Most individuals have either had a colicky baby or know someone with a colicky infant. After all, the condition is found in 1in 5 children and is therefore, quite common. However,  Despite its frequency, Colic is still shrouded in mystery and most new parents struggle with taking care of their colicky child because of a lack of information. So the first step to soothing a colicky baby, is to understand what Colic is.

Colic is prolonged, intense and frequent fussing or crying of an otherwise healthy baby. If an infant cries for more than 3hours a day, for 3 or more days in a week, and continues to do so for more than3 weeks, then they are said to have Colic.

 The crying usually begins in the evening and can come and go in numerous episodes.It most commonly occurs in babies that are around 6 weeks old, and usually declines within 4 months. Unfortunately, there is no concrete explanation for why colic occurs and it is most often attributed to a baby’s inability to self soothe.

Although the episodes of excessive crying decline overtime, managing a fussy colicky baby can be quite stressful for parents.

Symptoms

Common features of a colicky baby are as follows:

• Intense and prolonged crying that is akin to screaming or expressions of pain
• The baby cries without having any overt reason, such as hunger or the need for a diaper change
• Fussiness after the episodes of crying have diminished
• Crying in a pattern, such as after a particular time in the evening
• Discolouration of the face of the baby such as paler skin around the mouth or facial reddening during episodes of crying
• Signs indicating tension in the baby’s body such as clenched fists, tense abdomen, arched back, and stiffened arms and legs.

Some parents find that their child is relieved after the infant has passed a bowel movement or gas. However, the gas is most likely due to the baby swallowing excessive air during their episodes of crying.

Tips To Soothe Your colicky Baby

Consult A Pediatrician

Ensure that the episodes of crying are not indicative of a serious medical condition. The Pediatrician will inform you if your child is suffering from colic and provide helpful tips as well.

Change Your Diet If You Are Nursing

Some potentially irritating foods can be passed on to infants through the mother’s breast milk. If this is the case then you can try to eliminate caffeine, milk products, cabbage, onions and any other foods that could be potentially irritating.

Talk To Your Pediatrician About The Formula Milk Your Child Is Having

Your infant may have a food sensitivity that requires a different type of formula milk.

Avoid Overfeeding Your Baby

Overfeeding your baby may lead to them feeling uncomfortable. Try to wait for two or two and a half hours before the next feed.

Walk And Rock Your Baby

Gently try to lul your baby to sleep through soft rocking motions or by walking. The close contact and rocking motions can help calm the infant down and put them to sleep.

Give Your Infant Some Tummy Time And Gentle Belly Massages

Gentle pressure on the infant’s abdomen can help provide comfort to the baby.

Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling babies helps them feel warm, secure and comforted.

Conclusion

Colic is a common condition in infants that leads to frequent episodes of intense crying without any apparent underlying cause. This condition usually self resolves as the baby grows, however, it can take several months for the condition to completely resolve itself. During this time it is important to ensure that the baby is not suffering from any medical conditions and all other factors for their discomfort are being well taken care of.

To consult with a healthcare professional, log on to www.shifaam.com or download the Shifaam health App now from Google Play (bit.ly/2JqZo3C)or the iOS App Store (apple.co/2QUVxQz) and connect with your healthcare provider safely from home.