Colic Awareness Month

Affecting approximately 20% of babies, or 1 in 5, infant colic is a medical condition that many new parents are not prepared for.

Starting in the first few weeks of life, colic causes intense crying, often for many hours in the evening, which can take a toll on parents who are already sleep-deprived.

Colic Awareness Month was started to improve education and information about colic to new parents, potential parents, and the community that can provide a lifeline of support for families of newborns!

History of Colic Awareness Month

The inaugural campaign for Colic Awareness Month took place in 2017 when it was established through a partnership between Cry-Sis, a parenting charity in the UK, along with Infacol, which is a company that makes colic relief drops.

The hope is that this event will help improve knowledge and support for parents of infants who have colic.

How to Observe Colic Awareness Month

Get Informed About Colic

One of the purposes of Colic Awareness Month is to equip parents with the information and support they need to handle their colicky babies well.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse if you are concerned about your own baby and consider some of these facts about colic to learn more:

• Colic is when a baby’s crying last for more than 3 hours for no reason, for more than 3 days a week, and for more than 3 weeks in a row
• Babies who have colic are fussy, and gassy and do not sleep well but tend to grow normally 
• No one knows the cause, but experts guess that colicky babies are sensitive to the world and are unable to calm themselves with their immature nervous systems
• Some signs of colic might be a flushed face, clenched fists when crying, a tight belly, and curling up their legs toward their abdomen

Support a Friend with a Colicky Baby

Although colic can strike at any time of day, it is most common in the evenings. Those who have a friend or family member with a colicky baby might volunteer to come over and be a baby holder for a while.

Sometimes the parent’s nerves are frazzled but a fresh pair of hands (and ears!) can handle the stress of a crying baby better. Give mom and dad a break so they can rest, take a shower, or do whatever they need to be prepared to take care of the baby for the long haul.

Contact the Cry-Sis Helpline

The charitable organization that founded Colic Awareness Month continues to offer support for overwhelmed parents in the UK. Visit the organization’s website for information and advice, or call the phone line any day of the week from 9 am to 10 pm UK time.

Those who are located in the United States or other places around the world can get help and advice for a colicky infant through the Fussy Baby Network Warmline at the Erikson Institute in Chicago.

The “warmline” is open M-F 9am-5pm central time, but parents are invited to leave a message and their call will be returned the following day.