Well, crying is the only way your little angel can do to communicate with us. As parents, we are wired to respond to all their needs. Listening to our baby cry is heartbreaking for a parent. When these episodes don’t stop for long time, it can get distressing.
Symptoms of Baby Colic
When the baby erupts in ear shattering wails with clenched fists, knees drawn up, arched back and a red face and looks impossible to comfort her, then you are witnessing a colicky event. These stressful episodes come back most of the nights keeping you awake, which takes a toll on you.
With the onset of colic, expect crying episodes to start suddenly and for no apparent reason. Babies get colicky till they are three to four months old, but don’t get stressed out. Colic is not a disease and commonly occurs in 1 in 5 infants.
Feeding and sleeping are interrupted with episodes of intense crying. The outbursts are in no way harmful for the baby. He will continue to feed and gain weight.
Causes of Baby Colic
Causes of colic are still a mystery to all. There are number of theories; some experts believe colic could be result of lactose intolerance in formula fed babies. While others feel that colic could also be a reaction to specific food in mother’s diet in breastfed babies. Either way, these sensitivities to food could set off colic.
Digesting food could be a huge task for the newborn’s digesting system, mostly causing indigestion and pain. Infant GERD could also trigger colic and symptoms could include spitting up, irritability during and after feeding.
Studies have also shown that mothers who smoke during pregnancy or after could have babies with colic. There is no evidence suggesting the link between cigarette smoke to colic, but ensure not to smoke or let anybody smoke near your babies.
Treatment for Baby Colic
Colic can be distressing to infants and parents alike, but they are not harmful and does not require medications. There is no single proven treatment for colic, but you can try out some remedies, which could make life easier for you and the baby.
The most tried and tested formula is warm compresses to the tummy which will provide him the much-needed relief from gas. A warm bath will also have a soothing effect on your baby and helps to distract him. Light massages ensure proper digestion and prevent gas. MamaEarth Easy Tummy Roll On is an effective remedy for baby colic. It contains Hing oil which is known for its ability to reduce reflux formed in the stomach. It is a combination of essential oils like Fennel Oil, Peppermint Oil, Ginger Oil and Dill Seed Oil, which gives relief from stomachaches and bloating.
Burp your baby often during feeding helping in release of gas and prevention of air pockets in the stomach. Exercises are great to stay healthy, so try out gentle knee pushing exercises and see relief from colic pains instantly.
One of the most effective home remedy is asafetida, which aids in digestion and relieves gas. You can ask your pediatrician for simethicone drops to relieve your baby’s symptoms. Though there is no research showing it works for colic, but if doctor thinks so, give it a try.
Probiotics grow good bacteria in and enhance healthy intestinal health thus easing those tummy aches. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about foods you need to avoid from your diet that can cause tummy pains. With your doctor’s approval, try swapping the standard formula to one designed for sensitive tummies. If you are breastfeeding, avoid tea, coffees, spicy foods which could trigger colic.
Other than this, you can cuddle or carry your baby making him feel secure. Babies also respond to soothing music so don’t hesitate to experiment all kinds of music. Try going outdoors for a walk, it could magically change his mood.
Parents of colicky babies usually suffer from stress. So, keep in mind it is just a matter of weeks or months; the colic would end eventually.
