The baby is finally here. But instead of enjoying with your child, you both have to struggle with painful and stressful colic’s. Those first days with your child can be very anxious if your child has colic.
Colic can be upsetting for you and your baby, but the comforting fact is definitely the fact that those types of cramps are usually short-lived. After only a few weeks or months one of the first major challenges of parenting will be behind you.
How to recognize colic?
Restlessness and crying are normal for infants and do not necessarily mean that your baby has colic. In otherwise healthy, well-fed babies, colic can be recognized for the predictable crying, about the same time each day, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
Episodes of crying can last from a few minutes to three hours. The crying usually begins suddenly and for no apparent reason. Your baby may have a bowel movement or gases near the end of the crying.
Crying is often very intense, and your child is often clenching its fists, crunches its abdominal muscles and has curled feet.
Colic affects as many as 25% of children. They usually start a few weeks after birth, and often go to the age of 4-5 months.
The causes of colic
The actual cause of colic is unknown. Scientists have explored numerous options, including allergies, lactose intolerance, immature digestive system, the mother’s anxiety, differences in the way the baby food or comforts … However, it is still unclear why some babies have colic and others do not.
Treatment of colic
Colic’s will pass by themselves, usually after the child turns 3 months of age. In the meantime, try to adjust to your baby as soon as you can. Explore various options and see which one works the best for your baby. Bear in mind that you have to stay calm in order to act the best way you can. Being calm is the only situation in which you can help your baby.
If you are breastfeeding, try the diet out dairy products, citrus fruits, spicy foods or drinks that contain caffeine. If you are not breastfeeding, you can try a new type of bottle or other baby food manufacturer.
Some babies respond well to vibrations, so you can try with vibrating seat for infants. Massage, cuddling, singing, warm bath and rocking babies have a soothing effect and can help reduce the pain.