Newborns are delicate little loves who know nothing about the world. They don’t know how to express whether they’re hungry, sleepy, or in pain. They only cry when they’ve something urgent to tell. So how would you tell if the baby is colicky or crying?
This post is perfect for you if you have a baby and want to know all about colic.
What is Colic?
Colic is a crying pattern – 3 hours a day at least three days per week for more than three weeks – of a healthy baby with no obvious reasons. The definition may sound peculiar, but that’s how experts have defined it.
Colic often starts when the baby is about six weeks and may last up to four months. The crying usually starts between 6:00 PM and midnight – the time when you’re also exhausted.
Let’s now explain it better with the common symptoms.
Symptoms of Colic
The first few months are very crucial for the babies. They aren’t used to the outside world, and that upsets them. It’s also challenging for parents to understand their baby’s crying reasons.
While there could be other reasons for crying, the most common colicky crying is as below:
- Intense crying – the baby cries for long periods that may sound like s/he is in extreme pain.
- No reason to cry – you don’t see any apparent reason for the baby to cry. You tried feeding or putting them to sleep, but nothing worked.
- Extreme fussiness – the baby isn’t crying anymore but doesn’t seem happy or relaxed.
- Crying schedule – your baby follows a crying schedule, which isn’t for the food or sleep.
- Flushing or blushing – with unusual crying habits, the baby’s skin color changes, such as skin blushing or flushing.
- Body tension – the baby may intentionally change their body postures, such as pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or tense abdomen.
While the above symptoms may come from constipation, hunger, or sleep, the frequent repetition may indicate signs of colic.
When to Go to a Pediatrician?
If your child shows the above symptoms, it’s time to book a meeting with your pediatrician. Babies can’t tell what is happening within their tiny bodies, but they certainly know how to indicate signs of colic. If you find any such symptoms, don’t wait for long. Go to the doctor and get the issue resolved.
What Causes Colic?
The reason behind colic is still unknown. Their several theories out there. But none is certain of the exact reason.
The most common reason, as the experts have discovered, include:
- An underdeveloped digestive system
- Presence of imbalanced bacteria in the body
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Overfeeding, underfeeding, or irregular burping
- Childhood migraine
- Family stress or anxiety
How to Diagnose Colic?
While it’s difficult to diagnose the problem rightfully, doctors can still diagnose and treat it. They may have to perform some tests to confirm if the baby is going through colic.
Colic Treatment
While it’s tough to treat colic, there are still ways to treat this painful condition. To start the treatment, you must understand the possible reasons behind an issue. Now that you know the causes of colic, you may make it easier on the baby by relieving them from it.
Feeding Habits
If breastfeeding;
- Track your food intake first. Everything you eat or drink passes to your baby. So if you eat healthy and organic, your child will probably get that and will stay healthy.
- Avoid drinking, smoking, or eating chocolate. The first two things aren’t good for anyone. The last one isn’t very healthy for newborns.
- Some experts suggest avoiding dairy products if your baby is lactose intolerant. We suggest intaking small portions of milk or milk products.
- Stop taking medicines that might cause colic or other health issues in your child.
If not breastfeeding;
- Try a different product. The one you’re providing may not be suitable for the child.
- Change your baby’s feeding habits by reducing the meal portions but increasing the feeding period.
- Avoid feeding too much or too often.
- Warm the food before providing it to the baby.
- Try feeding your child in an upright position.
Holding the Baby
The way you hold your baby may also help in treating colic:
- Massage your baby’s back while holding them in your arms or lap.
- Hold them upright. That may relieve the baby from the pain.
- Walk while holding your baby.
Comforting the Baby
Try comforting your baby by;
- Make skin-to-skin contact with the baby. Mothers already love doing that. It’s a natural way to comfort your baby.
- Wrap your baby in a blanket; certainly not in the summer.
- Give your baby a warm bath, then wrap it in a warm towel.
- Give your child a pacifier. Babies love it.
Are You Tired of Colicky Crying?
Calling a pediatrician is best when you’ve tried everything we’ve mentioned here, and nothing seems to be working for your baby. We frequently meet babies with this problem and try our best to relieve them from the pain.
For more information, call us at 164-1674-9194 or book an appointment.
