Colic Is Upsetting For Parents, Harmless for Baby - Health Tips

Colic Is Upsetting For Parents, Harmless for Baby

According to Boys Town Pediatrics, around 10% of all babies experience colic, a condition resulting in unexplained bouts of crying that usually last one to two hours at a time. Colic usually begins before the age of two weeks, and normally ends by 3 months of age.

Although colic is upsetting for parents and caretakers, it is harmless to the baby. Babies with colic tend to cry for extended periods

with no apparent reason, such as hunger, overheating, or pain, yet are usually consolable when held.

The cause of colic is not known, however, we do know that it is not caused by excessive gas or abdominal pain, a common misconception of many parents. It also is important for parents to realize that colic is not the result of bad parenting, and they should not blame themselves.

Although the crying of a baby with colic can’t be eliminated, certain treatments can considerably reduce the minutes of crying per day. Boys Town Pediatrics suggests trying these simple home care treatments:

Soothe your baby. Cuddle in a rocking chair, rock him in a cradle, place her in a frontpack or pouch, go for a stroller ride, place him in a windup swing or vibrating chair.
Let your baby cry himself to sleep. If after 30 minutes, none of these measures quiet your baby, and he has been fed recently, he is probably trying to go to sleep. Minimize outside stimuli. Wrap him in a light blanket and place him on his side or back in his crib. Leave the room. If he cries for over fifteen minutes, pick him up and try the soothing activities suggested again.
Encourage nighttime sleep, rather than daytime sleep. Try to keep your baby from sleeping long periods during the day. If she has slept three hours, gently awaken her. This will help shorten the length of time she is awake at night.
Don’t feed your baby every time he cries. Because it takes more than two hours for the stomach to empty, wait at least that long between feedings or your baby may experience cramps from bloating. Also, avoid caffeine products and other stimulants if you are nursing.
Avoid fatigue and exhaustion. Constant crying can drive any person to desperation. Nap when your baby naps. Ask someone else, such as your spouse, friend or relative, for help with other children and chores. Hire a sitter so you can get away to clear your mind. Talk to other mothers about your feelings.

Talking to your baby’s physician about your concerns can help ease the stresses caused by colic. If your baby cries constantly for more than two hours, is less than one month old and acts sick, or you are afraid your might hurt your baby he/she doesn’t stop crying, be sure to call your pediatrician right away.