When a baby has colic, it is quite stressful for parents. Although colic is common and usually does not indicate a serious health problem, intense and persistent crying is distressing for both the baby and the parents. That is why we have created this complete guide to colic in babies. Throughout the following post we will explain what colic is, how to identify it, what can cause it, what the symptoms are, what to do, when to go to the doctor and much more.

What is colic in babies?

Colic, in short, is crying spells. Although all babies cry and fuss from time to time, colic is characterized by excessive crying that lasts more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for an extended period of time. This phenomenon usually begins around the second week of life and can persist for up to four months.

Causes of colic in babies

The exact causes of colic in babies are still not completely clear, but there are several theories as to why it may occur:

• Immature digestive system:The baby's digestive system is still developing, which can cause discomfort and abdominal pain that manifests itself in intense crying.
• Food Sensitivities:In some cases, colic is related to food sensitivities. In breastfed babies, this could be linked to foods the mother consumes, such as dairy or caffeine.
• Air swallowing:Colic may be related to swallowing air during feeding, especially if the baby swallows air while crying or if the feeding technique is not adequate.
• Excessive stimuli:Exposure to environmental stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, contributes to infant discomfort.

How to know if the baby has colic? Symptoms

As we briefly mentioned at the beginning, the main symptom of colic is crying, but we will explain it in more detail:

• Intense, high-pitched crying:There is a high-pitched, prolonged cry that sounds louder or more desperate than normal crying.
• Difficulty calming down:During colic episodes, the baby often cannot be calmed even with conventional methods, such as feeding, diaper changing, or rocking.
• Changes in the body:Physical signs include flushing of the face, paleness around the mouth, and body postures such as drawing the legs together, tensing the arms, arching the back, and clenching the fists.
• Recurrent crying:There is a certain pattern or a certain frequency from episode to episode.

What does a colicky baby cry like?

The crying of a baby with colic is loud, intense and prolonged, often accompanied by facial flushing, clenched fists and legs bent towards the abdomen. This crying usually occurs in episodes that can last from minutes to several hours, and often worsens in the afternoons or at night.

How long does colic last in a baby?

Colic usually begins around 3 weeks of age and continues until about 3 or 4 months of age. During this period, it is common for a baby to cry intensely for several hours a day, often for no apparent reason.

Fortunately, colic is a normal part of development and usually goes away on its own. As your baby grows and his or her digestive system matures, colic episodes will become less frequent and less intense. Although there is no definitive cure for colic, there are several strategies that can help soothe both baby and parent during this period.

Treatments for a baby with colic

There is currently no definitive treatment for colic, but there are several strategies and approaches that can help ease your baby's discomfort and provide some comfort:

Make sure the baby is well fed

Check that your baby is eating enough and is not hungry. If you are breastfeeding, make sure your baby is latched on correctly.

Control your diet

If you are using formula, consider trying different types of formulas that may be easier to digest or less likely to cause colic.

Reduce stimulation

Sometimes reducing environmental stimuli helps. To do this, wrap the baby in a light blanket, dim the lights and reduce noise as much as possible.

Methods of comfort

Gently rocking your baby, carrying him or her in a stroller or in your arms, or using a vibrating chair sometimes provides relief. Rhythmic movement and soft sounds, such as white noise, can also be soothing.

Massages and relaxation techniques

Gently massaging your baby's back, placing your baby face down on your lap, or giving your baby a warm bath may also help relieve discomfort.

Try dietary changes

If you're breastfeeding, you may want to try eliminating potentially irritating foods from your diet, such as dairy, caffeine, or certain vegetables. Make changes one at a time and consult your doctor before making significant adjustments.

Medical consultation

If crying persists and home remedies do not help, or if you have concerns about your baby's health, do not hesitate to consult a pediatrician to rule out other medical conditions and receive additional guidance.

Home remedies to relieve colic in babies

As we have already explained, there is no remedy or definitive solution for colic in a baby, you just have to be patient. Now, that does not mean that there are no remedies that have worked before. We must clarify that before starting to give any of the following home remedies to your baby, you should consult with the pediatrician so that he gives you the go-ahead. Having said this, the home remedies to get rid of colic in a baby are:

Chamomile and fennel teas

If your baby is not breastfed, you can offer him small doses of chamomile or fennel tea, which have antispasmodic properties. If you are breastfeeding, you can drink these teas, as their properties pass through breast milk.

Abdominal massages

Gently massaging your baby's tummy in a clockwise circular motion often helps relieve discomfort.

Warm compresses

Applying a warm water compress to the baby's abdomen may provide relief. Make sure the compress is not too hot to avoid burns.

Bicycle movements

Place the baby in a face-up position and make bicycle movements with his legs to help him release accumulated gas and relieve abdominal pressure.

White noise

White noise for babies creating a soothing environment that mimics the comforting sounds of the womb. This gentle, consistent background noise helps calm fussy babies by blocking out disruptive sounds and triggering their natural relaxation response, making it an essential tool for parents dealing with colic.

Bathing routine

Bathing can be a soothing routine for colicky babies. Learn more about how to bathe a newborn baby with our guide.

What to do when a baby has colic? Practical advice

If there is one thing that is beyond dispute, it is that managing a baby's colic is a challenging and stressful task. The continuous noise, the desperation of not being able to help your little one is quite difficult to handle. Our tips for such moments are:

Review the basic needs

Make sure your baby is well fed and has a clean diaper. Sometimes unmet basic needs are the cause of crying.

Try different methods of comfort

If the crying persists, try rocking the baby, using a pacifier, taking him for a walk in a stroller, or running a fan or white noise machine in the room. Even if it hasn't worked before, give it a try - different babies don't always react the same way to colic.

Personal care

Don't forget to take care of yourself. Asking family or friends to help you look after the baby while you take a break will help you stay calm and face the situation with a positive attitude.

Avoid agitation

Don't shake your baby or put him in a stressful situation. If you feel frustrated or exhausted, place your baby in a safe place, such as a crib, and take a moment to relax before trying to comfort him again.

Have professional help at hand

There are people who specialize in education and parenting who offer their services for consultations or times like this. Consider looking for someone to have on hand and to call in cases where you are unable to manage your baby's colic.

How to help a colicky baby sleep?

Helping a colicky baby sleep is a daunting task, but here are some strategies:

Establish a sleep routine

Babies love routine. Try to create a consistent sleep routine that includes soothing activities like a warm bath, singing lullabies, and massages with baby-safe aromatic oils.

Quiet atmosphere

Make sure your baby's sleeping environment is quiet and comfortable. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, dim the lights, and reduce noise.

White noise

Some babies respond well to white noise. Buy a white noise machine or fan to create a constant, soft sound. The idea is that it mimics the sound of the womb and helps the baby relax.

Safe position

Make sure your baby sleeps in a safe position, such as lying on his or her back, in a crib without loose sheets or soft objects, to minimize the risk of suffocation.

How to prevent colic in an infant?

Preventing colic is not always possible, remember that it is part of a baby's development, but there are several strategies that can help reduce its frequency and intensity. These are:

Ensures good nutrition

If you are breastfeeding, consider adjusting your diet to avoid foods that may cause gas or irritate your baby, such as highly seasoned foods. If your baby is formula-fed, talk to your pediatrician about switching formulas and ask for recommendations.

Avoid excessive air intake

Make sure your baby is well positioned during feedings to minimise air swallowing. If you use bottles, choose ones designed to reduce air intake and make sure the nipple is not too large or too small.

Establish a feeding routine

Avoid overfeeding your baby and keep a regular schedule between feedings to prevent overfeeding. This will reduce the chance of developing digestive upsets.

Proper burping

Make sure your baby burps after each feeding, to help release trapped air in the stomach and reduce discomfort.

Monitor the reaction to new foods

If you introduce new foods into your baby's diet, do so gradually and watch for any possible adverse reactions. This will help you identify possible colic triggers.

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Conclusion

In summary, colic in babies, although common, is always a significant challenge for parents. Understanding what it is, its possible causes, and how to differentiate it from normal crying is essential to approaching this phase in the best possible way. Remember that with patience and the right strategies, it is possible to manage colic and provide a calmer environment for your baby and yourself.