Colic Baby Solution

Getting To The Bottom of Colic

About 1 in 6 of all babies experience colic. And what is colic? It’s usually identified when babies cry for long periods of time, with no identifiable cause, and seem absolutely inconsolable. Many site digestive issues as the main cause of colic, although the real cause of colic remains a medical mystery. One thing is certain: The stress of colic not only affects the infants it strikes, but it can have a debilitating effect on the parents who deal with it, too. It’s an overwhelming and often discouraging experience. The good news is that, if the cause of your baby’s crying is ONLY colic, there is no real physical danger involved, and the symptoms of colic are only temporary.

Colic’s Roots
As mentioned above, although the theories of colic and its causes abound, pediatricians and researchers cannot agree on one specific cause of colic. Some point to the nature of the baby in question – is he/she particularly sensitive? – while others swear that the root cause of colic is a digestive and/or dietary issue.

Colic’s Indicators
While the cause remains undetermined, the symptoms of colic are easily identifiable. First of all, colic generally strikes within the first 4 months of a baby’s life. Here are some clues you should keep an eye out for:
• Your little one cries in the “Rule of 3’s”: For at least 3 hours, at least 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks.
• Your baby’s crying bouts generally take place in the evening hours (and often right after eating). .
• Colic bouts of crying are often punctuated by gas or a bowel movement.
• Your baby’s face reddens or loses color because of the intensity of his crying.
• Your infant draws in her legs, squeezing her fists tight during her colic bouts.

Colic and Gas
Colic and gas are inextricably linked, even though there is much debate as to whether gas is actually the cause of colic. There is no evidence that burping and gas relief are cures for colic. In general, gassiness and the need to be burped are not signs of a major digestive problem (and again, they do not always indicate the presence of colic).

Can Colic Be Avoided?
It seems that you can’t necessarily “avoid” your baby getting colic, but some parents say that simple changes in feeding patterns can make a world of difference. For example:
• Try a different position when feeding your baby – perhaps holding her upright.
• Burp your infant more frequently
• Try giving your baby smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of fewer/larger meals.
• In order to avoid extra swallowed air pockets, slow down your baby’s eating process.
• Make some simple dietary changes. If your baby eats formula, try switching to a soy-free or dairy-free version. Or make those changes in your own diet if you’re breastfeeding, cutting back on your own dairy intake, as well as spicy or caffeinated foods.
Many parents claim that dairy leads to sensitivity or even allergic reactions when included in their babies’ diets. Infants may be less-equipped to handle lactose because they haven’t developed enough of the natural enzymes in their digestive tracts that are necessary to digesting the proteins in cow’s milk. Breast milk contains a more-tolerable level of lactose.

Overcoming Colic
While there is no medical “cure” for colic, many natural remedies seem to be effective in calming the crying that comes with colic. First and foremost, shaking your baby is very dangerous and will never help matters – it will only make them worse. Be patient and if you are ever concerned that you might harm your little one because of your frustration levels, seek help immediately. Take breaks whenever needed and ask for help from your partner, family, friends, or trusted neighbors.
If you’ve come to the conclusion that your baby does indeed have colic, talk to your doctor. Many doctors, after checking to assure you that your little one isn’t suffering from a more serious medical condition or disorder, will offer the same advice about dealing with colic: You can’t cure it, but you can calm it. Many recommend using the 5 S’s described in Dr. Harvey Karp’s DVD, The Happiest Baby on the Block..

“Dr. Karp’s work is fascinating. It will guide new parents for many years to come.” —Julius Richmond, MD, Harvard Medical School, former US Surgeon General
“…the best way I know to help crying babies.” —Steven Shelov, MD, editor-in-chief, American Academy of Pediatrics’ Caring for Your New Baby and Young Child: Birth to Five

Sometimes the solution is YOU. Simply showering some extra affection, spending extra time “shushing” and doting on your little one, can create a soothing effect, especially if done in a cool and quiet room.
Snug swaddling in a big, thin blanket and jiggly motion (fast but no ore than 1” back and forth) can help. Try putting him in the car seat for a car ride or holding him while sitting on top of a running washer or dryer. Those small repetitive motions can be very soothing. As for the sound, white noise is key. Strong womb like white noise can help . CD are particularly useful because they can be used in the car or on trips to keep your baby calm an dsleeping well.
(The stream of constant sound can also have a calming effect. On you!)

Tags: Colic