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Colic

Colic affects 1 in 5 babies and normally lasts until the baby is 3 or 4 months old. Colic is the abnormal crying of an otherwise healthy baby. Crying through colic will normally last more than 3 hours a day even though the baby is fed, rested and changed.

A baby with colic may be perfectly healthy in every way and will gain weight as normal, colic does not cause any long-term problems for the baby. Colic affects both boys and girls equally.

The cause of Colic is not really known and most people associate it with abdominal pains. The baby will lift it's legs towards it's tummy and may become red in the face whilst crying/screaming incessantly.

Colic is normally worse in the early evening at which time the crying will become more intense. Normal methods of comforting a baby do not work and it can be a very stressful time for the parents and family.

Treatment of Colic is very much trial and error. Any of the following points can be tried, all may not work

  • Wind your baby often to ensure no gas is trapped in their stomach
  • Keep the baby moving - car ride, buggy, swing
  • Carry the baby with you in a sling or back pack
  • Gentle stomach and/or back rubs
  • A warm bath
  • Remove lactose from their diet. Buy lactose free formula or give your baby lactase if breastfeeding (Always consult your Doctor first)
  • If Breastfeeding cut back on certain vegetables including cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower
  • If Breastfeeding cut back on spicy foods
  • Try a medicine such as Infacol, this helps to relieve trapped wind. (Always consult your Doctor first)

Colic will not harm your baby but may cause you a great deal of stress. If you are finding it hard to cope with your baby's continual crying then try and seek help. Share the difficult times with your partner and make sure you both get some time away from the crying. Try and ask family and friends to come and comfort the baby at the most difficult times. If you do need help contact CRY-SIS which is a helpline for families having difficulty with a crying baby on 020 7404 5011.

NOTE: The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.



 

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