We all wish that colic didn’t have to be a thing, for parents and babies alike. But unfortunately, it’s actually really common. Experts state that between 8 and 40 percent of babies become colicky, which is a pretty wide margin if you ask us. Today’s post discusses colic in detail - what it is, the symptoms, and how to spot it. We’re also chatting about the most common causes, as well as some of the solutions to soothe a colicky baby. We’re trying our best to answer every possible colic question today, so be sure to let us know how we did in the comments!
Colic - What is It?
Colic is when a baby cries for an extended period of time. It’s hard to pinpoint, as colic tends to come and go and can be quite unpredictable. It can be difficult to determine if it’s just colic, or something that requires more serious medical attention. Especially so for anxious or first-time parents. Even if you’re neither of the above, you’re not alone in your worries about colic. Luckily, we’re providing the colic cheat sheet in today’s post which summarises the most common symptoms, making it easier for parents to figure out if they’ve got a colicky baby on their hands.
Common Symptoms of Colic
- Periods of inconsolable crying
- Difficulty in settling to sleep
- Cluster feeds (several close together)
- A red face
- Very windy or gassy
Causes of Colic
Adjusting to and taking care of a brand new baby can be a challenge in itself, let alone having colic thrown into the mix too. It can be difficult to deal with, as well as figuring out the cause. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here we’re afraid, but one cause that comes up a lot is reflux, sometimes caused by the dairy present in breast milk or certain formulas. It can also be caused by certain food items or groups, resulting in an upset tummy, discomfort and crying from your baby. If your baby is suffering from reflux, things that can help are smaller feeds, feeding them upright, and taking extra time to burp them.
How to Spot Colic - Your Baby’s Age
These symptoms don’t guarantee that your baby has colic. But considering how common colic is in infants, if all of them are present, it’s very likely. Colic can be easier to spot depending on the age of your baby. It tends to crop up around the three week mark, when you’re baby starts to become more alert and wakeful. It peaks at around six weeks, and usually tapers off at around two months. By the three month mark, colic ceases for the wide majority of newborns.
How to Stop Your Baby from Crying
If your baby is showing symptoms of colic, there are a number of things that you can try to soothe them. Warm water can be the perfect solution, such as bathing your baby or placing a warm hot water bottle on their stomach if your baby has reflux. Sucking on a thumb or pacifier can help to stop your baby from crying, as your baby will be able to self-soothe and calm themselves gradually. Other potential solutions are rubbing your baby’s back, swaddling them, infant massage or laying them down in a dark, quiet room. The babocush comfort cushion allows your baby to lie comfortably while preventing reflux, as well as soothing them with vibrations that replicate its mother’s voice and heartbeat. And not to worry - there’s a secure harness to hold your baby in place, while simultaneously providing that much-needed tummy time, too! You’ll be able to relax as your baby does, in order to re-charge for the next mum-ly duty. Super Mum to the rescue!
Have you got any experience with a colicky baby? Be sure to let us know your thoughts below!
