What is Colic in babies? Symptoms and soothing techniques.

Is your newborn baby crying uncontrollably? Are you not able to soothe your crying baby even after feeding her and trying every possible thing to soothe her? Is your baby crying without any reason? If your answer is yes to all these questions, then your baby has colic. Colicky babies cry for at least three hours a day and at least three days a week. This may continue for more than 3 weeks in colicky babies.

It's important to know that it is normal for babies to cry. And this is how they communicate with us. They cry when they're letting us know that they're too hot, too cold. Hungry, lonely, or sick. It helps us to meet their needs.

How do you know if your baby is crying due to colic?

• The baby's cry sounds like wailing.
• Crying for no apparent reason.
• Baby stiffens his legs and clenches his fists while crying.
• Baby's face reddens due to excessive crying.
• The cries continue for at least 3 hours a day.
• The baby cries at the same time everyday.
• Baby cries for at least 3 days a week.

How long does colic lasts in babies?

Colic usually begins around 2 weeks of age, peaks at about 6 weeks, and generally goes away by 3 months, but the fuzziness can last longer.

What causes colic in babies and what you can do to prevent it?

The researchers haven't found the exact reason for colic until now. It may be due to

1.Immature digestive system in babies. 

In newborn babies, it takes up to 6 months for their digestive system to be completely developed. Digestion plays an important role in baby's distress. If the food they are taking isn't digested properly, they may face pain in their tummy which will make them cry.

2.Gas or acidity. 

If you are breastfeeding your baby, observe your diet and makes changes so that the food you are taking doesn't cause gas or acidity. If you are feeding formula try switching other brands. Also do not forget to burp your baby during feeding sessions. 

3.Food intolerance. 

Some babies may be sensitive to certain foods like cow milk (lactose intolerance). Avoid cow milk in your diet for a few days if you are breastfeeding. Choose formula that is designed for lactose intolerant babies if you are feeding formula. 

4.Early form of migraine headaches. 

5.Imbalance of gut bacteria in babies.

How to soothe your colicky baby?

To help soothe your baby,
Swaddle him then hold him on the side in your arms and make a strong shushing noise in his ear, loud enough so he can hear you over his wails.
Babies find sucking soothing. So, offer him a pacifier or your breast, if it's meal time.
Gas is one theory for what causes colic. If your baby's belly is distended, a sign of air bubbles, try holding his legs up to his chest for a minute.
Rock or walk with your baby. Babies find it comfortable when they are held. 

 

You can give colic aid drops to your baby  after talking to your pediatrician. 

Swapping your bottle's current nipple for a larger one and burping your baby frequently during feedings may help too. 

You can also try switching to a bottle with features that minimize the amount of air your baby takes in while he drinks.

If you're breastfeeding, you might also try eliminating dairy for a few weeks. Your baby may be sensitive to milk protein.

What if it's not colic?

• Check your baby’s body temperature if your baby has fever.
• Make sure your baby’s diaper isn't stuffy.
• Check if your baby is hungry.
• Make sure the room temperature isn't too hot or too cool.
• Check for other symptoms like rashes, cold or cough. Check with your pediatrician if your baby isn't active.

Advice to parents:

It's normal for parents to feel frustrated when their baby is still crying after being fed, changed, and loved. It is never okay to shake your baby.

Make sure you develop a plan and develop that plan today. As part of your plan, make sure that you have a place where you can put your baby down. Like a crib, where they're safe. Shut the door, walk away to a different part of the house and do something that helps you to relax and calm down. It is okay for your baby to cry. You can check on your baby after 10 to 15 minutes but just be sure to not pick your baby up until you're calmed down.

Call your pediatrician and discuss your observations and concerns. They'll teach you tips and tricks on how to get you both through this difficult stage.

Ask for help especially when you feel exhausted or overwhelmed. It's not your fault or your baby’s fault if your baby has colic. So do not feel guilty for that. And remember, the colic is only temporary and it goes away on its own when your baby reaches 3 months of age.