What Is Colic?
Colic is when your baby cries for three or more hours a day, three or more times a week, for at least three weeks. Symptoms usually appear during your babyâs first three to six weeks of life. According to KidsHealth.org, approximately 40 percent of infants experience colic (KidsHealth, 2011).
Your babyâs constant crying can cause stress and anxiety because nothing seems to alleviate it. However, it is important to remember that colic is only a temporary health condition that usually improves on its own. It is not usually a sign of a serious medical condition.
However, if colic symptoms are combined with other symptoms, such as a high fever or bloody stools, consult your babyâs pediatrician as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Colic
Your baby likely has colic if he or she cries for at least three hours a day and more than three days per week. Generally, the crying begins at the same time of day. Babies tend to be more colicky in the evenings as opposed to mornings and afternoons. The symptoms can start suddenlyâyour baby might be giggling one moment and then upset the next.
When your baby is trying to alleviate gas pain, he or she might start to kick his or her legs. The belly may also be swollen.
Causes of Colic
The cause of colic is unknown. The term was developed by Dr. Morris Wessel after he conducted a study on infant fussiness. Today, many pediatricians believe that every infant goes through colic at some point, whether it is over a period of several weeks or a few days.
Possible Colic Triggers
Although there is no one cause of colic, some doctors believe triggers may increase the risk of colic symptoms in your baby. These potential triggers include:
hunger
acid reflux (stomach acid flowing upward into the esophagus, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
gas
presence of cowâs milk proteins in breast milk
formula
poor burping skills
overfeeding the baby
premature birth
smoking during pregnancy
undeveloped nervous system
Treating Colic
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) says the most effective way to treat and prevent colic is to hold your child as often as possible (APA, 2011). Holding your infant when he or she is not fussy will likely reduce the amount of crying later in the day. Placing your baby in a swing while you do chores may also help.
Sometimes, even taking a drive or strolling around the neighborhood can be soothing to your baby. Playing calming music or singing to your child may also help.
Gas seems to be a trigger of colic in some babies. To soothe your babyâs tummy, rub the abdominal area and gently move the babyâs legs to encourage intestinal flow. Over-the-counter simethicone (anti-gas) drops may also help, with your doctorâs consent.
If you suspect diet is a factor in your babyâs colic, you might consider making some adjustments. Switching formulas might help if your baby is sensitive to a particular protein. If you breastfeed, you may make some changes to your own diet to see if this helps relieve colic. For example, some have found success by removing stimulants like caffeine and chocolate from their diet. Your child may also be having an allergic reaction to dairy or nuts, so avoiding those foods when breastfeeding may also help.
When Will Colic End?
Due to the intensity of the crying, it may seem like your baby is going to be colicky forever. However, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), infants usually outgrow colic by the time they are 4 months old (NIH, 2011). It is important to stay in tune with your babyâs symptoms if they go beyond the four-month mark because prolonged colicky symptoms may indicate a health problem.
When to Seek Medical Help
While colic is usually not cause for concern, if the colic is combined with the following symptoms, consult your pediatrician immediately:
a fever of over 100.4 degrees F
projectile vomiting
persistent diarrhea
bloody stools
mucus
pale skin
decreased appetite
Coping with Your Babyâs Colic
Being a parent to a newborn is hard work, and many parents who try to cope with colic can reasonably get stressed. It is important to take regular breaks as needed so you donât lose your cool when dealing with your babyâs colic. Ask a friend or family member to watch your baby for you while you take a quick trip to the store or a walk around the block.
If you feel like you are starting to lose your cool, place your baby in the crib or swing for a few minutes while you take a break. Call for immediate help if you ever feel like you want to harm yourself or your baby. Also, never fear spoiling your child with constant cuddlingâbabies need to be held, especially when going through colic.
Source: http://www.healthline.com
