Colic in Babies: What Causes Colic and How to Treat it?

If your baby cries at the same time everyday and nothing seems to calm or pacify him, your baby may be having colic. It is important to identify colic in babies based on the common signs and symptoms. While there are different treatment options available to naturally manage the condition, it is important for new mothers to know what to do for colicky babies.

Babies with Colic
Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks in a healthy and well fed baby. 

Colic can be worrying for you as well as the baby. On the other hand, the condition is transitory; it tends to resolve in a couple of months. Colic is known to affect 25 % of babies. Invariably, it commences a few weeks after birth and ameliorates by 3 months. 

Sign of Colic in Babies: Symptoms of Colic in Babies

Clinical manifestations of colic include:

Giving the Baby a Pacifier
Helps Soothe Him

• Expected episodes of crying in the baby. A colicky baby cries about the same time daily; more often than not, in the late afternoon or evening. The episode may last from a few minutes to 3 or more hours. The baby begins to cry suddenly and for no apparent reason. Your baby may pass gas, or have a bowel movement at the end of the episode.
• The baby will cry inconsolably and it is rather impossible to pacify him. The cry is intense and high pitched.
• Clenched fists, curled up legs and tensed abdominal muscles are common during an attack of colic.

Colicky Baby: What Causes Colic in Babies?

The exact cause of colic is not known. Experts postulate - lactose intolerance, allergies, immature GI tract, maternal anxiety, and differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted are possible causes. 



Treatment for Colic in Babies: Colic Remedies for Babies

By and large, colic ameliorates on its own, habitually by 3 months. You can give medications to manage the colic, abdominal cramps and flatulence. Talk to your pediatrician before giving any medicine to manage the colic. Homeopathy can be of great helps; the medicines are decidedly effective and work gently, without triggering any side effects.

Colicky Babies: How to Treat Colic?

Cuddling your
Baby Comforts Her

• If you think your baby is hungry, feed him. Hold him as erect as possible, and burp him well during and after the feed. Whilst breastfeeding, empty one breast completely before switching to the other breast. This provides the baby more hind milk, which is richer and more satisfying than the fore milk.
• Sucking is a soothing activity; give your baby a pacifier.
• Cuddle your baby. Cuddling and swaddling a baby makes him feel comforted, protected and happy.
• Gently rocking your baby is helpful too.
• Sing to your baby. A soft tune is soothing and relaxing. Putting on soft music will be beneficial as well.
• ‘White noise’ has been proved to be of immense use in pacifying a baby. Turn on the exhaust fan, or play a CD of environmental sounds, such as, waterfall, ocean waves, or gentle rain.
• A gentle massage and a warm bath soothe the baby as well. You can gently massage the belly in clockwise direction using olive oil or almond oil.
• In case nothing you do works, a time-out may help. Put your baby in his cot for 10 minutes.
• It is taxing and stressful to listen to your baby cry for prolonged intervals, so give yourself a break and let a loved one take over.
• Whilst you breast feed, you must watch your diet.  Check whether eliminating certain foods from the diet, such as, nuts, dairy products, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and caffeine helps. If you bottle feed, a new type of bottle or nipple may help.