What exactly is baby Colic? This is a question that weighs on many mother's minds. But, more importantly, how can you deal with it?
Some parents count colic as a milestone in their child's life that they would rather forget. The shrill sound of the baby's unrelenting cries can cause some parents to go into a panic. What would cause an otherwise healthy child to cry like that?
There is no definite definition for colic. However, there are many reasons why it can occur. At about 2 weeks in age is when colic usually appears. It doesn't necessarily happen in all babies, but is very common. In most babies, the crying usually starts the same time everyday and lasts for a set amount of time each time. Say for one child, the crying may begin at 7 each evening and last for 2 or 3 hours. No one knows why this phenomenon occurs.
The reasons for why colic occurs vary. Gas is a very common explanation. A baby's digestive tract is immature and does not digest as efficiently as an adult. If the mother is nursing, it could be possible that something she ate may be irritating the baby. Or, if the baby is bottle fed, it is entirely possible he or she is allergic to something in the formula. Other explanations have nothing to do with diet. The baby may have been over stimulated during the day and therefore taking its frustrations out accordingly or the mother may be having some tension and the baby could be picking up on that. All of these are reasons for the baby to cry in a manner that is not considered "normal".
There are several ways to calm a colicky baby. Try walking the room with your baby holding her stomach down in your arms. The pressure from your arm on her stomach may help to move gas along. Sometimes an over the counter remedy can help. Mylanta makes a medicine to help relive gas bubbles in a baby's digestive tract. These remedies are temporary, however. Chamomile tea is another remedy. The chamomile will help to relax your baby and stopping the crying. Try taking your baby for a ride in the car or for walk in the stroller outside.
A parent may feel that nothing they do is helping. Patience is key. Trust me when I tell you, just the fact that you are attending to your child and making the effort to comfort him or her means the world to that child. Never ignore your baby's cries. Neglecting him or her can break the trust bond and your baby will not feel secure with you. Lastly, remember that this is just a phase.
Remember that if during any episode of colic, something just doesn't seem right or you just need some reassurance, don't hesitate to call your pediatrician. He or she can help you to rest assured that your baby is a normal, healthy child and may be able to give you a few more pointers other than what is listed above.
