Colic |
Colic |
Definition |
Colic is spasms of abdominal pain and cramping in infants and is shown by loud piercing crying, drawing the legs up to the abdomen, passing gas, and clenching fists. It usually begins between birth and two weeks of age and persists until 3-4 months of age. It often occurs at the same time every day, such as when mom is preparing dinner. A colicky, crying, irritable baby can have an intense emotional impact on the parent-child attachment and family relationships. Parents often mention daily routine that is full of feelings of frustration, anger, despair, and helplessness. A vicious cycle results in which the parent's own anxiety may be transferred to the infant, and this, in turn, causes more tension, irritablility, and crying. |
Causes |
Although the basic cause of colic is unknown, there are many theories. No one theory applies to all infants. It is believed that too rapid feeding, overeating, swallowing excessive air, improper feeding techniques (especially positioning and burping), and tension between the parent and child may be causes. Colic may be a sign of cow's milk allergy or intolerance, so eliminating cow's milk from the diet of the baby and breastfeeding mother may relieve symptoms. Parents smoking has also been associated with colic. |
Relieving colic |
Place the infant on his or her stomach over a covered hot-water bottle, heated towel, or covered heating pad. Be sure the temperature isn't hot enough to burn the baby. Massage the baby's abdomen. Respond immediately to the crying. Change the infant's position frequently. Walk with the baby face down with his body across the parent's arm and the parent's hand under the abdomen applying gentle pressure. Use a front carrier like a Snugglie for carrying the baby, and carry him more frequently. Swaddle the baby tightly with a soft, stretchy blanket. Place the baby in a wind-up swing. Take the baby for car rides or outside for a change of environment. Buy a device to put in the crib that resembles the vibration and sound of a car ride or plays soothing sounds such as "in utero" sounds. Give smaller, more frequent feedings. Burp during and after feedings using the shoulder position. Place the baby in an upright position after feeding. Give a pacifier for added sucking. In breastfed infants, have the mother avoid all milk products for a trial period of at least 5 days. If this relieves colic, the mother may need to take a calcium supplement. If household members smoke, avoid smoking in the house or near the infant. The parent, especially the mother, should arrange for someone else to care for the baby periodically so she can leave the house and have some free time. If colic is noticed to occur at the same time everyday, such as when preparing dinner, try preparing dinner earlier. If nothing reduces the crying, place the baby in the crib and allow to cry. Periodically hold and comfort the child and then put him down again. Take the baby to a doctor for evaluation. |
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