Caring for a colicky baby is one of the most challenging aspects of early parenthood. Characterised by intense and seemingly unexplainable crying, colic usually peaks in the first three months of an infant’s life. Though it’s a phase most babies eventually outgrow, understanding the causes of colic and learning effective ways to soothe a colicky baby can make this stage easier for both parents and the child.
To understand more about baby colic, its causes and how parents can calm their baby, OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr R Kishore Kumar, Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru. Every Parent and Grandparent is worried about their baby having Colic. However, Dr Kishore said that colic is over interpreted and probably over diagnosed these days.
Giving an example of one of his patients, Dr Kumar said, “Recently, one grandparent who had accompanied a new mother asked me on 5th day – after routine check up – doctor, can you prescribe some medicine for colic too? I refuse to prescribe medicine unless there are reasons or indications. So I asked her – what is Colic? Please tell me and how will you diagnose that in your baby? When will you use the medicine – she said when the baby starts crying!”
Continuing, he said, “Simple crying in a baby is NOT colic – Crying in a baby is NORMAL and it is the way babies communicate. Colic is something which happens in babies later and not in five days, so when you suspect colic, please bring the baby for a check up and will check to ensure the baby doesn’t have any other problem before we give the medicine for colic.”
Understanding Colic: Causes and Symptoms
Colic is commonly defined by the "Rule of Threes": crying that lasts more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, and for three weeks or more in an otherwise healthy baby. This crying can be intense and difficult to calm, leaving parents feeling anxious and helpless. According to Dr Kumar, “Before diagnosing colic, doctors rule out other medical reasons for the crying, such as infections, reflux, or even issues like otitis media (ear infections).”
Also read: Common Health Challenges In Premature Babies: Expert Insights And Management Strategies
Causes of Colic
Digestive Issues: A common theory is that colic results from an immature digestive system that struggles with gas or certain foods, causing discomfort.
Overstimulation: Infants are sensitive to their surroundings, and excessive noise, bright lights, or new faces can overwhelm them, resulting in crying.
Parental Stress: Babies are perceptive and can pick up on their caregivers' emotions. If parents are anxious, babies may respond with increased fussiness.
Allergies or Intolerances: Babies can sometimes develop intolerances to certain proteins, such as those in cow’s milk (known as Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy, or CMPA), which can cause discomfort and fussiness.
Need for Comfort: Babies naturally crave closeness and may cry as a means of seeking comfort and reassurance.
Recognising Symptoms of Colic
Aside from persistent crying, Dr Kumar said colicky babies often exhibit:
- Clenched fists
- Arched backs
- A tense, bloated abdomen
- Difficulty settling down after feeding
Effective Techniques to Soothe a Colicky Baby
While there is no cure for colic, many strategies can provide relief. Here are some techniques to consider:
Swaddling: Wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket can mimic the comfort of the womb, making them feel secure. However, ensure the swaddle is not too tight, particularly around the hips.
Rocking and Movement: Gentle rocking motions help soothe many babies. This can be done using a rocking chair, swing, or simply in your arms. The movement mimics the sensation babies experience in the womb.
White Noise: White noise, like a fan or soft lullabies, can create a calming environment that drowns out other sounds. Dr Kumar suggests using sound as a technique to help “normalise” a baby’s environment.
Warm Bath: A warm bath may relax a baby’s muscles and provide comfort, offering a short break from the colicky episodes.
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Gentle Tummy Massage: Massaging a baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion can help relieve gas and soothe discomfort. Dr Kumar advises using light pressure to avoid overstimulating the baby.
Burping Regularly: Ensuring your baby is burped after every feeding can reduce gas buildup, a common cause of discomfort in infants. Try different burping positions to see which works best.
Check for Allergies: If you suspect your baby’s fussiness could be due to a food allergy, consult your paediatrician. Dr Kumar also warns against automatically giving colic medicine or dietary adjustments without consulting a doctor.
Change Feeding Position: Keeping a baby upright during and after feeding can aid digestion, reducing the likelihood of colic symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you are concerned about your baby’s excessive crying, or if the baby shows additional symptoms like fever, vomiting, or unusual behaviour, consult your paediatrician. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infections, or allergies may require special attention.
Conclusion
Caring for a colicky baby can be a daunting experience, but understanding potential causes and implementing soothing techniques can help ease the process. It’s important to remember that colic is typically temporary, and with time, most babies outgrow this phase. Don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself, and remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Your patience, love, and care are crucial in helping your baby navigate this challenging time.