Colic is a condition that affects many babies in their first few months of life. It is characterized by unexplained, extended bouts of crying and fussiness in otherwise healthy babies. While the exact cause of colic is unknown, there are several strategies parents can try to soothe a colicky baby. The five S’s are five specific soothing techniques that are often recommended for colicky infants. These techniques aim to recreate the calming sensations babies experience in the womb.
What is Colic?
Colic is defined as excessive, inconsolable crying in healthy babies younger than 3 months old. Crying episodes occur without any identifiable reason and can last for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, and for longer than 3 weeks.
Colic symptoms usually begin when a baby is a few weeks old and peak around 6-8 weeks. Symptoms typically improve significantly by 3-4 months of age.
Up to 25% of infants develop colic. It is equally common in bottle-fed and breastfed babies.
Colicky crying often occurs in the late afternoon or evening and can be intensely shrill. Babies may draw their legs up, clench their fists, pass gas, and turn red in the face when crying.
While colic causes significant distress for babies and frustration for parents, it is generally not harmful and goes away on its own. However, it is important to rule out other potential causes of crying like hunger, illness, or food sensitivity.
What Causes Colic?
The exact cause of colic is unknown. A number of theories have been proposed, including:
- Immature nervous system – A baby’s nervous system is still developing, which may make them overreact to normal stimuli.
- Gastrointestinal issues – Colic may be related to immature GI function, food sensitivities, or gas.
- Intestinal muscle spasms – Spasms in the intestinal smooth muscle may cause pain.
- Gut microbiome – Differences in gut bacteria may contribute to colic.
- Hypersensitivity – Babies may have a low sensory threshold and become overstimulated easily.
- Maternal anxiety – Babies may pick up on parental stress.
Research into the causes is ongoing, but colic likely involves multiple factors rather than one single cause.
Five S’s for Soothing Colic
The five S’s are techniques used to calm crying in colicky infants by recreating sensations and experiences from the womb environment. The 5 S’s stand for:
- Swaddling
- Side/stomach position
- Shushing sounds
- Swinging
- Sucking
Using these techniques together is often more effective than using just one. The steps should be performed in order, but can be repeated as needed. Here is more detail on each of the 5 S’s:
Swaddling
Swaddling involves wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket to restrict movement of their arms and legs:
- Use a thin blanket large enough to wrap all around the baby and keep their arms down at their sides.
- Make sure the blanket is not too tight or it could restrict breathing.
- Only swaddle during wake time – do not use loose blankets while baby sleeps.
- Swaddling provides comfort, security and helps prevent startling.
Side/Stomach Position
Holding the baby on their side or stomach can sometimes help relieve colic crying:
- Gently place the baby on their side or stomach across your lap, supporting their head.
- Never put a baby to sleep on their side or stomach due to SIDS risk.
- This position applies gentle pressure to the abdomen which may relieve gas pain.
Shushing Sounds
Making a strong shushing sound near the baby’s ear can help calm them:
- Place the baby’s ear against your mouth and make a loud “shhh” sound.
- Also try a low, droning hum or buzzing in the baby’s ear.
- These repetitive noises remind babies of sounds they heard in the womb.
Swinging
Gently swinging or rocking the baby may help stop colic crying:
- Hold the baby snugly on their side and rhythmically swing your arms back and forth.
- Rock baby while holding them in a cradle position or side-to-side.
- The motion simulates the movement they felt in the womb.
Sucking
Allowing the baby to suckle can provide comfort and distraction:
- Breastfeed or offer a pacifier for non-hungry sucking.
- Sucking is a familiar motion that brings relief.
- It may release endorphins that reduce pain.
Trying these 5 S’s whenever the baby cries inconsolably may help provide temporary relief for colic episodes. Parents can keep repeating them in cycles until the baby calms down or falls asleep.
Other Colic Relief Strategies
In addition to the 5 S’s, there are other colic management techniques parents can try, including:
- Burping: Stop to burp the baby frequently during feedings to release trapped gas.
- Baby massage: Lightly massage the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise motion using warm hands.
- Motion: Go for walks or drives in a stroller or car to soothe the baby.
- Sound machines: Use white noise from apps, fans, vacuum cleaners, clothes dryers, etc.
- Warm bath: Give a warm (not hot) bath to provide relaxation.
- Gas drops: Try over-the-counter simethicone drops to break up gas bubbles.
- Probiotics: Adding probiotic drops to the breastmilk or formula may improve gut health.
As colic improves over time, these measures can provide periods of comfort until the fussy stage passes.
When to Call the Doctor
See a doctor promptly if:
- Crying lasts for more than a few hours at a time
- Baby develops a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Baby seems to be in pain while crying
- Crying continues after age 3-4 months
While colic is common and temporary, medical causes need to be ruled out. Call for any concerns.
Coping with a Colicky Baby
Having a crying, colicky baby can be challenging and stressful for parents. Some tips for coping include:
- Take breaks – let another caregiver take over when needed
- Wear noise-canceling headphones
- Avoid becoming frustrated – colic will pass
- Get support from family, friends, parenting groups
- Accept that you can’t always soothe the crying
- Stay calm and know you are doing your best
Colic is a trying but temporary phase. The five S’s and other soothing techniques can provide some relief until colic runs its course.
Conclusion
The five S’s – swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking – are techniques used to calm crying in colicky infants. These methods aim to recreate the sensations of the womb by providing comfort through touch, movement, sound and suckling. Along with other strategies like burping, massage, motion and white noise, the five S’s can offer periods of relief for babies and parents struggling with colic episodes. While the cause of colic remains unclear, it is a common and transient condition that typically resolves by 4 months of age without any long-term effects. With patience and support, parents can employ these soothing techniques to get through this challenging developmental phase.