If your baby is crying each day, regularly without any cause, he/she may be suffering from colic. Though it can be distressing for parents and caregivers, infantile colic is a common condition. About 30% of babies around 2 – 16 weeks of age suffer from this. These unexplained regular bouts of crying usually occur in the evening. This will last for a few weeks and stop even without any treatment.
How do I identify colic
in my baby?
Colic may start with frowning and a reddened face, long and loud screams, and the baby may pull up its legs which suggests a stomach ache. Baby may also pass wind and will continue to cry in bouts. These bouts of crying may last even three hours or more.
If your baby is crying for the first time, don’t just label it as a colic. You should seek medical advice as the crying can be due to any health problem. The only way the baby can communicate is by crying and he or she may do so due to many reasons, such as ear infections, urine infection, any kind of pain, itchy rashes or simply whenever they are hungry.
What causes colic?
Although the cause of infant colic is unknown there is a possibility of allergy causing the colic. Now you may wonder how this can affect babies who are only breast fed. Contents of mother’s diet such as cows milk, sea food, cabbage, chocolate, caffeine, and tea can cause allergy in a baby as they can pass through breast milk.
If the baby is not burped properly after a feed, he or she may feel a fullness of the stomach due to gas. This can lead to the baby being uncomfortable and thus crying for hours till settled. There is also a possibility of uneasiness as the baby tries to adjust to a life outside the mother’s womb. This confusion during early days may lead to unexplained bouts of crying.
What should I do if my baby gets colic ?
When your baby is crying always make sure that he/she is not uncomfortable. Not hungry, not too cold or too warm and sweaty. You can calm your baby by holding him or her close, stroking or gently massaging. Show that you are there for them and make them feel safe. The mother can offer her breast to suck. This can soothe and calm the baby. But don’t overdo it each and every time your baby cries. If the baby still cries, take him/her out for a walk. You may use a pram if you have one.
There are some mothers who give gripe water whenever the baby starts crying. Gripe water may help occasionally but there is no evidence to that effect although it claims to reduce gas and helps digestion. So always ask your doctor before giving any medicine to your baby.
Always remember to burp your baby after each milk feed. You can also keep the baby in prone position (turn baby to lie on the stomach). Always make sure that the nose is not pressed down, by turning the face gently to a side.
It is natural to get stressed when your baby cries continuously. Whatever you do may not ease the baby. But remember to stay calm and patient. A worried face may cause the baby to cry more. Always try and get your partner involved when caring for the baby, or get support from family and close friends.
Remember colic goes away even without treatment after a few weeks. So stop worrying. |
E-mail