Does your baby cry too much and you are not sure about the reason? Are you tired of having sleepless nights and hearing the unlimited shrieks of your baby? Then your baby might be suffering from a colic problem. Here, we have provided all essential information about colic in babies that you need to know.
What is meant by colic in babies?
When a healthy infant cries uncontrollably without any apparent reason and does not settle down with any consoling or distracting techniques, then he might be colic. Colic is not a disease, it is just a behavior that has no solution other than passing the time. This problem starts when the baby is 2 to 3 weeks old, peaks at 6 weeks, and declines when the baby is 3 to 4 months old.
What is the cause of colic in babies?
The main cause of colic in babies has never been declared with surety. But it is believed by many experts, that the basic reason for being colic lies in baby milk. Formula-fed babies are colic due to an allergy to cow milk’s protein. While in breastfed babies, it occurs due to the reaction to some specific food in the mother’s diet.
There might be other causes as well including gas, lactose intolerance, or the baby’s sensitivity to light and sounds. But the main cause of colic in babies is still not confirmed.
Symptoms of colic in babies:
Here are few symptoms that you will see if your baby is colic:
- The crying lasts for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, and 3 weeks consistently.
- Crying without a reason (baby is not hungry and the diaper is also clean)
- Crying occurs in the afternoon or evening
- Baby tightly closes his fists while crying
- The baby passes gas while crying
Remedies for colic in babies:
Being unable to soothe your fussy baby can make you feel guilty. Watching your baby cry can be painful for parents but there are some remedies that you can try to help your colicky baby:
- Take care while feeding the baby: Babies swallow a lot of air during feedings which is why they experience gas issues. You should burp the baby during and after the feedings to release the excess swallowed air.
- Tummy time: Give tummy time to the baby as it puts pressure on the baby’s tummy and helps the baby to pass the gas.
- Attention: Babies need love and attention from you. Make sure to give them many cuddles and kisses to make them feel loved. It makes the baby feel secured and also helps in calming the baby.
- Swaddling: Swaddling solves many newborn problems, so learn how to swaddle the baby effectively. It gives a feeling of comfort and security to the baby.
- White noise: It helps to calm down the baby. They find the humming of white noise very soothing.
- Give a pacifier: For colic babies, a pacifier might be a lifesaver. There is a high chance that they find sucking on the pacifier soothing.
When to call the doctor?
To be sure that your baby’s excessive crying is due to colic, you should pay a visit to the baby’s pediatrician and let him examine the baby. The doctor might be able to diagnose other underlying medical conditions as well.
Key takeaways:
Though it seems to be an unending issue, it will get better with time. You have to pass these tough days of parenthood with some patience and keep on trying these techniques to soothe your colic baby.