Colic is a common condition, in fact it affects 1 in 5 babies. It can be defined as extensive crying, discomfort and irritation in an otherwise healthy baby. It appears in early infancy and usually lasts until 4-6 months. If your baby suffers from colic, it’s important to understand what it is and how you can treat it without medicine.
Crying
The most obvious outward sign of a colicky baby is the extensive crying. For some parents, what makes the crying so difficult to manage is that it seems to occur with no triggers, warnings or obvious cause. The crying episodes can last up 4 hours per day, and in the most extreme cases, this may occur on a near-daily basis.
Causes
There is no definitive cause of colic; instead, there are multiple potential reasons given for its existence. The two most common signs that show your baby may be suffering with colic are issues around feeding and signs of physical discomfort. The NHS stresses that parents should not view their baby’s discomfort as a reflection of their parenting and that colic can affect any baby.
Feeding
Colic can affect babies who are both breastfed and bottle fed. It is associated with feeding because the symptoms often present themselves after you have fed your baby.
The suspected causes of colic regarding feeding are quite extensive. Some believe swallowing air during feeding can cause an upset stomach and later set off a crying episode. But wind or gas is not the only cause considered; others say colic is caused by the developing digestive system or by a reaction to the ingredients in milk.
Simple tips
If your think your baby’s colic is triggered by feeding, try following these 3 simple rules;
- Avoid caffeine and spicy foods if you are breastfeeding, as these may upset your baby’s tummy.
- If bottle feeding, ensure the baby isn't gulping air by adjusting the angle of the bottle.
- Wind your baby a few times during feeding as well as after every feed.
You may notice other issues, for example, post-feeding regurgitation which could be a sign of reflux or quite a common issue in young babies is prolonged constipation. Always discuss any issue that concerns you with your doctor.
Physical Discomfort
Prolonged crying accompanied by certain movements your baby makes may also be an indicator of colic; often a colicky baby will clench their fists, arch their back or lift their legs towards their tummy. These stark movements can suggest that your baby is uncomfortable and often result in discontentment and crying.
If your baby is arching their back it can meant that the airways are under pressure, hampering the release of trapped wind or gas. A change of position can greatly relax your baby and provide added physical benefits. The Babocush can help address three areas of discomfort.
- The babocush is designed to hug your baby securely a semi-upright position; perfect for encouraging the airways to relax and open as well as for relieving wind / gas, colic and reflux.
- The gentle vibrations of the babocush relax your baby and ‘massage’ the tummy area, encouraging bowel movements and the release any trapped wind or gas - from both ends.
- The heartbeat sounds of the Babocush were explicitly designed to soothe your baby and are reminiscent of the time spent in the womb so your baby feels completely safe, secure and content.
Medicine free
Colic has no long-term effects but if your baby is suffering, it’s important to find a solution that soothes and offers contentment every time - without resorting to medicines. This is why the Babocush comfort cushion is ideal. The more your baby uses the Babocush, the more they will begin to associate it with a feeling of great relief and comfort. An added bonus is that your baby will gain valuable tummy time whilst using the Babocush.
By not offering medicines or additional substances, you are allowing your baby's digestive system time to breathe (literally). For more info on colicky babies and how to provide relief, make sure to check out our Facebook page and join our community.
