White noise for colic and fussy babies

What colic is

Colic is usually described as intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby, lasting for hours, often in the evening, and starting in the first weeks of life. A common rule of thumb is crying for more than three hours a day, on more than three days a week, for more than three weeks. It usually improves by around three to four months. The cause is not known.

Why sound can help

A loud, steady sound can cover the crying itself, which many parents find stressful, and may help a baby move from frantic crying to calm. Some babies seem to respond to a stronger sound during a crying spell than they would need at bedtime. That is why parents report that a hair dryer or vacuum sound works.

Things parents try together

• Hold your baby close and walk or rock slowly.
• Use a steady shushing sound or white noise.
• Swaddle for a young baby, using the safe technique, and stop when they show signs of rolling.
• Gentle movement such as swaying or a stroller ride.
• A pacifier if your baby takes one.

These match the "5 S" approach popularized by Harvey Karp. They help some babies and not others.

Keep the volume safe even when it is hard

In a crying spell it is tempting to turn the sound up. Do not hold the phone against the baby's ear or play a very loud sound at close range. Use a moderate volume and keep a little distance. Once your baby is calm, turn it down and move the device away. See how loud is too loud.

Looking after yourself

If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely on their back in the crib and take a few minutes to breathe. Ask someone to take over if you can. Never shake a baby.

When to call the doctor

• Fever, vomiting, poor feeding or fewer wet diapers.
• Crying that seems different from normal or sounds like pain.
• Your baby is hard to wake or is limp.
• You are worried for any reason.