Baby colic

Symptoms Of Baby Colic 

It’s normal for babies to fuss and cry. Babies who have colic tend to cry more than other babies, even though they’re otherwise healthy. Features of colic can include:

• Intense and incessant crying episodes (lasting for usually more than 3 hours) even in the absence of triggers like hunger or need of diaper change.

• Crying at the same time(s) everyday. Colicky babies mostly get fussy towards the end of the day. However, crying can happen at any time.

• Clenching their fists, raising their legs above and tightening their abdominal muscles while crying.

• Crying is loud, piercing and ceaseless in nature like they’re in pain. 

• Turning bright red when crying.

• An increase in bowel activity may also be observed. They may break wind (pass gas) or spit up.

Worried that your baby may have infantile colic? Not sure if It's Colic or Normal Crying?
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Causes Of Baby Colic

Colic usually starts in the second or third week of life, peaks around 6 weeks, and resolves by the age of 12 weeks in 60%  and by 16 weeks of age in 90% of infants.

The exact cause of colic is not fully understood, but there are several factors that are believed to contribute or trigger to this condition:

Digestive issues in the infant

• Intolerance to lactose or cow's milk protein

• Sensitivity to food in the breastfeeding mother's diet

• Excessive gassiness or gas production

• An immature digestive system

• Acid reflux

• Swallowing air

• Overfeeding or underfeeding

• Insufficient burping

Exposure to medications through breast feeding 

• Caffeine and nicotine in breast milk have been related to infant irritability because the baby's body is unable to adequately eliminate these toxins.

• Certain medications are also passed through breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, discuss your medications with your doctor.

Neurodevelopmental issues

• Higher level of serotonin (a key hormone that can stabilize mood)

• An immature nervous system

• Infant temperament 

• An early form of childhood migraine

Others

• Interruption in sleeping pattern

• Sensitivity to light, noise, etc., or too much stimulation

• Poor feeding techniques

• Emotions such as fear, frustration, or even excitement

• Underlying health issues like hernia or infection etc.

Risk Factors For Baby Colic

There are several risk factors that may contribute to the development of colic. These include:

1. Age: Colic typically begins within the first few weeks of life and peaks around 6 to 8 weeks of age. After this time, symptoms often start to improve.

2. Sleeping pattern: As per some studies, babies who have irregular sleeping patterns or who do not get enough sleep may be more prone to colic.

3. Family history: Babies who have a family history of colic or other digestive problems may be more likely to develop colic themselves.

4. Parental emotional factors: Babies who are exposed to high levels of stress or anxiety may be more likely to develop colic.

Here are some age-old practices that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
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Diagnosis Of Colic

To diagnose colic in infants, doctors typically rely on a set of criteria known as the "Rule of Three." These are some of the criteria-

1. Symptoms persist for more than 3 hours a day

2. Happens more than 3 days a week

3. Persisting for more than 3 weeks

If an infant meets these criteria, a doctor may diagnose them with colic. However, before making a diagnosis, the pediatrician will do a physical exam and review your baby’s history and symptoms. 

The doctor might perform some tests to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Prevention Of Colic

Here are some tips that can help limit or prevent colic in your baby, sometimes even before a bout of crying starts.

1. Breastfeed

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for infants and can help prevent colic. Breast milk is easily digestible and causes no digestive issues.

2. Keep an eye on what you eat

If you're nursing, try to avoid milk products, caffeine, onions, cabbage, and any other potentially irritating items.

Keep track of what you eat and drink. Everything you consume gets passed to your baby and can affect them. This is something you should address with your pediatrician first.

3. Avoid overfeeding the baby

In general, try to wait at least two to two and a half hours between one feeding and the next.

4. Rock, walk and hold

• Rock your baby in your arms or in a rocking chair 

• Put the baby in a swing

• Walk with your baby in a stroller or baby carrier

• Hold your baby  against your chest

• Take the baby for a car ride.

 These motions and close contact can be soothing for your little one.

5. Burp your baby

Make sure you're efficiently burping your infant. It is recommended that you hold your baby upright after eating and tap on the back to get rid of any gas or air your baby swallows during feeding.

6. Attempt alternative feeding positions

Alternative feeding postures can aid in the prevention of colic symptoms. During feedings, try holding your baby upright or laying them on their side.

Doctor To Visit

Colic is usually not the cause of concern. You should, however, consult your baby’s pediatrician immediately if your baby’s colic is combined with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever of over 100.4˚F (38˚C)

• Vomiting, diarrhea

• Bloody or mucus in stools

• Pale skin

• Crying a lot

• Not sucking or drinking a bottle well

• Drinking less milk than usual

• Becoming more irritable when held or touched

A pediatrician can help in diagnosing the cause of baby colic pain and guiding parents toward effective management strategies for their infant's comfort.

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Treatment Of Colic

There are many tips for helping to soothe and deal with a colicky baby.

1. Parental reassurance and stress management

Parental reassurance and support are the cornerstones of treatment. Colic is a common condition that can be extremely distressing for both the newborn and the parents. The doctor will reassure parents and counsel them about the benign and self-limiting nature of colic.

2. Comfort measures

Massage your baby's back while holding them across your arm or lap. The pressure against their stomach may provide some relief. Place them in their cot on their back if they fall asleep this way.

Swaddling them in a warm blanket or giving them a warm bath are other options. so that they feel safe and warm.

3. Change in feeding technique

Ensure that your baby is getting enough to eat and that he or she is burping frequently during and after feeding to release any trapped air in their stomach. While feeding, try to keep your infant in a vertical (sitting up) position.

4. Reduction of allergens from the mothers’s diet

Breastfeeding moms can try changing their diet to avoid foods that might cause an increase in the baby's colic.

Common allergens include dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, wheat and shellfish.

They can work with a doctor to identify possible triggers and might need to temporarily cut out certain foods to see if it helps the baby. Afterwards, they can gradually reintroduce foods to check if any make the colic worse.

5. Changes for bottle-fed infants

• Use anti-colic bottles or nipples: Anti-colic bottles aim to minimize the air a baby ingests during feeding, which may help ease colic symptoms.
  
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• Switch to a hydrolyzed formula: Transitioning to a special "hydrolyzed formula" could be beneficial. This formula contains proteins that are partially broken down, making it easier for a baby's stomach to digest. It could be helpful for babies who have trouble with regular cow's milk-based formula. 
  
  Before making this switch, consult a doctor to ensure it's suitable for your baby.
  
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6. Probiotics

Probiotics are good living bacteria that can help restore the balance of gut bacteria in colicky newborns. Several studies have shown that certain probiotic strains (such as lactobacillus reuteri) can reduce crying time and improve overall colic symptoms. However, before giving your baby any medication, consult with your pediatrician.

Probiotics are great for older kids too. Learn more about the benefits of including probiotics in your child’s diet.
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7. Medications:

The following medications are prescribed to help soothe your baby's discomfort:

• Simethicone: This medication is readily available for the management of colic as it prevents the formation of gas bubbles. It also helps reduce crying spells in some babies.
  
  

• Dicyclomine Hydrochloride: This medicine relaxes stomach muscles and was earlier tried for colic. However, it is contraindicated in infants younger than six months because of side effects like drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, and apnea.

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Home-care For Colic

While colic can be distressing for both the infant and the parents, the following tips can help you make it more manageable. 

1. General tips

• Warm bath: A warm bath can help calm an infant's digestive tract and relieve colic. Fill a bathtub halfway with warm water and gently massage your baby's abdomen.
  
  
• Massage: Massage might also assist to alleviate colic symptoms. Massage your baby's tummy in a gentle, circular motion, beginning at the navel and progressing outward.
  
  
• Paddling exercise: Bicycling a baby’s legs can help him to pass gas. Lay your baby in a supine position, hold their ankle very gently and start pressing one leg towards their tummy. Hold every time you press their ankle for a few seconds and then release.
  
  
• Kangaroo Care: It is a method of care for preterm infants. The method involves infants being carried, usually by the mother, with skin-to-skin contact. It helps calm and soothe a baby.
  
  
• Keep a routine: Establishing a routine can help your baby feel more secure and may help reduce their colic symptoms. Try to stick to a consistent feeding, sleeping, and playtime schedule.
  
  
• Feed: Try to feed your baby before they become overly hungry or distressed. Overfeeding can exacerbate colic symptoms. 
  
  
• Experiment with feeding: If you're breastfeeding, try adjusting your diet to see if it affects your baby's colic symptoms. If you're formula-feeding, talk to your pediatrician about trying different types of formula.
  
  
• Try a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help soothe and calm a fussy baby. However, make sure to use a pacifier only after breastfeeding to avoid nipple confusion.
  
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• Soothe your baby: Try different soothing techniques to help your baby feel more comfortable, such as gentle rocking, swaying, or carrying them in a baby carrier. 
  
  
• Pleasant sounds: Try using something in your child's room that makes a soothing sound, such as a fan, or a heartbeat CD. It may also calm a fussy baby and promote sleep.
  
  
• Check for medical issues: Colic can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue, so it's important to have your baby evaluated by a pediatrician to rule out any problems.
  
  
• Take a break for yourself : Caring for a colicky baby can be exhausting, so make sure to take breaks whenever you can. Ask for help from friends or family members, or consider hiring a babysitter or nanny for a few hours to give you a break.
  

2. Herbal remedies

Some herbal remedies have been used traditionally since ages. You can try them to soothe your baby’s colic. Do consult with your child’s pediatrician before trying them.

1. Herbal infused water

Several herbs including peppermint (pudina), chamomile, lemon balm, fennel and licorice are thought to be helpful for colic. These herbs may help calm the infant and reduce abdominal distension.

How to use

Prepare a calming herbal infusion by boiling a suitable quantity of these herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool. Offer a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) to your baby using a dropper or baby bottle.

2. Hing (asafetida)

This spice is traditionally used as a digestive aid. 

How to use

Apply one teaspoon of water with a pinch of hing around the baby's navel. You can also apply the Hing roll-on. It is quick, easy, and safe to use.

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Does your baby also cry inconsolably? Listen to our expert discuss the various causes and remedies of colic. Watch Now

Alternative Therapies For Colic

There are several alternative therapies that may help alleviate colic symptoms in infants. Here are some of them:

1. Homeopathy

Some parents turn to homeopathic preparations, including gripe water, which is believed to ease digestive discomfort.  But it's essential to consult a qualified homeopath and a pediatrician before using any such remedies.

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2. Acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology

Gentle pressure on specific points on the body, such as the feet, might be used to promote relaxation and potentially alleviate colic discomfort.