Have you ever wondered ‘What could be the most dreaded thing for a new mother when it comes to her infant?’ or ‘What sets a new-mother’s anxiety clock ticking?’ The answer could most probably be ‘when the baby is colicky’ or the ‘colic cries of the baby’. What is colic and why is it such a nightmare to new parents (mother in particular)? 

Let us explore

What is Colic?

Colic is the sudden bursts of incessant crying in a healthy baby (infant) for no obvious reason. It is common during the first 6 weeks after baby’s birth and generally goes away on its own by age 3 to 4 months. The crying often begins suddenly, it is mostly nonstop and loud. 

When is a baby said to be ‘colicky’?

  • The crying generally lasts for more than 3 hours a day.
  • The crying episodes happen more than 3 days a week.
  • The pattern continues for more than 3 weeks.

What are the symptoms of colic?

  • Intense crying more like an expression of pain or screaming.
  • Continued fussiness even after crying has stopped.
  • Predictable timing and pattern of crying, with episodes mostly occurring in the evening.
  • Baby’s face turning red with skin flushing or blushing.
  • Changes in Baby’s body showing body tension, such as clenched fists, pulled up or stiffened legs, arched back, or tense abdomen.
  • Sometimes crying may cease after the infant passes gas or has a bowel movement.

How does a baby's colic add to parents' woes?

Although with time the excessive crying resolves by itself, it gets extremely stressful managing colic and caring for the newborn child as:

  • Babies with colic usually suffer from gas, are fussy and do not sleep well.
  • The baby's distress occurs for no apparent reason.
  • Consoling does not usually bring any relief to the baby.
  • The colic episodes often occur in the evening, when parents themselves are often tired. 
  • What are the causes of colic?
  • The exact cause of colic is unknown. However, some probable causes include:
  • Gas due to inhalation of air during feeding.
  • Inadequate burping.
  • Milk intolerance or any allergies to the baby formula.
  • Overfeeding or underfeeding.
  • A growing digestive system, accompanied by muscle that often spasm.
  • Baby sensitive to external environment such as light, noise, etc.
  • A developing nervous system.
  • Activities around the baby that may instill excitement, fear, or frustration.

How to prevent colic in babies?

Do not panic. Know that colic is a common problem for new babies. 

  • Try feeding the baby in an upright position.
  • Burp your baby often to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding.
  • Make sure your baby isn’t hungry, but do not overfeed.
  • If breastfeeding, check with your doctor if any medications you are taking or the food you are consuming is triggering your baby’s allergic reactions.
  • Change baby’s position, have them lie down or sit-up.
  • Rock them or sway them.
  • Massage the baby’s back.
  • Use a pacifier.
  • Cuddle your baby often or hold them in contact with your bare skin.

When to consult a doctor?

Do not assume all crying to be colic, consult your doctor if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Inability to sucking
  • Drinking less milk than usual
  • Diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Baby becoming more irritable upon touch or being held.
  • A strange-sounding cry.
  • A change in breathing rate Baby putting extra effort to breathe.
  • Being more sleepy or sluggish than normal.
  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
  • Any other signs that your doctor has asked to keep an eye for.

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