Colic
The baby usually cries uncontrollably during the late afternoon and evening hours. Colic is a condition that affects many babies and can cause them to become fussy and cry for long periods of time for no apparent reason. It is believed to be caused by an immature digestive system and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Although there is no medical cure for colic, there are several things that parents can do to help their baby feel more comfortable and reduce the intensity of the crying episodes. These include providing a gentle massage, swaddling, and using white noise or a pacifier. It is also important to pay attention to your baby’s diet and make sure that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. With the right approach, colic can be managed effectively. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:
Symptoms of colic
How to soothe a baby with colic
Relief measures of colic
Coping with a colicky baby
Things to avoid doing
Complications of colic
When to seek urgent medical care
SYMPTOMS OF COLIC
Crying for hours daily, usually in the afternoon or evening time for at least three days
Crying very loudly, sometimes piercingly, and often continuously
Clenching their fists and stiffening their stomach and legs
Pulling up their legs to their stomach
Difficulty to soothe or settle the baby
Redness of the face
Arching of the back with the knees up to the abdomen
Rumbling of the stomach
HOW TO SOOTHE A BABY WITH COLIC
Embracing the baby
The baby can be held in a vertical position when feeding to reduce the chances of ingesting air
The baby must be burped after each feed
The baby can be on the shoulder and rocked gently
The baby can be given a bath in warm water
Gentle white noise such as a fan can be played in the background to distract the baby
The baby must be fed on demand
The mother should avoid ingesting gas forming foods which can be passed on to baby via the breast milk
The baby can be laid on the back or stomach and the back can be rubbed gently
A pacifier can be offered
A different brand of formula can be used, if the baby is sensitive to the milk currently receiving
Smaller and more frequent meals can be given to baby
The correct size nipple can be used to keep baby from swallowing too much air
Extra skin-to-skin contact can be provided
The baby can be wrapped in snuggly in a blanket
Overfeeding baby should be avoided at all costs
RELIEF MEASURES FOR COLIC
Try holding and comforting baby more
Create a calm environment
Limit visitors, bright lights, loud noises (Overstimulation can trigger a crying episode or make one worse)
Try rocking baby in a quiet room
Take baby out for a walk in a front-pack carrier or stroller or a ride in a car
Listening to a droning sound, like a fan or a clothes dryer
Set a schedule for meals, nap, and play to predict behavior and respond appropriately
Reduce stress- baby may respond better to someone who is “fresh” and relaxed
HOW TO COPE WITH A COLICKY BABY
Try relax
If possible, have a trusted person watch over baby
Place bay safely in a crib or in another room
Find ways to distract self from baby’s cries
Join a support group to
Seek counselling
Exercise
Seek medical advice on how to cope, if necessary
THINGS TO AVOID DOING
Letting baby stay in the crib and cry until he or she is exhausted
Stopping breastfeeding baby
Giving baby aspirin or aspirin products, because of the risk for Reye syndrome
Giving baby alcohol (even a pacifier dipped in brandy or other alcoholic beverages)
Shaking or spanking baby for crying
Giving baby medicine unless it is prescribed by the doctor
COMPLICATIONS OF COLIC
Increased stress and frustration to the parents
Lack of sleep for the parents
Overfeeding of baby which may worsen the colic
Mothers are likely to suffer from depression
Breastfeeding can be discontinued prematurely
Mothers may feel tired, helpless and angry at baby
This may cause one to hit or shake baby
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE FOR BABY
It is important to know when to seek urgent medical care, as delaying appropriate treatment can lead to further health complications. If your baby experiences any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. If you have any doubts about whether you should seek medical care, it is always better to err on the side of caution and consult with your doctor.
Baby is feeding less than usual
The baby has been throwing up
The baby has diarrhea
The touching or being held causes baby to be irritable
The baby’s cry sound very strange
There is a difference in the way that baby breathes
The baby appears less active and more drowsy than usual
The temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit of 38 degrees Celsius
Baby is crying too much, with a strange sounding cry