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One of the most difficult and frustrating experiences a new parent can have is dealing with a colicky baby. Colic is defined as a pattern of unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. Colic is not the result of poor parenting skills. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to 1/3 of all babies have colic. Colic usually disappears by the time a baby reaches three months old, but those three months can be very trying for both the baby and the parents.
What causes colic?
No one knows what causes colic, although there are theories. One theory suggests that some babies have an immature central nervous system that is unable to cope with the wealth of stimulation the infant receives each day. As the day progresses, the infant begins a pattern of crying to release tension and frustration from the over stimulation.
Another theory suggests that colicky babies have immature digestive systems, which make them hypersensitive to milk products, or to the diet of the nursing mother. This immaturity leads to a build-up of gas and therefore pain and cramping.
Whatever the cause, parents can be assured that colicky babies are by no means unhealthy - they usually keep pace or exceed the weight gain of their peaceful peers. One study even suggests that colicky babies grow up to be better problem solvers!
What can a parent do?
No one treatment works for every baby, but exhausted parents have found the following tips helpful:
· Swaddling may calm some over-stimulated babies.
· Movement often lulls colicky babies to sleep, such as
Rocking, jiggling or gentle bouncing,
Carrying in infant sling or Snuggli,
Rides in the car,
Baby swings or bouncy, vibrating baby seats.
· Some babies respond to white noise such as car engine sounds, vacuums, or fan motors.
· Comfort techniques such as pacifiers, warm showers with parent or infant massage can be helpful.
· Positions that keep the baby's tummy warm such as laying tummy down on a warm (not hot) water bottle or across the parent's lap can help with gas pains and cramping.
· Gas remedies such as burping, simethicone drops, or gripe water may also reduce stomach pain.
Creative parents have tried unusual colic treatments such as laying the infant face down on top of a running dryer, where the warmth and vibration are soothing. One mother found her baby responded only to bouncing - a treatment that quickly becomes exhausting to the parents. So the mom bought a huge ball, such as are used by physical therapists. She would sit on the ball and easily bounce the baby to sleep.
Finally, never be afraid to use time-out. It won't hurt the baby to cry for a while in a safe place while mom and dad take time-out for a soothing hot shower or cup of tea.
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