What is colic? Colic condition is a medical term used to describe the uncontrollable crying seen in healthy babies. It is natural for babies to cry, the obvious reasons being hunger, wetness, fear, etc. However, when a baby cries excessively, with its shrieks becoming higher than usual, with sudden starts and stops of crying episodes, it may indicate colic symptoms. So how do you determine if a baby has a colic condition and ensure treatment at the earliest stages? Continue reading to know more about the common symptoms, causes, and other preventive measures for colic conditions in babies.
Here are a few common symptoms discussed that can help you gauge whether your baby is undergoing colic conditions.
Colic babies are very stressful to handle, and it is usually said to be at its peak when a baby is around 6 weeks old. Some of the common colic causes are listed below:
Colitis is a primary condition that affects 20% of babies worldwide. This can be frustrating for parents and they are often tired. These episodes usually happen in the evening. Colic affects all babies regardless of ethnicity, gender, feeding preference, birth order, and socioeconomic status.
Colic can be frightening to watch for first-time parents. This is not harmful to your baby’s health. Mostly, colic lasts in your baby until around 3 to 4 months old.
Colic | Reflux |
Occurs in babies at around two weeks old | Occurs before your little one is eight weeks old |
It gets worse in the evening | It gets worse when lying back or after feeding |
Normal growth and weight gain | Difficulty in gaining weight |
Crying without any cause for more than three hours a day | Crying due to a specific reason |
Uncomfortable lying down | Digestive discomfort |
Crying for prolonged periods | Frequent vomiting |
Swollen abdomen, curled legs, red face, and passing gas | Sore throat, nausea, asthma, and burning feeling |
Listening to a baby cry is very distressing, more so for a colic baby, whose shrieks last for long periods and are high-pitched. There are no particular theories, but numerous ones about why babies have colic tendencies. However, as long as your baby grows normally and any other chances of infection and health problems are eliminated, you can stop worrying too much about your colic baby. Some of the preventive measures are listed below:
Some food ingredients, such as alcohol, spices, and caffeine, may cause colic in the infant. You can cut off these beverages and foods from their diet to prevent colic symptoms. Avoiding all dairy products from the diet also works well. Consult a doctor to decide on the right healthy dairy-free diet. Removing chocolate is another key measure advised.
You can try a hypoallergenic formula if your baby is sensitive to cow’s milk and soy. When your baby is facing lactose intolerance, lactase drops may help them with colic.
Holding the baby in the correct position when feeding may help to reduce the swallowed air. Burping is another recommendation for the prevention of colic. You can hold the baby against the shoulder and gently pat on the back to expel the swallowed gas. Keep an absorbent cloth over the shoulder because some milk may be ejected with gas.
There are several ways to comfort your baby. Some of the best ways are listed below:
Look at these colic relief tips that are helpful for parents:
There are several myths regarding colic babies. A few of them are listed below:
Caring for a colicky baby can be hard in various situations. Follow these things if your baby doesn’t stop crying:
Listening to a baby cry is very distressing and might last for long periods. There are no particular theories but numerous ones about why babies have colic tendencies. However, as long as your baby grows normally and any other chances of infection and health problems are eliminated, you can stop worrying too much about your colic baby. Consulting a pediatrician and handling your baby with extra care is all you can do, along with prescribed anti-gas medicines, which doctors usually prescribe in such cases. Once a baby reaches about 3-4 months of age, it becomes fine and the colic symptoms recede.
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