7 Helpful Facts About Colic in Babies

Colic in babies refers to frequent, prolonged, and intense crying spells or fussiness in an otherwise healthy baby. In cases of colic in babies, there may not be any apparent factor causing the baby's crying, and interventions aimed at soothing the baby may not be sufficient to stop the crying. Therefore, colic in babies can be quite challenging for parents.

The uncontrollable crying episodes that occur during colic in babies typically peak around six weeks of age in babies. Between the third and fourth months, the crying spells begin to decrease. If you're curious about questions like: What is colic? What are the symptoms of colic in babies? What causes colic in babies? What is the treatment for colic in babies? You can continue reading for answers.

Symptoms of Colic in Babies

It’s common for babies especially during their first three months to cry often due to reasons like gas, hunger, a wet diaper, or simply wanting comfort. Usually, once these needs are met, the crying stops or lessens. With colic in babies, however, standard soothing methods don’t work, and the baby’s crying can persist for long periods.
Signs that a baby may be experiencing colic include:

• Uncontrollable crying in the form of screams with a painful expression,
• Crying occurring seemingly without any reason even after hunger or diaper changing needs are met,
• Fussiness alongside or without crying,
• Crying attacks usually occurring in the evenings,
• Redness of the skin or changes in skin color,
• Clenched fists and raised legs towards the abdomen with stiffening of the body during crying,
• Intense and uncontrollable crying in babies may indicate.

Sometimes, intense crying in babies can result from pain or discomfort unrelated to colic in babies. If your baby has persistent or severe crying episodes, or if you notice other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and support.

What Causes Colic in Babies?

While there isn't a definitive cause for colic in babies, numerous factors can contribute to its development. Some factors that may contribute include:

• Underdeveloped digestive system,
• Insufficient healthy bacteria in the digestive system,
• Sensitivity to certain foods,
• Inadequate and unbalanced feeding of the baby,
• Stressful family environment,
• Consumption of foods by the mother that the baby is sensitive to.

These factors may contribute to the onset of colic in babies or make existing symptoms worse. Addressing and minimizing these potential triggers is important for helping to prevent or manage the situation.

How to Calm a Colicky Baby?

In cases of colic in babies, uncontrollable crying is common. However, certain methods can help to some extent in calming a colicky baby. These methods include:

• Using a pacifier,
• Taking the baby for a drive in a car or a stroll in a stroller,
• Walking around with the baby or gently rocking them,
• Swaddling the baby in a blanket,
• Giving the baby a warm bath,
• Massaging the baby's tummy or back,
• Playing white noise such as the sound of a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner, reminiscent of sounds in the womb,
• Dimming the lights and limiting other visual stimuli.

By effectively addressing possible causes of discomfort such as gas, hunger, or a wet diaper, you can often help reduce the frequency of crying episodes even in colic in babies.

Treatment for Colicky Babies

Treatment for Colicky Babies

The main goal of treating colic in babies is to eliminate other factors triggering crying and to ensure the baby's comfort. Some methods that can be applied include:

Proper Feeding Practices: In babies breastfed by their mothers, the foods consumed by the mother can affect the baby through breast milk. Therefore, the food choices of the mother are crucial for babies breastfed with breast milk. Paying attention to the foods consumed by the mother, limiting caffeine intake, discontinuing dairy consumption if the baby is allergic, and using medications under the supervision of a doctor may help alleviate symptoms of colic in babies.
Babies fed with formula may be sensitive to certain proteins in the formula. Therefore, changing the formula, trying to feed the baby smaller portions more frequently, ensuring the formula is at body temperature, and feeding the baby in an upright position may contribute to preventing crying spells caused by colic in babies.

Holding the Baby in Proper Positions: Holding or rocking babies in the correct position can help prevent crying spells in cases of colic in babies. Massaging the baby's back, holding the baby in an upright position, and rocking the baby in arms or using a suitable baby swing can help the baby relax. The role of parents is significant in the treatment of colic in babies. Eliminating other factors that may cause the baby to cry can contribute to calming a colicky baby.

7 Helpful Facts About Colic in Babies (for Parents)

1. Colic is usually temporary.
Colic in babies typically begins between 2–5 weeks of age and most often improves by 3–4 months. Knowing this helps parents stay calm and patient during tough times.

2. Signs are distinctive.
Long periods of uncontrollable crying, clenched fists, pulling legs toward the tummy, and a flushed face are common indicators of colic in babies.

3. The cause is unclear multiple factors may play a role.
Experts believe that digestive immaturity, gas, feeding sensitivities, or even family stress may contribute to colic in babies.

4. Feeding matters.
A breastfeeding mother’s diet, formula type, feeding posture, and temperature can all affect colic in babies. Small adjustments often help ease symptoms.

5. Soothing techniques can help.
Rocking, white noise, car rides, swaddling, and warm baths are comforting ways to calm colic in babies and reduce crying spells.

6. Most colic is not a sign of serious disease.
Still, if you notice fever, poor weight gain, or bloody stools, consult a doctor immediately to rule out other causes beyond colic in babies.

7. Parental support is crucial.
Parents need rest, reassurance, and help from family or professionals. Managing colic in babies is easier when caregivers stay calm and supported.

How to Recognize a Colicky Baby?

It's normal for infants to cry due to reasons like gas, hunger, or needing a diaper change. However, colic in babies continues even when all needs are met. Signs include crying for no obvious reason, crying at the same time each day, and appearing distressed. If you notice these symptoms, your baby may have colic in babies.

There’s no specific test for colic in babies instead, doctors diagnose it based on a physical exam and a detailed history provided by the family.

When Does Colic Start?

Colic in babies usually starts when a baby is between 2 and 5 weeks old and tends to resolve on its own by 3 to 4 months of age. However, it’s important to note that colic in babies can develop at any point during infancy.

Experiencing the above conditions in babies may be due to a condition other than colic. In such cases, it's essential for the baby to be examined by a doctor for their health.

Infancy is a special period where basic needs are met by parents. Spending the infancy period under appropriate conditions and meeting the basic needs of babies are crucial for ensuring a healthy adulthood.

If you want to contribute to your baby's healthy growth and development, don't neglect routine hospital check-ups. Liv Hospital provides routine check-ups during infancy and offers information services related to infantile diseases.

* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .sis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .

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