The baby won't stop crying! What is the magical third week?

The “magical third week” plagues and torments many moms and dads. Although it has a scary name, it is one of the developmental stages that all babies go through. Let's take a look at what the situation is and how to deal with it.

What is the magical third week?

I'm not hungry and my diaper isn't wet. I can't think of a reason for this, but my baby won't stop crying... The troublesome condition that begins to appear around the third week after birth is called the "devil's third week." It does not occur in all children, and the timing of its onset and end varies from person to person, but it generally begins around 2 to 3 weeks after birth, hence the name.
For mothers who are tired from the damage caused by childbirth and unaccustomed childcare, it may be a trying time that makes them want to cry. Let's start by learning about the "magical third week" so that you can spend your time with as little stress as possible.

What happens?

The characteristic of the "evil third week" is that the number and duration of crying suddenly increases, and it becomes difficult to fall asleep. Many mothers and fathers feel at a loss, saying, ``I don't know why my child is crying,'' or ``No matter what I do, I can't stop crying.''
Babies' so-called ``crying'' during this period often occurs in the evening and night, so it is sometimes called ``twilight crying,'' also known as ``colic.'' She often cries late into the night and won't go to sleep, which annoys mom and dad.
These conditions are said to last for more than three hours a day, three days a week, and for three weeks.

What is the cause?

The exact cause is not yet clear, but it is thought to be due to changes that occur with growth.

For example, as the functions of the eyes and ears develop, they become more sensitive to stimuli such as sound and light, making it difficult to fall asleep and making it easier to wake up even when asleep. Also, due to rapid growth, your baby will need more milk in a short period of time, and if you don't feed your baby more often than before, they may become hungry and cry. There is also a theory that one cause is changes in the intestinal environment, causing gas to accumulate and become painful.

How do I know why I'm crying?

First of all, check the basics such as whether the baby is hungry, whether the diaper is dirty, whether there are any areas of skin that are rubbing or tightening that are causing pain, and whether the room temperature is appropriate. It's possible that you're not burping enough, or you're feeling constipated, which is causing your pain.
After checking these points, if you find yourself crying for a reason and you don't know the cause, you can think of it as something specific to the "evil third week."

What should I do about unexplained crying?

Basically, you can use the same cradling method as you normally do.
In addition to wrapping your baby in a swaddle or hugging him gently and tightly, we also recommend holding him on his side, similar to the position he would be in the womb, as this will give him a sense of security. Walking with your baby in your arms or gently tapping your baby on the back to create rhythmic vibrations can also be effective in calming your baby.
Sometimes giving them a pacifier to calm them down can help.
White noise, which is said to be similar to the sounds inside the womb, is said to be effective. Different babies may have different tastes, such as music or mom and dad's lullabies, so it might be a good idea to try out different things.

What if you can't stop crying no matter what you do?

When you see a baby with a bright red face and crying as if on fire, you might worry that something is hurting, but it's normal for babies to cry.
Although you need to be careful about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), there is no harm in placing your baby in a place where there is no risk of falling or falling and letting them cry for a while.
Just to be sure, check for vomiting, blood in the stool, and joint problems such as dislocations.

What you should avoid is shaking your baby too hard or covering your baby's mouth or nose out of frustration. This is a dangerous act that can be life-threatening. Never do this.

Care for mom and dad is also important!

What is often overlooked but is important is the care of mom and dad.
If you try to deal with a baby who cries for hours on end every day without any effect, you will become mentally exhausted, and you may start to feel anxious, wondering if you are raising your child incorrectly or if something is wrong with your child. Coupled with lack of sleep, negative thinking tends to accelerate.

But the magical three weeks are a stage of growth, and they happen regardless of how parents treat them.
Please don't blame yourself and push yourself into a corner. When times are tough, one way is to rely on public institutions such as family support, public health centers, and public health centers. Of course, getting help or just talking can make it easier.

Colic peaks around 6-8 weeks. It gradually subsides and ends in 3 to 4 months. Until the day you can laugh and say, ``That happened to me,'' try to take breaks and change your mood to get through it.