Infant colic
Colic is a typical problem of the first weeks of a child's life and a serious test of the nervous system of young parents. About a third of all newborn babies suffer from colic from time to time before the age of four months.
If this problem is not caused by serious diseases, it does not prevent children from growing and developing normally. What do you need to know about infant colic to exclude the possibility of developing gastrointestinal diseases, allergies and other ailments?
When does colic start?
Colic usually begins around the age of three weeks and reaches its peak between the fourth and sixth weeks of the baby's life. By the age of about three months unpleasant sensations in the abdomen, as a rule, leave the child.
Attention: if after 12 weeks of life the baby has severe colic-a thorough examination is necessary to exclude a serious gastrointestinal disease!
Just the facts
Elena Baibarina, chief neonatologist at the Russian Ministry of Health, tells us a few facts about babies.
Signs of colic
- The baby cries continuously for one to four hours. The crying is loud, high-pitched.
- The baby stretches, tucks his legs to his stomach and tightly clenches his fists.
- The child periodically holds his breath and wrinkles his face in a grimace.
- Crying attacks often begin in the late afternoon.
Causes of colic
Doctors still can not clearly identify the causes of the development of infant colic. However, a number of factors are known that increase the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms:
- the baby eats very quickly,
- the baby regularly overeats,
- the baby incorrectly takes the breast or pacifier and swallows a lot of air when sucking,
- the baby does not regurgitate the swallowed air well,
- the baby has increased gas formation.
Pediatricians also emphasize that a negative emotional background, conflicts in the family, uncertainty and anxiety of parents can increase the symptoms of colic.
Important! At the first sign of colic, contact your pediatrician to rule out serious health problems for your baby, such as the development of ear infections, allergies, and intestinal diseases.
A sharp rise in temperature, vomiting or diarrhea is a reason for an urgent visit to the doctor!
How to help your baby if you are breastfeeding
- Eliminate the consumption of products containing caffeine: tea, chocolate, cocoa and cola.
- Reduce the consumption of products that increase gas formation: cabbage and other plants from the cruciferous family, beans, onions.
- For a week, exclude dairy products from your own diet to check how your baby's body reacts to the milk protein that you consume.
- Drink herbal teas that improve digestion. Ask your pediatrician to advise the collection.
- Check whether the baby takes the breast correctly: whether it does not swallow excess air when sucking.
- While feeding, hold the baby so that the upper part of his body is raised. This will reduce the chance of air ingestion.
- After feeding, lift the baby to an upright position so that he can regurgitate the swallowed air.
How to help your baby if he is on artificial feeding
- Change the type of water you use to dilute the mixture. Perhaps you should buy a special filter or use bottled water.
- Consult your pediatrician about choosing or changing the formula for artificial feeding.
- Make sure that the baby does not overeat. Check whether it is convenient for him to suck from the bottle, and purchase another pacifier, if necessary.
- Keep the baby in the same position as when breastfeeding. After eating, help the child to regurgitate air.
- How to set up breastfeeding
Breast milk is the best food for an infant. Learn how to start breastfeeding without problems: read the rules and practical tips.
How to calm your baby
- Bathing in warm water with a decoction of chamomile will help the child to relax.
- Smooth repetitive movements usually calm the child. Try rocking him in a crib, a chaise longue, or walking with your baby at a calm pace, holding him in your arms.
- Unpleasant sensations in the stomach are effectively relieved by a warm hot water bottle applied to the stomach, a light massage or exercise.
- Herbal teas or remedies for fighting intestinal gases help the baby to calm down. In any case, do not prescribe them yourself – be sure to consult with your pediatrician.
- Distribute child care responsibilities among all family members. A sleep-deprived and upset mother is another risk factor for colic.
The most important thing
The period of colic and night crying will pass faster and easier if you take up its prevention in time. Proper feeding technique and healthy nutrition of the mother will help to make the life of the baby and the whole family more comfortable.
