Infant Colic: Ways to soothe

Colic is a broad term, which is defined by its symptoms rather than a particular cause. It is characterized by a pattern of regular, intense, inconsolable crying at a particular time each day, usually in the evening.

The exact cause of colic is still unknown but there are many viewpoints on why a baby might have colic. Many doctors believe that colic is caused from an immature digestive system. However, some experts suggest that the stomach pain is the result of crying rather than the cause.

Since there is no evidence of what the exact cause of colic is, there is no one easy solution to help parents comfort their baby through an episode of crying.

The most common symptoms associated with colic are loud and continuous crying that can last from one hour to three hours at a time.

How to help:

Always ask for medical advice the first time the baby screams inconsolably. Colic isn’t harmful, but one might misdiagnose it and miss other serious symptoms.

Once the doctor confirms that the baby has colic then all one can do is to try their best to keep the baby calm and comfortable through an episode of crying.

Here are a few methods that may make the baby feel more comfortable.

• If you’re breastfeeding, try to eliminate dairy products from your diet along with other foods like onions, cabbage, cauliflower, spicy foods, caffeine, beans or other gas producing foods. However, before doing so, check with your doctor.

• Make sure you burp the infant frequently.

• Don’t overfeed the baby; this may actually worsen the situation.

• Take the baby to a part of the house that will provide less stimulation. Bright lights, noise, or a large number of people may further aggravate the colic.

• Do whatever you can to try to soothe the baby. Keeping him in motion, offering frequent feeds, may all soothe him for a short while.

Also, keep in mind that after about three or four months of age, the colic will pass. There are no known long term problems associated with colic.