Guide to Infant and Baby Colic
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Colic in Infants and Babies
Feb 1, 2009
At the end of a long day, sometimes all you want is a warm cup of tea and a relaxing bath before bed. But if your infant is experiencing colic, it might be the worst part of the day.
Almost all babies go through fussy periods. Colic, however, is an excessively fussy period – usually at night. The signs of colic are when your baby is crying inconsolably, and the episodes occur for more than three hours a day, three days a week and for more than three weeks. Colic usually comes on in the evening or night time, and usually at the same time each day. It usually begins within the first few weeks after birth, and can last until the baby is about three months old.
While the frustrating condition can be stressful for parents, it is not permanent and will go away on its own. Following are symptoms, causes and treatments for taking care of a colicky baby.
Symptoms of Colic
There are several symptoms that can determine if your baby is colicky or is just experiencing a fussy period. Colic usually occurs at the same time each day, generally in the evening. Baby may suddenly begin crying, which can last for a few minutes to up to three hours.
Intense crying is also a symptom. If your baby is crying and nothing you do can console him or her, and his hands are clenched in fists, he or she is experiencing colic.
Causes of Colic
Researchers have yet to determine a cause for colic. However, it is suspected that colicky episodes can stem from allergies, baby's immature digestive system, maternal anxiety, differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted, or lactose intolerance.
Treatments for Colicky Babies
Colic usually improves by the time the baby is about three months old. In the mean time, there are some things you can do at home to try to comfort your baby and treat his or her colic.
- Try feeding your baby. Sometimes smaller, more frequent meals will help. If you are breast feeding, offer your breast to baby – while he or she might not eat,. baby might be comforted by sucking.
- Offer a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier can help to reduce some of the tension baby is feeling and help him or her to relax.
- Hold and swaddle your baby. Sometimes the comfort of being held – especially when tightly swaddled in a blanket - can help to soothe and calm a distressed baby.
- Try motion. Swing or rock your baby, or put him or her in a baby swing if you have one. Or strap him or her into the car seat and go for a drive. The rhythmic motion can be soothing.
- Use white noise. White noise, which can be anything from s soft "Shhh" in baby's ear to music, the vacuum, a fan or hair dryer, or a musical CD with various outdoor sounds can distract and calm a colicky baby.
While colic in babies can be distressful, there are some treatments to cope and help baby to be comforted. If you are concerned about excessive crying or if it seems like more than colic, contact your pediatrician.
Related Article: Tips for Baby's First Doctor Visit
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