High need baby? Colicky baby?

Question

My 4 weeks old baby will not stay still most of the time. She is only relaxed (playing in crib or in anyone's arms) for about 5-10 min, then she starts moving her head, hands and feet. Then, she starts crying. This happens even she after is full and diaper changed.

Answer 1

She may indeed be colicky. If you make her a weak tea from chamomile flowers ( no sugar) and give it to her in her bottle warm, AND if you burp her enough ( this also may be the problem ) she shouldnt have colick again..

Answer 2

First is she colicky or sick??

Though all newborns cry and show some fussiness, when a child who is otherwise healthy cries for more than 3 hours per day, it is a condition known as colic, which is perfectly normal, and eventually goes away on its own.

It's been estimated that up to 25% of all infants have colic. It usually starts between the 3rd and 6th week after birth, and goes away on its own by the time the baby is 3 months old. If the baby seems to still have colic after that time, the infant might have some sort of health problem.

To determine whether your child has colic, you may first want to make sure that he or she isn't crying for another medical reason. Here are some key facts about colic:

* Colicky babies have a healthy sucking reflex and a good appetite and are otherwise healthy and growing well. Sick babies may appear colicky but won't feed well and won't have the same strong sucking reflex.
* Colicky babies like to be cuddled and handled. Sick babies appear uncomfortable when they are handled and are difficult to console.
* Colicky babies may spit up from time to time, but if your baby is actually vomiting, and/or losing weight call your child's doctor. Vomiting repeatedly is not a sign of colic.
* Colicky babies typically have normal stools. If your baby is difficult to console and has diarrhea or blood in the stool, call your child's doctor.


After 3 months of colick I resorted to Simethicone Drops in every feeding.....these seem to help baby get rid of the bubbles. It was a life saver for me....ask for them at the pharmacy!

Answer 3

Her needs are not being met somehow. Have you spoken to your doctor or midwife about feeding? Is she on bottles or breast? If bottle fed, she may need a different formula. I was a colicky baby and it wasn't until I was a teen that we discovered I was always allergic to milk and so had gas pains. Breast fed? She might not be getting enough yet.
Also see whose arms she settles in the longest and then watch what they do. Try massaging her lightly down her back and her arms and legs when you bathe her, or change her. A back rub is often relaxing for an infant.
What kind of noise is in the environment. Is she distracted by a lot of things in the environment? Too hot, too cold?
Have you tried driving her in the car, does she settle in there?

I would bring this to the attention of your MD in case she has something medically askew that makes her demanding.

Also as a final thought, babies thrive on a steady routine of activities. See if that helps.

Best wishes.

Answer 4

First of all, do have a swing that will rock the baby? I know it's really hard for a young baby, like that to sleep on a regular basis.Try the swing, try giving the baby a warm bath, after the bath, try giving the baby a very soft massage of the baby's back, legs,head,belly.That would always put my colicky son right to sleep.If you need more advice, my email address is [e-mail], just email, if I can help you in any way?

Answer 5

She could be colicky. I used to boil a bay leaf with the water to prepare my daughter's bottle (use a leaf once ad throw away) and that somehow worked. It seems that in my country, it's a common natural method against colic. Keep her belly warm - I also used to hold her belly against me and that seemed to ease her pain. I also changed her formula for one with less lactose. Some brands have low lactose and lactose free versions. You should however consult a paediatrician about that. One way to know whether she's in pain is by watching her. If she brings her legs towards her tummy while crying then it could really be colic. If baby is being breastfed, make sure your wife/partner doesn't eat food that could make baby produce gas and also, make sure that baby is really getting enough milk. Sometimes, babies may just not have had enough. I would still visit a paediatrician just in case. Good luck!

Answer 6

At 4 weeks old she is still brand new....and adjusting to her new life...they need to be held and loved plus being fed, bathed and changed...it's a natural thing to do. She wants to be close to you ....Usually they sleep about 5 hours and then need changing and feeding...does she burp good after eating so she doesn't get gassy?
I'm sure you are doing all the right things....but if she starts to cry as if in pain hard , red in the face, crying...I'd talk to her doctor...it never hurts to check. It will save you from worrying . Best of luck...one more thing I used to bathe my kids at night about 8pm or so it relaxed them and they went right off to sleep...Enjoy parenting...the time goes so fast they will be grown before you know it! Mama Jazzy Geri

Answer 7

NPR (National Public Radio) just had an article about colicky babies - and a group that helps people deal with it - might have ways to help you.

Answer 8

she may have gas try gripe water.she may also be allergic to breast milk or formula so have her checked out by the pediatrician.lastly sometimes babies are fussy for no apparent reason so you will just have to hope it will not last for too long.

Answer 9

well as a new mom myself let me tell you that is completely normal welcome to mother hood try putting her in a football position if shes coliky that worked for my son other than that play soft music and sing to your baby a mothers voice is soothing to a newborn plus it gives you bonding time good luck and god bless

Answer 10

some baby's are just harder to manage than others ,try massage and warm baths .it will get easier as she grows.