Colic Care in Rocklin
Hours of crying. A tiny body that stiffens and arches no matter how you hold it. If your baby has colic, you already know how exhausting (and heartbreaking) those evenings can feel for the whole family.
Why Some Babies Cry for Hours with No Clear Reason
Colic is usually described as intense, hard-to-soothe crying in an otherwise healthy baby, lasting three or more hours a day, several days a week. It often shows up in the first few weeks of life, peaks around six weeks, and usually eases by three to four months. There’s no single known cause, which is part of what makes it so frustrating for parents.
From Birth Strain to a Still-Developing Gut
Several factors may play a role, some tied to digestion and others to how your baby’s body is adjusting to life outside the womb.
- A digestive system that’s still maturing
- Swallowed air during feeding or crying
- Sensitivity to certain proteins in formula or breast milk
- Physical strain from a long, fast, or assisted delivery
- Muscle tension in the neck, back, or jaw
- An overstimulated baby who struggles to settle
When Crying Follows a Pattern
Colic crying often starts around the same time each day, usually late afternoon or evening. Your baby may clench their fists, pull their legs toward their belly, or turn red in the face.
Some babies also seem uncomfortable lying in certain positions or prefer turning their head to one side. You might notice gassiness, a tight belly, or short, restless naps.
Signs That Call for Your Pediatrician First
Your pediatrician should diagnose colic, since other conditions can look similar. Call your pediatrician right away if your baby has a fever, vomits forcefully, has blood in their stool, isn’t feeding or gaining weight well, or seems unusually sleepy or limp. A high-pitched cry that sounds different from normal also calls for a prompt medical check.
Soft Touch, Careful Assessment, and Plenty of Patience
At New Life Chiropractic, Dr. Catherine Smith and our team bring years of experience caring for newborns and infants. Your first visit starts with a conversation about your baby’s birth, feeding, sleep, and daily patterns. We’ll listen closely, because you know your baby best.
Next, we gently check your baby’s posture, movement, and comfort through the neck, spine, and jaw. The pressure used with infants is very light, about what you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. If your baby is fussy or not ready, we pause, and we never force anything.
We’ll also share practical ideas you can use at home, such as positioning during feeds and calming holds. Chiropractic care is meant to work alongside your pediatrician’s guidance, not replace it.
Small Shifts That Add Up to More Rest
Calmer Evenings Can Start with One Visit
If evenings have turned into hours of rocking and pacing, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team will check your baby’s comfort and movement with a gentle, unhurried approach. Call New Life Chiropractic at (916) 259-2682 to schedule a visit.
