Infantile colic is a common challenge for new parents, marked by periods of intense, inconsolable crying that occur without an obvious cause. The condition is formally defined by the “Rule of Threes”: crying lasting for at least three hours a day, occurring on three or more days a week, for a minimum of three consecutive weeks. This prolonged distress can lead to significant parental anxiety and speculation about the cause, often focusing on external factors in the baby’s environment. A frequent query is whether external factors, such as environmental drafts, cold air, or “wind,” can be responsible for triggering these episodes. This article explores the evidence behind that common suspicion and details the medical understanding of what actually causes colic.
Separating Myth from Fact: Environmental Wind and Colic
The notion that an external draft or environmental “wind” causes colic is an old cultural belief that lacks scientific support. Medical research does not link a baby’s exposure to cool breezes or outside air conditions to the onset of colicky crying episodes. This myth often stems from confusing external air with internal gas, which parents frequently refer to as “trapped wind.” In a physiological context, “wind” refers to the buildup of gas in the baby’s digestive tract, a real source of discomfort that may accompany colic. This internal gas is a result of digestion or air swallowed during feeding, not external temperature or air movement. Parents can be assured that taking their infant outside on a moderately cool or breezy day does not trigger colic.
The Leading Medical Theories Behind Colic
Current hypotheses focus on a combination of physiological and developmental factors within the infant.
Digestive Immaturity and Gut Health
One prominent theory involves the immaturity of the infant’s digestive system and the makeup of their gut bacteria. Lower counts of Lactobacilli bacteria have been observed in colicky infants, suggesting an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis. This imbalance, combined with an immature digestive tract, can lead to increased fermentation of carbohydrates and proteins, generating excessive internal gas. Gastrointestinal issues like cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance may also contribute to digestive distress. The gas itself is often a symptom of the crying—swallowing air during long bouts of fussiness—rather than the initial cause of the colic.
Nervous System Development
Another leading theory focuses on the infant’s developing nervous system and temperament. Some babies are naturally more sensitive to external stimuli, such as bright lights or loud noises, and are less able to regulate their emotions or self-soothe. This overstimulation can lead to sensory overload. The resulting crying acts as a release for the accumulated stress. Colic episodes often peak in the late afternoon or evening, which may be a time when the baby’s immature nervous system is overwhelmed by the day’s events.
Strategies for Soothing and Managing Colic
For parents managing a colicky baby, a combination of techniques designed to mimic the womb environment can often provide temporary relief. The “Five S’s” approach organizes these soothing methods:
- Swaddling.
- Holding the baby in a Side or Stomach position (while awake).
- Shushing (or using white noise).
- Gentle Swinging.
- Sucking.
Swaddling provides a feeling of security, while the side or stomach position can help activate the baby’s calming reflex.
Adjusting feeding practices can help minimize the intake of air, which contributes to internal gas discomfort. Techniques like paced bottle-feeding and ensuring the baby is held upright during and after feeds can reduce air swallowing. Regular, gentle burping throughout the feeding process is also recommended to release trapped air.
In some instances, temporary dietary changes for the mother or trying a different formula may be discussed with a healthcare provider to address potential food sensitivities. Parents should always consult a pediatrician to rule out underlying medical issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease before implementing any significant changes.