Colic could be defined as the symptoms of illness or an upset stomach that a baby experiences, without actually being sick. If it occurs at about the same time every day for at least three weeks, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician about colic. It typically occurs in the first weeks after a baby is born and goes away when they are three or four months old. In some unfortunate cases, colic can last until their first birthday.
The baby who experiences colic may curl into a ball and have a hard stomach, to indicate abdominal pain or gas. Colic can also be the result of sensory overload, as when the baby has been exposed to a variety of experiences and just needs to be in a calm, quiet place to recover.
Colic is a terrible thing to experience, for everyone concerned. It’s incredibly frustrating to the parents and seems painful for the baby. The causes aren’t always known, but it has been observed more frequently in premature infants, multiple births and babies with intestinal or stomach problems. Even having reflux could increase the risk of colic.
How to Prevent Colic
Moms that are breastfeeding are often asked to try an ‘elimination” diet, which requires them to remove certain items that could cause an upset stomach for the baby. This may include chocolate, spicy foods, caffeine, carbonated beverages and dairy products. If the problem persists, it may also be necessary to purge wheat, soy and nuts from the diet. Any of these items could cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity, which could cause the symptoms of colic.
Formula fed babies often get better after a change of the formula. The first choice for many pediatricians is commonly a soy formula. If the symptoms do not diminish or disappear, the next thing to try may be a low-iron formula, because iron constipates some babies. Following that, it could be a hypo-allergenic formula and eventually, a goat’s milk formula. If the problem persists, your doctor will be able to make additional recommendations.
Treating Colic
There are a variety of over-the-counter and homeopathic remedies for colic. For years, simethicone drops were the first choice for babies with colic, but recent studies have suggested that these drops are actually no more helpful than distilled water.
Probiotics have been helpful for some babies and it’s believed that they help by improving the bacterial balance in the intestines. Before giving your child any medication, even over-the- counter, homeopathic or probiotics make sure to get the okay from your doctor.
Surviving Colic
Given that sleeping babies may not cry and car rides can put babies to sleep, you may want to drive around during the peak colic time. The motion of a washing machine can provide the same benefit, so secure them into a safety seat and try that. Swaddling has helped many babies recover and holding them while they cry, in a quiet room may help as well.
