If your baby is crying relentlessly and you’ve tried everything from the binky to a bottle and a bath, you may start worrying that your baby has colic. About one-quarter of all babies have colic, which is defined as a crying that lasts for three or more hours a day, three days or more per week over a period of more than three weeks’ time. Other than crying, a baby must be healthy and well-fed to be considered colicky.
Colic usually begins within the second or third week of life and begins to taper off once the baby is about & 3-months-old. The crying episodes tend to start around the same time each day, which is usually later in the day or early evening. There are no known causes of colic and there are no differences between those who had the crying fits as a baby and those who did not later in life. Colic affects boys and girls equally. There have been some theories as to what triggers the crying fits, like acid reflux, digestive problems, gas and temperament, but none have panned out true causes.
Unfortunately, there is no surefire cure for colic. The best you can do is attempt to soothe the baby and try to shorten the crying session’s length. Some ways to do this include:
- bathe the baby
- burp the baby
- feed the baby
- give the baby a pacifier
- massage the baby
- play music
- sing to the baby
- swaddle the baby
- swing the baby
- take the baby for a ride
- try a new nipple on the baby’s bottle
- try changing the baby’s formula, or your diet if you breast-feed
Colic is a difficult condition for any parent to deal with. Be sure to seek out the support of your family and friends as well as that of your partner. In addition, try to join a group of mothers currently dealing with colic so you feel less alone. If you think your baby’s colic is not getting better or is causing health problems, be sure to contact your physician.
Aricka Flowers
(photo credit: dmatos)
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Fri, Apr 10, 2009
Children's Health