From Larry B. Mellick, MD - “The Crying or Inconsolable Infant Emergency”
Inconsolable crying in infants under 3 months: Consider various underlying reasons such as hunger due to insufficient breast milk supply, abstinence syndrome in infants exposed to drugs in-utero, or symptoms of colic which is generally noted in infants less than three months old. It’s essential to explore all possible causes to address the issue appropriately.
Colic and coping mechanisms:
Environment Alterations: Sometimes changing the baby's environment, introducing white noise, or a swing can help.
Physical Comfort: Offering physical comfort like rubbing the belly or bicycling the legs might aid in releasing gas and providing relief.
Colic is not life-threatening: While colic isn’t life-threatening, it can lead to extreme frustration for parents, potentially resulting in child abuse. Encourage parents to seek support and to step away safely if they find themselves reaching a breaking point to prevent harm to the baby.
Encouraging Safe Practices for Frustrated Parents:
Diaper Change and Feeding: Ensure the baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper before putting them down in a safe space.
Seek Support: Encourage parents to talk to other experienced parents for advice and moral support.
Educational Videos for Parents: Highlight the availability of educational videos on platforms like YouTube which can be a valuable resource for new parents, helping them understand and manage common infant issues based on experienced physicians' advice and other parents' experiences.