If your baby is bottle-fed, it may help to use a curved bottle. This lets you hold your baby in an upright position. To reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding, burp your baby often.
Using a bottle with a collapsible bag or liner may also help. Learning how to understand your baby's cry can help in dealing with colic. It takes some time for parents and babies to get used to each other.
If you breastfeed your baby, the provider may suggest that you avoid foods that are likely to cause an allergic reaction. This means that you should not have milk, eggs, nuts, or wheat for a period of time. Dealing with a colicky baby is stressful. It may help to let someone care for your baby from time to time. Ask an adult family member, friend, or a responsible babysitter. Taking care of yourself and reducing your stress level may help your baby as well. Having a colicky baby can be very stressful for parents.
It can make you feel tired, guilty, and even depressed. Your baby's healthcare provider can suggest some things to do that may help to calm your baby.
It will go away on its own, often by age 3 months. In most cases it is gone by age 6 months. If possible, have someone else watch your baby when you become stressed. If no one else is available, make sure your baby is safe and go into another room. Distract yourself from your baby's cries.
Crying will not hurt your baby. Some communities have free or low-cost care called respite nurseries. You can leave your baby there for short periods of time. Call your child's healthcare provider if you see any of these symptoms. Also call if your baby is crying too much.
Your child's provider will give your baby an exam. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes colic? Colic may occur when babies: Are sensitive and have trouble adjusting to the world. After birth, newborns must get used to lights, loud noises, and other new things around them. But babies have different personalities temperaments.
Some infants can handle these things well. Crying may be one way for a baby to show his or her feelings while getting used to the world. Are unable to calm themselves. Some babies seem very sensitive to stimulation. Their nervous system is still developing is immature. As babies get a little older, they are better able to control their nervous system. As this happens, colic goes away.
Other theories about what causes colic are less likely. These include: Being sensitive to gas. Some people think that gas may be to blame for colic.
In fact, treating gas has no effect on colic. Sometimes a colicky baby may seem to pass more gas than other babies do. Nemours Foundation. Petzoldt J et al. Maternal anxiety disorders predict excessive infant crying: a prospective longitudinal study. Arch Dis Child 99 9 Sung V. Lactobacillus reuteri to treat infant colic: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics 1. Colic excessive crying in infants Beyond the Basics.
Karisa Ding is a freelance health writer and editor with expertise in preconception, pregnancy, and parenting content. A mother of two, Ding finds great joy in supporting new and expectant parents by providing information they need for the life-changing journey ahead. Ding lives in San Francisco with her family. Join now to personalize. Colicky babies cry for hours on end despite being healthy, fed, and dry. Colic usually starts when a baby is about 2 weeks old and ends by 4 months.
Talk to your baby's doctor about the crying. He may want to check for a medical reason. Try white noise, rocking, swaddling, massage, and holding your baby upright during feedings. Your well-being is important, too. Ask friends and family for help. Photo credit: Katie Rain for BabyCenter. What is colic? What are the symptoms of colic? How long does colic last? What causes colic?
Should I take my baby to the doctor if I think he has colic? How to soothe a baby with colic Are there any medicines or supplements that ease colic? How to cope with your baby's crying and stay sane. Excessive crying, often at the same time of day usually in the late afternoon or evening Cries that are louder and higher-pitched than normal.
Your baby may sound like she's in pain. Inconsolableness, despite your efforts to soothe Crying episodes that start and end suddenly Signs of tummy trouble: Babies suffering from a gassy tummy or other gastrointestinal problems can become very upset.
To make matters worse, a baby with colic often swallows air when she cries, contributing to the gas problem. The possibilities include: Smoking. We do know that babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy or postpartum are at increased risk of colic although this risk is reduced if the baby is breastfed.
Some experts believe that long bouts of colicky crying are a physical release for sensitive babies. By the time evening rolls around, they say, these babies just can't handle any more sights, sounds, or sensations, and so they become distraught and cry.
Tummy problems. Other experts think that gastrointestinal factors a gassy tummy , under- or overfeeding, or an immature digestive system can play a role in colic symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux GERD. This condition, also known as acid reflux, might lead to colic symptoms.
If your baby spits up often and seems uncomfortable or isn't growing as expected, visit the doctor and let her know about your concerns. Gut bacteria. Another theory is that colic may be caused by an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the intestines. Studies have shown that infants with colic have different intestinal microflora than those who don't suffer from colic. Higher serotonin levels. Researchers have found that some colicky babies produce more serotonin — a chemical that helps the brain communicate with the body and also causes intestinal muscles to contract.
More research is needed on the link between serotonin and colic. Early migraine. Some studies suggest that colic is a foreshadowing of migraines later in childhood. Researchers aren't sure if colic is an early symptom of childhood migraine or if babies with colic share a genetic trait with those who get childhood migraines. Family stress. Researchers have found an association between moms who suffer from anxiety disorders and babies who cry excessively.
There may also be a link between colic and emotional tension or depression in pregnancy , and even between paternal depression and colic. If you're struggling with anxiety or depression , reaching out for support can help both you and your baby. How to soothe a baby with colic If the doctor thinks your baby has colic, follow her suggestions for comforting your baby.
You can also try these tips: Gentle massage. You can also search online for soothing sounds like rainfall or other constant, natural noise. Are there any medicines or supplements that ease colic?
Don't give your baby any of these in an effort to calm her down: Infant cereal or other solid foods. Your infant baby isn't ready to digest solid food, and giving it to her won't help her feel better. Medications s uch as antispasmodics or antihistamines. These can be unsafe for your baby. Herbal teas or supplements.
Some studies show that certain herbs, including gripe water, can relieve colic, but they can also be unsafe because the strength, dosage, and quality of the herbs can't be guaranteed. That's why many experts advise against giving herbs to your baby, while others recommend that you only do so under the guidance of your baby's doctor. Talk with your doctor before giving your baby anything other than breast milk or formula.
How to cope with your baby's crying and stay sane An inconsolable baby is a tough trial for a new parent. Also keep in mind: It's not personal When your baby rejects your attempts to console her or seems angry with you, remind yourself that she's too young to comprehend the concept of blame. His website offers a item list of colic symptoms including an infant's refusal to sleep on their back, scratching the face or pulling hair, wincing, crying with their eyes closed, and not wanting to take a pacifier.
It typically peaks at six to eight weeks and subsides by three to four months. Colic is largely a medical mystery but there are several theories about what causes the condition; one school of though says colic is an imbalance of melatonin and serotonin in the brain, according to Parents.
Serotonin which is highest in the evening can cause stomach muscles to contract and cramp; this resolves itself when babies start producing more melatonin which relaxes the muscles. Keep in mind, this is just one theory of many. The good news is that most research points to colic resolving itself around the three to four month mark, so hang in there!
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