New born babies use crying as a means of communication. Crying in an infant could indicate that she is hungry, she needs a burp or a diaper change, or that she is uncomfortable for some other reason. However, if the crying does not stop despite addressing these issues and occurs regularly at the same time, it indicates colic.
What is Infant Colic?
Colic is defined as inconsolable crying in newborns and in infants under the age of six months, for over three hours a day and for more than three days a week. It usually repeats itself at the same time each evening or night. The infant is usually seen pulling her feet up and clenching her fists during colic incidents. The infant's belly also seems tight indicating the presence of gas.
What Causes Colic?
While no one knows for sure why some babies are colicky, research theories suggest that an infant's digestive system is not mature and causes her to produce gas, resulting in discomfort and pain. Others guess that colic is caused when an infant ingests too much air while drinking milk. Some speculate that a breastfeeding mother's diet may cause her infant gas. However, a formula-fed infant is as likely to be colicky as a breast-fed one.
Colic affects a large percentage of newborns. Parents of a colicky baby are usually distressed and frustrated because they do not know how to help their baby during this time. While there is no cure for colic, parents can try these simple remedies, under the guidance of their pediatrician, to relieve their infant of gas and pain.
Remedies to Soothe a Colicky Infant
- Swaddle baby so she feels warm and cosy like in the womb.
- Walk around with baby carried in a sling close to the parent's body to comfort her.
- Play white noise like the hum of a fan, washing machine or vacuum cleaner to emulate the womb's environment.
- Change baby's position during breastfeeding so she ingests less air while drinking.
- If bottle feeding, ensure baby does not gulp milk all too soon. Use anti-Colic bottles that are designed to reduce infant colic.
- Rub baby's belly with a towel dipped in warm water to reduce abdominal pain.
- Hold baby close and hum repetitive tunes to lull her to sleep.
- Lay baby on her tummy for a while to aid digestion. Never leave baby unattended on her tummy.
- Use commercially available drops consisting of fennel oil and simethicone, known to reduce infant gas and colic. Ask a paediatrician for suggestions on the brand.
Colic Does not Last Forever
Colic not only causes discomfort in tiny infants, it also causes frustration and anxiety in new parents when they are unaware of home remedies to calm their crying newborns. The good news about colic is that it usually subsides on its own when infants reach three to six months, without any long-term detrimental effects on their physical or mental health.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult a physician before trying any home remedies with a colicky baby.
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