Colic is a problem that annoys babies, especially newborns, and makes them feel uncomfortable during sleep or lactation, and causes great suffering for parents.
What is Colic?
Colic is about severe crying for three hours or more a day, and for more than three days a week, for more than three weeks or more.
Crying episodes start between the second and fourth weeks of baby life, usually lasting up to the age of four months, and in some cases can last until the sixth month of the baby's life.
Crying attacks can occur at any time of the day or night, often between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Crying attacks occur in babies who are breastfed or with artificial milk.
Colic is not a disease and does not affect the growth and normal development of the baby.
What Are the Causes of Colic?
There are no confirmed causes of colic, colic may come with certain conditions or changes in the body of the baby, here are some possible explanations for the causes of its occurrence:
- Incomplete growth of the baby's digestive system, causing him discomfort, as a result of the failure to properly absorb milk into the stomach.
- The return of stomach acid is one of the reasons why the baby feels colic and discomfort.
- Gas injury, because of air entry to the baby's stomach during lactation, and the mother's lack of interest in burping the baby after feeding.
- Allergies to certain types of foods eaten by the mother: Experts found that one-third of infants are allergic to certain types of foods rich in protein, most notably cow's milk after they discovered that mothers who stop drinking cow's milk have disappeared in their babies.
There are also some vegetables that cause allergic reactions to the baby when eaten by the mother, including cabbage, broccoli and onions.
Symptoms of Colic in Babies
Pediatric colic appears in the form of severe crying episodes, the separation of crying episodes associated with colic, and natural crying to express baby’s needs, which can be distinguished by the following symptoms:
• Severe crying for more than three hours, at least three days a week, and for three weeks or more.
• During crying, the baby shrinks his fists or his limbs towards his abdomen or catches the muscles of his abdomen with redness of his face.
• Flatulence and the release of too many gases, due to the swallowing of too much air during crying, or because the baby is not encouraged, and the gas is removed sufficiently after feeding.
• Increased crying after lactation and before defecation.
Signs of colic intake that require going to the doctor
• High temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• The baby is more than four months old and still suffers from colic.
• The baby refuses to breastfeed from the severity of colic, and his weight does not increase naturally.
Remedies of Colic in Babies
Pediatric colic does not require specific treatment, there are some ways that the mother can use to relieve colic pain in the baby:
- Carry and try to calm the baby, where some studies have shown that the mother's quick response to the crying baby can play a role in relieving the pain.
- Giving breastfeeding babies probiotic supplements such as Gerber Probiotic Drops may alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to avoid giving these supplements to babies who are mainly dependent on formula.
- In the case of babies who use artificial milk, the mother can try another type of milk, as some formulations can cause colic in some babies.
- When crying, gently massage your abdomen in one direction with simple pressure to help the gas out of the abdomen.
- Exercise the knee by switching feet like a wheel which helps to relax the intestines and get rid of colic.
- The mother can make a warm drink for the baby, such as mint without adding sugar so that it does not ferment and causes increased gas in the intestines and more colic.
- During the period of waking the baby should be placed on his stomach to get rid of the gases.
Finally, you should know that your baby is healthy, that colic is a temporary problem, and does not carry a risk to his normal development, weight, or appetite for food.