Many family members may become upset and the family environment is stressful when a baby has colic. But what is colic? Colic is an uncontrollable crying of a healthy baby. He is considered colicky if your baby is younger than 5 months and cries for more than three hours. On the other hand, colic is not a disease and will not cause your baby any harm but colic is a tough thing to go through for babies and parents.
What are the symptoms of colic?
If your baby is colicky, you may notice that his cries are louder and higher pitched than his normal crying. Your baby may also show signs of a gassy tummy. You may also notice that your colicky baby clenches his fists and pulls himself up.
How long does colic last?
Thankfully, colic tends to peak around 6 weeks and will improve between 3 to 4 months. At the age of 4 months, 80 to 90 percent of infants are over with colic. In the meantime, parents should learn how to comfort their baby and ask for help when you need it. Having and taking care a colicky baby is a very stressful thing to do and parents should take a regular break to maintain their well-being.
Why are some babies colicky?
Colic is one of the greatest mysteries of baby life. There is no definite answer why some babies are more prone to colic than others. Babies who are born to mothers who smoke during or after pregnancy has a bigger chance to be colicky. It is also said that colic is caused by an imbalanced healthy bacteria found in the intestines.
Should I take my baby to the doctor if I suspect that he has colic?
Taking your baby to the doctor is a very good idea most especially if you suspect that he has colic. It is good to talk with a doctor about your baby’s crying condition. The doctor will examine and will find out the possible causes why your baby is crying. Your baby might have intestinal problems or urinary infections. If your baby has a fever, vomiting, or bloody stools, call his doctor right away.
Can a food allergy cause colic?
One of the most important things the doctor will consider is whether your baby might have an allergy to cow milk’s protein. Your baby’s doctor might recommend watching to hydrolysate formula. If cow milk’s protein is the cause of your baby’s problem, his symptoms will improve a week after the change in formula.
On the other hand, if your baby is breastfed, a non-dairy diet is worth a try. Ask your doctor about cutting back on milk, cheese, and yogurt for a couple of weeks to see if there is a difference on your baby’s condition.
What to do when you are stressed out?
It is a challenge if you have a baby with colic. It is common and normal for you to feel angry or resentful toward your baby but you don’t have to feel guilty about it. Everyone has this feeling sometimes. It is okay to leave the baby in his crib or pen for a short time to collect yourself.