Colicky Baby

From LoveToKnow Baby

All newborn babies cry at different periods, so how can you tell if you have a colicky baby? Typically, infants with colic cry for no apparent reason. They aren't hungry, cold, or wet. Obviously, something is bothering them, but determining what the problem is can be a mystery that is difficult to solve.

What Is Colic?

It's generally thought to be abdominal pain that may be caused by muscle spasms or some type of obstruction that occurs in the intestines. It is usually characterized by prolonged crying in infants.

How Do I Know If I Have a Colicky Baby?

Newborn babies don't usually show signs until they are two to six weeks old. Most symptoms usually disappears by the time a baby is three or four months old, also.

Some mothers confuse signs of illness with the symptoms of colic. Colicky babies usually follow some semblance of a pattern when crying. They may cry every day for three or four hours at a time. While a sick baby will probably not have a good appetite and may not want to be cuddled, a colicky baby will still have a healthy appetite and may crave those extra hugs and cuddles. Colicky babies may spit up, but if your baby is vomiting or has diarrhea, she is probably sick, not colicky. Colicky babies seem to cry more in the evenings rather than early in the day, although some babies cry off and on all day.

What Is Causing This?

This is a good question, although it isn't easily answered. Your baby may be suffering for several reasons. It is possible that your baby's diet is causing his discomfort. If you are giving him formula, you may want to discuss changing the type of formula you use with your pediatrician. If you are breastfeeding, you may want to monitor what you are eating to try and determine if anything may be upsetting your child's tummy.

Your baby may be suffering simply because her digestive system is working too slow or too fast. Your doctor may prescribe some type of medication as a treatment if he suspects this is the cause. Your baby could also be swallowing an excess of air when he cries, and this may cause him to have gas in his tummy.

Finally, maybe your baby needs to cry simply to release tension every day. Some babies have a more difficult time adjusting to the new environment of their life outside of the womb.

How Can I Comfort My Colicky Baby?

Of course, no parent wants to see his or her child in pain. You will want to do everything in your power to help your baby feel better and stop her crying, if possible. You should keep in mind that you can't spoil your infant, and if this means you must hold her often during these first few weeks of her life, then go ahead and do so!

You should try different positions with your baby to determine what is most comfortable for her. She may enjoy being placed on her tummy across your legs as you gently bounce her up and down. You might want to lay a warm towel on your legs and then place her across it. You can also try placing her in a baby swing or putting her in the car seat and taking a drive. Some parents have reported success by placing their babies in infant seats and putting them on top of a running dryer. (You should always supervise your baby, of course!)

How Can I Cope With My Baby's Colic?

Trying to comfort a crying baby for several hours daily is frustrating, stressful, and tiring, to say the least! You will need a respite occasionally, and you shouldn't feel guilty about this. Be sure and enlist the help of your partner, along with extended family members and friends. When it gets to be too much for you, take a break! How can you help your baby if you are too stressed out yourself?

Finally, keep in mind that eventually your baby will outgrow his colic. Although this will be a difficult period in both of your lives, it will pass!