Having an infant with colic can be an extremely stressful and exhausting experience. Because colicky babies are often inconsolable, parents may feel as if their caretaking skills are inadequate or that they are somehow to blame for the colic. Parents may feel frustrated, fatigued, angry, hopeless, guilty or depressed when their baby cries for prolonged periods of time.

It is important for parents to realize that a baby with colic will be difficult to soothe during crying episodes. Parents may discover methods to comfort their child that work, or they may not. What is important to remember is that a baby with colic is otherwise a healthy child. Colic is a common, temporary condition many infants experience. Parents should keep in mind that the crying spells usually improve significantly by the time the child is 3 months old.

Parents can use some of the following tips to help them cope while their child has colic:

• Take a break. Arrange for someone to watch the baby, even for a little while. This may include family members, friends, neighbors or babysitters. If backup care is not available, make sure the baby is in a safe, quiet place – then go into another room and try to relax (e.g., watch TV, listen to music).
  
  
• Get enough sleep. Adequate rest allows parents to better cope with the stress of a baby with colic.
  
  
• Express feelings. Feelings of frustration, discouragement, anger, helplessness and depression are normal in parents of colicky infants. Sharing feelings with family, friends, counselors, physicians or local support services can help alleviate the stress colic can have on the entire family.
  
  
• Recognize limits. It is important for parents with a colicky child to identify when they are losing control. Anyone afraid they may hurt their child should immediately remove themselves from the situation. For help or information at moments of crisis, contact a physician or a 24-hour/seven day a week crisis line, such as the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (800-4-A-CHILD or 800-422-4453). No one should ever shake a child as it can result in brain injury and death (shaken baby syndrome).