Infant Colic – Symptoms & Tips for Parents

New-born children

They feed and sleep and life looks surreal. They poop and cry and life become more real.

While some babies are calm like angels, some cry continuously for long hours, as if participating in some crying competition. This can be overwhelming for first-time moms as the babies can look angry and irritated with their fists clenched, their faces turning red and screaming at the top of their voices. While it may seem like normal new-born behaviour, the little baby might be suffering from Infantile Colic.

Decoding Colic

Colic starts at 3 weeks of birth and can last up to 6 months of age. So how can you be sure if your baby has Infantile Colic? The doctors analyse it in rules of three, i.e.

• Cries for 3 hours or more (at a stretch) in a day
• Comes at least 3 days in a week
• Lasts up to 3 weeks in a month

Know the symptoms

which distinguish a colicky baby from an ordinary one:

• The crying has a common pattern and time

• Increase in bowel movement (more stool or gas release)
• Angry or disturbed body movements (red face, clenching fists, holding breath)
• Eating and sleeping patterns are disrupted by continuous crying

Understand that Colic is not a disease or syndrome, but the integration of difficult behavioural pattern. It can be dealt with patience and a positive approach.

Cause and Treatment 

There are a lot of notions and theories as to why the babies get so agitated. However, your baby might be in discomfort due to gas, sensitivity, milk intolerance, mood swings, acid reflux, or certain food allergies. Some doctors even suggest that smoking (actively or passively) by pregnant moms can result in colicky babies. A weak digestive system can also be one of the causes.

• Try out different positions to comfort and distract your baby from their pain. 
• Try to make them burp or release them from any gas. 
• As a breastfeeding mother, eat nutritious meals. Avoid citrus fruits or gassy veggies (cauliflower, broccoli), and anything too spicy. 
• Your kid might be allergic to milk and milk products. Refer a doctor regarding it and ask if you can switch to formula milk. 
• Some infants get relaxed by listening to soothing sounds or even music. Remember to keep the volume low.
• React and respond to your child cries immediately. Make them feel safe and heard. Try to calm them by holding them close to you, or swinging them gently.
• Spend some time in the outdoor areas like a garden, park or a beach. Observe how your child reacts to different stimuli.

Taking care of a brand-new baby who happens to be colicky, can be frustrating and exhausting, especially for first-time parents. Do not blame yourself or your parenting skills for your baby’s colic! It is just a phase, and another milestone to travel in the path of parenthood.