Baby Colic can be one of the most
distressing conditions for new parent and caregivers, even though
the condition itself is harmless to babies and infants.
What Is baby Colic
Colic is a condition in which a baby cries for more than three hours
every day for more than three days a week. This is the extreme end
of normal crying behavior for an infant. The causes of Colic are
unknown, but it is estimated that around 20% of normal healthy babies
get Colic. Colic equally affects both boys and girls, with the symptoms
appearing at around two to four weeks of age and can last for around
three months, in some cases even longer.
Causes Of Colic
In the past it was thought that Colic could be related to the digestive
system, and while painful abdominal gas may contribute to to Colic,
there is little evidence to prove conclusively that Colic is the
result of gastrointestinal problems. One of the other possible causes
of Infant Colic is your baby's temperament coupled with an immature
nervous system, making baby highly sensitive to his or her environment,
making your child react to normal stimulation or environment changes
by crying. Because of the baby's immature nervous system, your baby
cannot regulate it's crying once it starts.
Colic Symptoms
The number one symptom of Colic is continuous crying for long periods
of time. While Colic is not thought to be due to pain, a baby with
Colic may look as if he or she is in pain. Signs to look out for
are; baby lifting it's head, or drawing it's legs up to the stomach,
becoming red in the face and passing wind, some babies will refuse
to eat, and of course baby will have difficulty falling and staying
asleep. Colic is not considered a serious condition, and babies
suffering from the condition continue to feed normally and gain
weight. The main issue with Colic is the stress and anxiety it can
create at home for parents and careers, your baby's constant crying
can make it very difficult to cope indeed.
When To Visit The Doctor
Parents or caregivers who are worried about their baby's constant
crying can get medical advice from a healthcare professional just
to make sure there are no serious medical problems. Colic does not
require any medical treatment, but before visiting your doctor other
possible causes of crying should explored, these include:
-
hunger
-
tiredness
-
lack of contact - some babies
like to be cuddled a lot of the time
-
startling, due to a jerky movements
or sudden noises
-
undressing - a lot of babies don't
like the feel of air on their skin
-
temperature - is your baby too
hot or too cold
-
pain - a nappy rash for example
Before you go to the doctor with your
baby it is a good idea to take note of when your baby cries, when
he/she eats, sleeps, and bowel movements. This will help the doctor
to find the causes of the crying. If your baby is diagnosed with
Colic by your doctor there are many things parents and caregivers
can do to help baby, and themselves over the months.
Treatment Of Baby Colic
While there are no proven cures or medicinal treatments to cure
Colic, parents and caregivers can try several methods that will
help ease the condition. All babies are different and will be comforted
in different ways, and it is best to try various methods to see
what works best for your baby. Some of he following ways to do this
may be helpful for you and your child.
-
Carry your baby in a sling
-
Wrap you baby snugly in a blanket
(swaddling)
-
Keep baby moving in a baby swing
-
Give your baby a dummy (pacifier)
to suck on
-
Take you baby for a walk or a
ride in the car
A baby with Colic can be one of the
most stressful times for new parents - babies can easily pick up
on this stress and frustration, and this can make the symptoms of
Colic worse. It is very important for parents to have time for themselves.
If you are feeling tired and overwhelmed you should take a break
- ask your partner or a friend to take over, even for just a while.
