Colic - Causes, Symptoms, Tips, Treatment, And Home Remedies
Colic - Causes, Symptoms, Tips, Treatment, And Home Remedies
Colic is an excessive and inconsolable crying of the baby which lasts for many hours a day and usually starts between the second and sixth week after the birth. If a baby cries more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks he/she may have colic. Colic is not a disease but it affects some babies during the first 3 to 4 months of their life. It usually strikes more often in the afternoon or in the evening. Colic usually goes away on its own by age 3 to 4 months. A baby with colic doesn't mean that he or she is unhealthy.
Causes of Colic
Some of the possible reasons that can cause colic are:
- A digestive system that is not fully developed.
- Immature Nervous System
- Overfeeding
- Underfeeding
- Sensitivity to breast milk
- Allergy to certain proteins in formula
- Not burping after a feeding
- Intestinal Gas
Signs and Symptoms of Colic
The signs and symptoms of colic are described below:- If a healthy baby starts crying for no obvious reason.
- If the baby cries at the same time every day without any reason.
- If the baby has a bright red face.
- If the baby has a tight belly.
- If the baby clenches his/her fist while crying.
- If the baby curls his/her legs towards belly while crying.
- Colic baby seems fussy and gassy.
- Colic babies don't sleep well.
Treatment of Colic
There are many tips by which you can soothe your colic baby.Tips to soothe a crying baby or to relieve colic
Follow these tips to soothe your crying baby or to relieve colic:- Gently rub your baby's stomach in a clockwise direction as intestines also work in the clockwise direction.
- Feed your baby in an upright position.
- Burp your baby after every feeding.
- Hold your baby upright after feeding.
- Gently massage your baby's abdominal area.
- Breastfeeding mothers don't have to eat those foods which are gassy.
- A breastfeeding mother has to make sure that one breast is finished before offering the other.
- Bottle-fed babies can have allergy with the ingredients present in their formula. Switch to another formula in such a condition.
Colic is temporary and doesn't cause any health problems to the baby. A baby with colic is healthy. Try to stay calm if your baby has colic as it will last for a few months and remember it's not your fault.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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