What is colic in babies?
Colic in babies is defined as the intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain, according to Mayo Clinic. While most sources unanimously conclude that the cause is unknown, they all agree that is mostly due to pain or discomfort related to the digestive system. Colic in babies is the inconsolable crying for thre or more hours. Colic is, first of all, heartbreaking for parents. Second, disruptive for siblings and the whole family. Last, one can only imagine what kind of pain the infant must have. Here is a list of symptoms so you can identify if your baby has colic.
- Intense crying, screaming or an expression of pain
- Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished
- Predictable timing (often in the evening)
- Red face or paler skin around the mouth
- Bodily tension, such as pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or tense abdomen
Tips to stop colic
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- According to numerous sites, picking up a baby may help calm colic. Doctor Robert Hamilton made a video on how to stop a baby from crying. He basically, holds the baby in an upright position, gently rocks him up and down. Voilá! Baby stops crying.
- Dr. Liji Thomas from New Medical states that colic is thought to be due to swallowed air. A baby may also cry due to hunger and therefore swallowing a lot of air right before feeding. Adjusting the feeding schedules, so that you start the feedings before the baby cries, and using an air-free feeding system will help solve that problem.
- Studies show that by feeding the baby in vertical-upright position, with air-free milk and let the baby control the flow and pace can exponentially minimize feeding discomfort. This is the case of Ola who was able to stop her baby’s colic at once.