Top Websites for Colic

If you’re at all like me, you head straight for your computer when you have a problem.

When Sammy was a newborn, we scoured the Internet for information related to colic, fussiness, and crying. We were trying to figure out:

What’s normal, and what’s a problem?

How can we make him more comfortable?

Are we doing something that could be making this worse for him?

I found online discussion boards helpful as I didn’t know anyone in real life who had a baby like Sam. I would read through posts and try to find babies with similar issues, and then try to diagnose Sam based on those. Mostly I just found it comforting that others had gone through it and had survived.

There were a number of websites I turned to during that time that were extremely helpful. I thought I would share this list with you, and also ask if there are any I’m missing that you have found useful.

Ask Dr. Sears

Hands down the best website I have found. When I first read Dr. Sears’ article on High Need Babies, I had an ah-ha moment. I wasn’t a bad mom, I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and there was nothing wrong with Sammy. There were, in fact, other babies out there just like Sammy.

Kelly Mom

Excellent information on fussiness related to breastfeeding. Helpful advice on how to soothe a fussy baby.

The Period of Purple Crying

This website wasn’t around yet when Sam was a baby, so I didn’t learn about Period of Purple Crying until we were through the infant stage. This is perhaps the most ground-breaking research into crying and colic to date. Explains how colic is a developmental stage babies go through, not a medical condition.

Berkeley Parents Network

This is an old site that I don’t believe is maintained anymore, however I found it encouraging to read through these posts by parents. Contains some useful soothing tips as well.

Fussy Baby Network

The Erikson Institute in Chicago offers free fussy baby support via the phone. I never took advantage of it, I don’t think. But what a fantastic service for new parents.

Nurturing Our Spirited Children

Another older site, but gives a great overview of the Spirited Child literature.

Wikipedia: Colic

The Wikipedia article on colic has been updated in recent years, and is actually a fantastic, comprehensive overview of what we currently know about colic.

Don’t Shake – Infant Crying

If you have a colicky baby, you won’t be surprised to learn that fussiness and shaken baby syndrome are closely linked. This site gives a good overview of what normal crying should look like, and how to cope with it.

Pollywog Baby – Colic & Reflux Products and Information

The editor of this site is extremely knowledgable about colic, reflux, and fussiness. Besides offering colic and reflux products, the site provides a wealth of information on causes and treatments for colic and reflux.

Are there any sites I’m missing? What sites were helpful for you?