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Most newborn babies cry for a number of reasons but if a well-fed and healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks, the infant may be suffering from colic. Although distressing and exhausting for the parents, colic is a self-limiting condition which eventually settles on its own and does not harm the baby in any way. It usually starts or becomes more intense a few weeks after birth but normally settles by 3 to 4 months of age. The term colic may be used in various medical contexts so the correct term for colic in babies is infantile colic.
What are the symptoms of baby colic?
Signs and Symptoms of Infantile Colic
Normally babies may cry for 2 to 3 hours in a day but it is usually spread out over a 24 hour period. With infantile colic, the baby may have sudden bouts of prolonged, uncontrollable crying which cannot be soothed by any means. It may start after a feeding and can continue for 1 to 4 hours.
Colic may occur at any time of the day or night but is most frequent in the late afternoon or early evening. During these crying episodes, there may be flushing of the face and abdominal distention, with alternating flexion and extension of the legs. The hands may be clenched into fists and the back arched. The baby may pass wind which sometimes eases the irritability.
What causes baby colic?
Causes of Infantile Colic
Although colic is a very common condition in babies, the exact cause is often difficult to determine. One in five babies may suffer from colic. It affects both sexes equally and may occur in breastfed as well as bottle-fed babies. Some babies are more prone to colic and having parents who were colicky themselves as infants may increase the risk. Theories regarding the causes of colic include food allergies and stress within the family.
Gas may be the cause of colic, but it is equally likely that gas formation is due to swallowing of air while crying. Overfeeding, giving the baby undiluted juices, and intake of rich, spicy or irritating food by a breastfeeding mother may worsen the symptoms but are unlikely to be the cause. Caffeine and nicotine in breast milk may also worsen colic. Some babies may be more sensitive and take more time adjusting to the environment which can manifest as various upsets including sleeping problems and colic.
How is baby colic treated?
Treatment of Infantile Colic
It is important to consult a doctor so that other serious causes of a crying baby may be excluded, such as intestinal obstruction, hernia, torsion of the testes, abdominal infection, bladder infection, scratches in the eye due to long nails, and ear infection. Associated symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or bloody stools need immediate medical attention.
Medication should only be given if advised by the doctor. Simethicone drops and probiotics are sometimes advised but its effect on colic is variable. Dietary changes by the mother may help to improve colic in breastfed babies. If lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy is suspected, eliminating it from the baby’s and mother’s diet may help.
Frequent burping during feeding is a good method of eliminating trapped gas from the baby’s system. During episodes of crying, walking with the baby or just holding or rocking the baby may help. Swaddling the baby, singing, playing music, or even taking the baby for a drive in the car can help to soothe the baby.
It is equally important for parents to take some time off from caring for the baby so as to cope better with the situation. Constantly hovering around may lead to a baby learning to cry for attention and not due to colic.
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