It is a normal phenomenon when babies do cry. Still, when a healthy baby cries inconsolably and excessively for no apparent reason, pediatricians might suspect colic, which can start just as early as 2-3 weeks after birth.
If this is the situation you are currently in and you're wondering if your baby might have colic, then read on to learn more about this condition, how it presents itself, and the best possible ways to treat your baby.
What is Colic?
When a healthy baby cries or fusses frequently for no obvious reason, it is termed Colic.
Using the ‘rule of three’ description, babies who cry for more than 3 hours a day at least 3 days per week for more than 3 weeks might have colic. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to ease your baby’s cries as a parent.
Colic can start a few weeks after birth. In general, it is worse between 4 and 6 weeks of age. When they are 3 to 4 months old, babies usually grow out of colic.
A baby with colic will often go through their most intense crying spells between 6:00 p.m. and midnight and this is usually just when you as a parent are also feeling worn out. While the constant screaming might stress you out, remember that this phase will definitely not last forever.
It's pertinent to know that colic is very common, with research suggesting it affects approximately 20% of babies worldwide.
Symptoms of Colic
It’s a normal phenomenon for babies to fuss and cry but babies who have colic cry more, even though they are healthy.
Other signs of colic can include:
• Crying for no clear reason. For instance, if they’re not hungry or don’t need a diaper change.
• Crying around the same time each day. Babies who have colic often get fussy toward the end of the day. However, the crying can occur at any time.
• When they clench their fists while crying or curling up their legs.
• When they cry like they’re in pain.
• Turning bright red when crying.
When your baby cries, there is a chance of them swallowing air. This may give your baby gas. It can make their stomach look swollen or feel tight, though they might show some relief in symptoms after passing gas or having a bowel movement (pooping).
What causes Colic?
Pediatricians aren’t sure what causes colic but some of the contributing factors might include:
• Discomfort or pain from indigestion or gas
• A digestive system that has not developed fully
• Underfeeding or Overfeeding
• Sensitivity to breast milk or formula
• Overstimulation
• An early type of childhood migraine headache
• An emotional reaction to fear, frustration, or excitement
Note that constant crying doesn't always point to colic. Be sure to check with your pediatrician to rule out any medical problems that could be causing your baby to cry.
How is Colic diagnosed?
Your baby’s pediatrician can help diagnose colic. A physical exam is carried out and your baby’s history and symptoms are reviewed. Some tests might be carried out to rule out any other possible problems.
Can Colic be prevented or avoided?
NO. You can’t prevent or avoid it.
How is Colic treated?
Colic may be triggered by many things. There are ways you can avoid these triggers and you can try these things to help soothe your baby and reduce their crying.
Feeding your baby
If you’re breastfeeding your baby:
• Mind the things you eat and drink. Everything you take in can be passed to your baby and this can affect them.
• Avoid taking chocolate and caffeine, which act as stimulants.
• Avoid nuts and dairy products, if your baby is allergic to them.
• Ask your doctor if any drugs you’re taking could be causing the problem.
If you’re feeding your baby formula:
• You can try a different brand as babies can be sensitive to certain proteins in formula.
• Try feeding your baby in smaller amounts but more often.
• Be mindful of how you feed your baby, it should not be too quickly or too much. One bottle feeding should last about 20 minutes but if your baby eats faster, try using a nipple with a smaller hole. This will slow down their feeding.
• You can try warming the formula to body temperature before feeding your baby.
• You can try to feed your baby in an upright position.
Holding your baby
Colicky babies can at times respond well to different ways of being rocked or held, including:
• Across your lap or arm while you massage their back
• Upright, if they have gas
• Rocking your baby in your arms or using an infant swing instead
• Comforting your baby
Soothing strategies
You may find it helpful to have a list of soothing strategies you can try. You may need to experiment. Some may work better than others, while others may work one time but not another.
The primary goals are to soothe your baby as much as possible with a variety of interventions and ensure that you have the support you need to cope as a parent.
Soothing strategies may include:
• Providing extra skin-to-skin contact.
• Swaddling your baby in a blanket.
• Singing to your baby or walking around with or rocking your baby.
• Putting a warm towel on your baby's stomach or letting them have a warm (not hot) bath.
• Massage your baby by rubbing their tummy or placing them on their tummy for a back rub.
• Providing white noise, such as a fan, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, hair dryer, or dishwasher.
• Giving your baby a pacifier.
• Playing an audio of quiet, soothing sounds or heartbeats.
• Dimming the lights and limiting other visual stimulations.
• Going for a walk with your baby in their stroller. Or taking your baby for a car ride.
• Giving your baby simethicone drops. This over-the-counter medicine can help relieve gas. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before giving any drug.
How do you cope as a parent?
Colic doesn’t cause any short-term or long-term troubles for your baby. But it can be difficult for you as a parent. It can be frustrating to care for babies who don’t stop crying. You may feel overwhelmed or stressed. If you’re feeling this way, it’s crucial to ask for help.
You can ask someone close to you to help watch your baby. Do not shake or harm your baby. Shaking a baby can cause severe brain damage and even death. If you feel like you might shake or harm your baby, please get help immediately.
The following are things to be mindful of about colic:
• You didn’t cause the colic, so you do not have to feel guilty.
• Colic will go away. Most babies outgrow it by the time they attain 3 to 4 months of age.
• Just because your baby has colic doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy, neither is it a reflection of their temperament.
• There are many different ways to soothe your baby, give it a try.
• Giving your baby extra attention, such as holding them for extended periods, won’t spoil them either.
Contact your baby’s pediatrician if:
• Your baby’s crying comes with a fever, vomiting, loose or bloody stools, or decreased movement.
• Your baby’s cries or behavior changes all of a sudden.
Dr. Favvy
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Disclaimer
The
information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.
It
should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your
child’s pediatrician.
Always
consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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