Patient education: Colic – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

Your child was seen in the ED for colic. This is when babies cry much more than usual for no obvious reason during their first 3 months of life.

It is normal for babies to cry up to 2 hours a day. Babies with colic usually cry more than 3 hours a day on more than 3 days a week. Bouts of colic usually start suddenly and happen in the evening. The crying is usually louder and more high-pitched than crying not related to colic.

The doctor thinks your baby's crying is due to colic rather than something serious. Colic usually goes away on its own once the baby is 3 or 4 months old.

How do I care for my child at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.

●To try to help stop your baby's crying:

•Use a bottle that keeps them from swallowing too much air.

•Burp them often during feedings.

•Hold them in a sitting position during feedings.

•Carry them more in your arms, a sling, or a front carrier.

•Take them for a walk in a stroller or a ride in the car.

•Give them a warm bath.

•Put them in a baby swing.

•Swaddle them. The blanket should be snug enough to stay in place while they are sleeping, but not too tight. There should be room for them to bend their hips or knees. Always put them to sleep on their back.

•Put them in a safe place near a clothes dryer or other source of "white noise."

•Massage their belly.

•Give them a pacifier.

●Take care of yourself. Having a baby with colic can be exhausting, stressful, and frustrating. Some tips:

•Remember that their colic is not your fault, and it usually goes away within a few months.

•If possible, take turns with your partner or another caregiver so you both get breaks from the crying. Put your baby in a crib, bassinet, or other safe place for a few minutes while you take a break. Try to call a friend or relative if you need help. In the US, you can also call the parent help line (1-800-422-4453) at any time.

•Take a break when you need one. Shaking, hitting, or hurting a baby can cause serious brain problems, or even death.

•Talk to your regular doctor or nurse if you are having a very hard time or need more support.

When should I get emergency help?

●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

•Your baby is not responding to you or acting normally.

•You or another caregiver might have hurt your baby, even without meaning to.

●Return to the ED if:

•Your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

•You think the crying was caused by an injury or fall.

•Your baby will not eat or drink, is vomiting, or has bloody bowel movements.

•You are afraid you or another caregiver might hurt your baby.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●Your baby cries for longer than 2 hours without stopping.

●You are worried about your baby's crying or don't know how to handle it.

●Your baby spits up a lot after feedings, has diarrhea, or has trouble having bowel movements.

●You are worried your baby is not eating well or gaining weight normally.

●Your baby is older than 4 months and is still having colic.

●Your baby has new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Colic (The Basics)

Patient education: Colic (excessive crying) in infants (Beyond the Basics)