
Written by Editorial Team
Crying is common to all newborns but if a baby cries for 3 or more hours a day and this occurs 4 to 5 times a week, then it is likely that he/she is having colic. Colic is defined as an attack or episode of crying appearing as abdominal pain in early infancy. Colic is observed in babies after 2 weeks of birth (the same way for premature babies but 2 weeks after the due date).
About 8%-40% of all babies (yes, that is true) have colic, and it goes off on its own by the time the baby is about 3-4 months old. This condition is very common in babies and usually affects them in the first few months after birth. Besides colic, babies might cry due to nappy rash, hunger, tiredness, cold, or heat. The exact cause of colic is largely unknown, and there are plenty of conflicting theories abound.
In This Article
Colic is not dependent on the order in which a baby is born, and neither is gender-specific. Colic has been observed equally between breast-fed and formula-fed babies, though colic is more likely to occur in babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. There is no such thing as guaranteed cures for all babies – beware of such products.
Seeing its frequent occurrence in babies, it becomes all the more important to know more about colic. Please note that colic is not a disease and will not cause your baby any undue harm, but it can be a difficult situation to cope with for both the baby and the parents.
You will observe that your baby starts to fuss generally after feeding, and most likely at the same time every day. Babies resort to colic during late afternoons and evenings.
Here are the common symptoms that will help you figure out whether the baby is having colic or not.
If a healthy and well-fed baby cries furiously with his face becoming flushed and red, the chances are that the baby is having colic. You will also notice that the crying spells are louder, continuous, and last for about 1 to 3 hours.
A colicky baby has clenched fists, tense abdominal muscles, and an arched back. The feet will often be cold, legs will be alternately stretched or pulled. The baby might pass wind during a colic attack, and he will appear gassy because he will end up swallowing air as well.
Colic largely remains an unsolved mystery, and doctors have not yet been able to point out what exactly causes a baby to cry so much. However, pediatricians are of the opinion that mostly indigestion or wind may be responsible for pain or discomfort in the abdomen.
Some causes of colic in babies are enlisted below:
If your baby is crying frequently, it is better to visit a pediatrician and get a thorough medical checkup done. This will help you rule out other probable reasons such as:
If your baby has developed a fever, is vomiting, or passing stools with blood, approach the doctor immediately. These symptoms are not due to colic and need immediate medical attention.
Since you do not know what is causing the colic here are listed a few calming methods that you can follow while dealing with a colicky baby. Because it is not known what is upsetting the baby, you will have to try different methods and then find the best pick. Though you will be feeling like joining in the crying, try to remain positive and calm during colic episodes.
Medicines should only be given after seeking the advice of a pediatrician. Never opt for OTC drugs or any other medication on your own.
Simethicone drops can be given as it helps in expelling trapped air from the gastrointestinal tract. This medicine is a potent anti-foaming agent. It accumulates tiny bubbles of air and clumps them into bigger bubbles. The big bubbles can be easily released by passing wind. Usually, 2.5 ml of simethicone drop is given to the baby after every feed
Lactase drops contain lactase enzyme that is responsible for breaking complex milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose. People with a deficiency of lactase enzyme in the gut usually develop pain, discomfort, and diarrhea after consuming milk and milk products. It is seen that lactase drops help in reducing abdominal discomfort in colicky babies.
Giving gripe water to a baby has been advised by many parents. Though scientifically it has not been proved that gripe water helps calm down a colicky baby.
You can read more on giving gripe water to babies here.
Do not give dicycloverine or dicyclomine to your baby as it can cause breathing difficulties and seizures. Some people use herbal teas like anise start tea for treating colic in babies. Strictly refrain from doing so because some varieties of this tea are toxic and can prove fatal for your baby. Be patient with your crying baby as he/she is helpless and cannot express the torment he/she is experiencing. Do not lose temper and become panicky instead try to understand the probable cause of the pain. Do not hesitate in visiting the doctor if your baby is crying for hours and hours.
After all, you are responsible for your baby. Aren’t you?
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
G
Gungun
Jul 17, 2014
My baby cries almost everyday...at almost any time...at first i used to think i m wrong somewhere
Postpartum Insomnia – Causes, Symptoms and Ways to Prevent
Puppet Play For Babies – How it Helps in Baby’s Development
Arsenic in Baby Food – Is it Bad and How to Avoid?
Epsom Salt Bath For Babies – Is it Safe, Top Benefits and Risk of Using
Prebiotics For Babies – Types, Benefits and Food Sources
Developmental Supportive Care For Newborns in NICU by Dr Lathiesh Kumar Kambham
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.