difference - take a bath, go outside, or to a different room. If all else fails, be sure to have help so that you can take a break.

Please Note:Healthcare professionals providing information are members of the Seton Family of Hospitals Medical Staff as physicians or allied health professionals. Their responses are for informational purposes only, and are not posted on the same day as questions are submitted. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are guaranteed to be answered. Content of “Ask an Expert” is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor or other healthcare professional with questions about your medical condition. In the event of an acute illness that needs immediate attention (i.e. high fever, bleeding, trauma, etc..) or emergency, please contact your doctor or 911 immediately.

Question answered by

Anna C. Bell

MD, FAAP, Pediatrics

Children’s Medical Group

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