Colic

Colic is intense abdominal pain in infants.

Signs are crying, fussiness, and discomfort, typically within the first few months of life. It is not a specific medical condition but a cluster of symptoms. The cause of colic is not fully understood and may vary from baby to baby.

Some factors that might contribute to colic:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: Immature digestive systems in infants can have gas, bloating, and discomfort.
  • Swallowing air: Babies often swallow air during feeding, causing gas and pain.
  • Overstimulation: Babies may be overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or crowded environments.
  • Food intolerance: Some babies may have difficulty digesting breast milk or formula components.

Babies with colic typically experience episodes of crying that can last for several hours each day, usually occurring at the same time of day (usually in the late afternoon or evening). During these episodes, the baby may pull their legs up to their abdomen, clench their fists, and show signs of distress. Despite the crying and fussiness, babies with colic are typically healthy and continue to gain weight.

Colic can be stressful for parents to deal with constant crying and the inability to soothe their baby. It usually goes away by the age of 3-4 months.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Colic

Parents can try home remedies to calm a baby suffering from colic.

White Noise/Humming

White noise or low-level humming in the background is an effective home remedy for colic.

Though it is not proven, many parents would agree that putting a baby in a room with a humming, rhythmic vibration or noise, such as from a running fan, washing machine, or a dryer, can be soothing and help to put a colicky baby to sleep.

Hot Water Bottle

Fill a hot water bottle with comfortably warm water and place it in the baby's crib with a towel over it. Position the baby so that its stomach lays directly on the warm bottle and its head and feet are not lying on it.

Massage

Infant massage can work wonders as a home remedy for colic. It helps the child to relax and can get them to stop crying. It may not always work, but it feels good to parent and child and is well worth a try.

To do a baby massage, gently massage your baby's tummy clockwise to help with gas and digestion. Make sure your hands are warm, and use gentle pressure.

Bicycle Legs

This is a great exercise to reduce trapped gas in babies. Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a circular bicycle-pedaling motion to help relieve gas. You can also move knees up to their chests and straighten them out several times. Make this motion gently, and do not force it. The movement helps gas work its way through the intestines to be expelled.

Swaddle/Rock and Pacify

Hold your baby when they are crying. They need to feel safe, protected, and loved. Swaddle the baby by wrapping your baby snugly in a soft blanket to provide security and comfort. Gently rock them or use a baby swing or bouncer for rhythmic motion. Sucking a pacifier is comforting to babies, so offering it might help soothe them.

Burping

Try burping the baby. If the colic is caused by gas or air in the stomach, getting them to burp will provide relief.

Food Allergies

In some instances, colic may be caused by the food that a baby is eating. Your child may have an allergy to the protein in cow's milk protein. If you suspect this, consult your pediatrician about changing formula brands or trying a soy-based or hypoallergenic formula.

Infant probiotic drops might help your baby's digestion. Consult with your pediatrician about using probiotic drops.

If breastfeeding your baby, you can experiment with your diet to determine if any particular foods are causing discomfort or irritation. Try eliminating broccoli or cauliflower as one example. If you are using a formula, it's best to consult your pediatrician to explore options that may be easier for your baby's digestion.

Cautions

If you suspect that your baby has colic or if they show severe distress symptoms, it's essential to consult with a pediatrician. A healthcare professional can rule out any other underlying medical conditions and advise how to manage colic and comfort your baby during this phase.

Remember to be patient and consistent when trying these remedies. If your baby's colic persists or if you have concerns about their health, always consult with your pediatrician to rule out any other underlying issues and to get professional guidance tailored to your baby's specific needs.