How to cope with your baby’s colic
Many parents find their first months with their newborns are hugely affected by colic. The term describes what appears to be a combination of abdominal pain and inconsolable crying, and it’s thought to affect at least 20% of babies in the first few months after they’re born, typically manifesting a couple of weeks after the birth and lasting up until around 12 weeks although it may ease off sooner or continue for longer.
Parents usually report that their baby pulls up his legs, appearing to be in considerable discomfort with no obvious reason why. The crying tends to occur at the same time each day (typically the evening) and continues even after feeding and a diaper change but may be relieved by motion. It often is accompanies by wind.
There’s no doubt that seeing your baby cry is very upsetting and the fact that you can’t seem to soother him can make you feel helpless. However, most experts agree that as bad as it may look colic isn’t dangerous or harmful, and that it has no long-term effects.
What causes colic?
No one really knows what causes colic although wind or indigestion may be involved. It may be caused by the fact your baby’s gastro-intestnal tract is immature and is having to get used to digesting milk. Other theories include sensory overstimulation, pointing to the fact that attacks tend to happen in the evening after a day of new sights, sounds and experiences.
Studies show that babies are twice as likely to develop colic if their mother smoked during pregnancy and that breastfed and bottlefed babies are equally likely to have it.
Treating colic
There are colic relieving formulas that you can give your baby – they aim to break up any wind that may be in his tummy into small bubbles that are easier to bring up. Some parents swear by them; others find they make no difference. Only very rarely are babies allergic to milk, so don’t switch your baby’s formula without first consulting your pediatrician. Check with them first before using any kind of herbal remedy too.
Some babies find relief with being held and constant motion – it might be worth putting your baby in his sling and carrying him about with you so your hands will still be free. The upright position also may help him to bring up any wind that might be bothering him. You also might want to try taking him for a walk in his stroller or a ride in the car. Swaddling (wrapping him/her up firmly in a blanket) also may help, as it recreates the feeling of being inside the uterus.
If you’re breastfeeding what you eat crosses into your milk so it might be worth avoiding or limiting foods that might cause wind or ‘taint’ your milk – for example, tea, coffee, spicy foods and alcohol. If you bottlefeed, be sure that the nipples are the right flow rate for your young baby (if he is feeding too fast it could result in wind) and ensure you hold the bottle at an angle so that the teat is always full of milk, to decrease the amount of air he may swallow as he drinks. Always wind your baby properly after a feed – if he is particularly affected by colic it might be worth winding him partway through a feed too.
A pacifier may help if your baby is ‘sucky’. Try ‘white noise’ – the washer, vacuum cleaner – a warm bath, or a gentle massage may help.
Above all, get help if your baby’s crying is becoming too much for you to handle. Ask a family member or trusted friend to take your baby for a few ours to give you a break. If you are alone with your baby and feel overwhelmed, place him in her crib and leave him for 10 minutes and have a break. He won’t come to any harm.
Be on the alert for signs that your baby may actually be unwell. If she has a cold or a fever, consult your pediatrician. If her crying is especially high-pitched and moaning and she is floppy, and /or develops a blotchy purplish rash take her to the ER as these symptoms could indicate meningitis.