Colic in Babies
Infant colic (also known as baby colic and three month colic) is when an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods, without any obvious reason. The cause of colic is not definite but there are several theories. If there appears to be no other reason for the crying, we can consider a baby “colicky” if she cries intensely more than three days a week, for more than three hours, for more than three weeks in a month.
Colic is one of the mysteries of nature. Nobody knows what it really is, but everyone has an opinion. In the typical situation, the baby starts to have crying periods about two to three weeks after birth. These occur mainly in the evening, and finally stop when the baby is about three months of age (occasionally older). When the baby cries, he is often inconsolable, though if he is walked, rocked or taken for a drive, he may settle temporarily. For a baby to be called colicky, it is necessary that he be gaining weight well and be otherwise healthy. The notion of colic has been extended to include almost any fussiness or crying in the baby, and this may be valid since we do not really know what colic is.
How will I know if my baby has excessive wind or colic?
- they may have a bluish tinge on the skin notable between their top lip and nose (not lips!)
- may grimace and look like they are smiling but appear uncomfortable.
- your baby is restless or crying and may be pulling legs up to their tummy
- Colic can start within two to four weeks after birth and may last for up to three months.
- Baby cries loudly, often for two to three hours and can’t be comforted.
- Baby often cries at roughly the same time and usually once or twice a day.
- Bowel pains.
- Baby pulls his feet up under his body and clenches his fists.
- Some babies’ stomachs rumble severely and they produce a lot of wind.
Symptoms not associated with colic include diarrhea, vomiting or a raised temperature. If your baby suffers from any of these or if you are uncertain whether your baby is suffering from colic you should see your Wellchild Provider, GP or midwife.
This can be a very distressing time for everyone, exasperated by tiredness and an increasing feeling of helplessness. It is important to use your support network if you suspect a colicky baby. Have baby checked by your midwife or GP to rule out other causes of crying.
It is not your fault that your baby has excess wind, and unfortunately there is no cure. However, try to keep calm. Forget about the housework and being a super mum, you’ll need to save your energy for your baby,
Enlist the help of your partner/mum/sister/friend/coffee group. Anyone you trust can hold your crying baby and sing to her, allowing you to have a break.
Here are some other ways you can help your baby:
Parents tend to work out what helps the crying and screaming. Whilst there doesn’t seem to be a complete fix-it remedy, the following list provides lots of ways to soothe the baby for short periods of time. Of particular mention is the rocking of cradles or prams, plus motion from car rides always tend to provide some relief.
- massage
- rocking
- the sound of the vacuum cleaner
- vibration
- going for a drive in the car
- a warm bath
- burping your baby after feeds
- placing your baby across your lap on its belly and rubbing baby’s back
- playing music
- talking soothingly
- changing her position
- taking her outside
- placing your baby in a nice, quiet environment away from noise or people
Sometimes just picking your baby up will help these little bubbles to escape. Or try a few of these ideas: have your baby upright against your chest, looking over your shoulder, have your baby ‘sitting’ on your knee with his chin in your hand. Also try your baby face down across your lap.
Do keep an eye on your babies facial expression in between back rubs. Don’t pat your baby’s back, but rub it gently.
Don’t always expect a big burp – just a small gurgle in his tummy could be a sign that any wind has escaped. And wind can also be passed into the nappy!
Some life-saving tips:
- Plan ahead! Your baby may require your undivided attention for several hours, so keep them free! At the time it may seem that it will never end, but feel confident in the knowledge that it will pass! Be creative, the rest of the family can eat tea and have baths at 3pm for a few months
- Don’t try and blame people or things. Colic has been a problem for years, with no cure being found. There is no evidence that certain foods (in breastfeeding mums) will cause colic, that medicines will help, or that switching to formula will help.
- look after yourself. Eat well and have healthy snacks on hand. Above all else, maintain breast feeding on demand. Breast milk does not cause colic.
- if the baby is bottle fed, check the formula is made up correctly. Stop the baby once or twice during the feed to burp him or her. Discuss with your Plunket nurse or doctor whether you should change the brand of the formula you are using (but don’t go doing this yourself without guidance as this could possibly upset your baby more)
- babies under four months old do not require solid foods. Introducing solids will not improve colic and may cause other health problems for your child
- buy or borrow a carrying device such as a front pack or sling in which to carry your baby. This allows you to get on with some activities and makes your baby feel safe and secure.
- colic is a painful and frightening experience for your baby. To reassure the baby, hold or carry him or her as much as you can. Play soothing music and keep the lights dimmed. Explain to any other children that the baby has a sore tummy and needs to have some quiet time. Handle the baby smoothly and speak quietly. A warm bath during this time may help
- ask for and accept all offers of help – caring for a baby with colic is not a one person job. Men can be especially helpful in soothing a colicky child. They don’t smell like milk and they have great strength to rock a baby!!!
Can gripe water and other medications help?
Infacol contains simethicone. This is an ‘anti-foaming agent’ that works by allowing the gas to be released in larger bubbles rather than lots of smaller bubbles that can get trapped in the stomach. Use the dropper included to accurately administer this medication.
Gripe water is an old-fashioned remedy containing herbs (dill, fennel, ginger etc) and sodium bicarbonate. The herbs are said to warm the baby’s tummy and break down air bubbles while sodium bicarbonate neutralises acid. This used to contain alcohol (it doesn’t any more) and some people believe this is why it used to work!! But some parents do swear by it, you may find its worth a go (its in the baby aisle of the supermarket).
There are also other natural remedies such as Weledas’ colic powder and Naturopharms ColiMed. Talk to your naturopath or pharmacist before using on young babies.
Just remember that its not forever. Crying periods each day are balanced by non-crying periods – take advantage of these to rest!! The colic will soon pass and your baby will be fine.
(Bibliography for Colic Article:
http://www.bflrc.com/newman/handouts/0501-HO02-Colic_in_the_Breastfed_Baby.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_colic
http://www.thelaboroflove.com/forum/homeo/colic.html
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/babycolic.htm
http://www.midwivesonline.com/parents/parents.php?id=71&tid=PARENTS1HOME
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/health/wind/
http://www.littlies.co.nz/page.asp?id=191
http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-276f778d-1148-4899-9226-c3f8986744f1.aspx
And all the fantastic mothers who support MummyandTummy – special thanks to you!
