Theories of causation range from intestinal to allergies to an imbalance of gut flora. Colicky babies are in a great deal of distress and can remain inconsolable for hours. Colic typically begins in the third week of life and self-limits by the third month. A baby with colic will still want to suck and be held. Other characteristics are as follows:
Signs and Symptoms of Colic:
- The rule of threes: Crying for 3 hours, at least 3 days per week, at least 3 weeks.
- Draws knees to chest, arches back, and clenches fists while crying.
- Seems to improve somewhat when sitting upright.
- Crying starts roughly the same time every night, especially between 6-10pm.
- Baby's stomach feels tight or hard.
Colic is quite common and if your baby has the above symptoms, you've probably joined the ranks of parents pacing the floors. However, it never hurts to ask so don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician with any questions. The web site for Tampa Family Resources has an excellent check-list for when a doctor should definitely be notified:
When to Call the Doctor:
- Baby not calm for periods of time during the day.
- Baby not gaining weight.
- Persistent moaning.
- Super shrill cry (unlike any your baby has made before).
- Repeated vomiting.
- Change in stool (constipation or diarrhea, especially with blood).
- Fussing during eating.
- A rectal temperature of more than 100.2°F or less than 97.0°F.
- Irritability and/or lethargy.
- Bulging soft spot on the head.
Once it has been determined your baby is suffering from colic, there are certainly things you can do to help bring relief. One of the first things is to cuddle, stroke, and gently rock your baby. The contact of your skin and warmth can be very soothing. You will find the methods to which your baby responds by instinct and trial and error; below, some things to try:
Soothing Colicky Babies
- Distract baby with a mobile or wind-up toy.
- Place baby tummy down on your lap and stroke her back.
- Simethicone gas drops as directed by doctor (less effective).
- Secure baby in an infant swing for a soothing rhythm.
- Go for a car ride.
- Swaddle infant.
- Allow someone else to hold him to give yourself time to regroup.
- Try more frequent, less filling feedings.
- Burp frequently, especially during feedings (every 1-2 ounces).
Natural Remedies for Colic
Homeopathic colic tablets have been a great relief to many babies and their parents for years. With natural ingredients such as chamomilia, they work to sooth colicky and gassy symptoms. Use as directed by your doctor.
Chamomile is another remedy with some research behind it as well as years of anecdotal evidence. You can use chamomile for colic by steeping a tea bag to make a weak tea, which you then cool. Give baby a couple of teaspoons about an hour before the time the daily crying bouts start. As always, consult with your doctor before giving your baby chamomile.
Evidence is building for the use of Lactobacillus Reuteri [Pediatrics, Vol. 119 No. 1 January 2007, pp. e124-e130] and other probiotics [J Ped Gastr Nutr:Volume 30, Supplement 2,March 2000pp S34-S38] for the treatment of colic as studies support its efficacy.
Above all else, remember that colic is in no way your fault. This will eventually absolve all on its own and the time period for colic is only a small part your child's entire life. Comfort your baby, follow your instincts, and take good care of yourself. Colic has no lasting harm and you, too, will get through it.
Note: This article is written for informational purposes. Always check with your pediatrician before starting any home treatment.
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