Colic is not a disease; it is a
condition that causes otherwise healthy babies to cry inconsolably, usually
in the evening and at night. Doctors aren't sure what causes colic. It is
believed to be caused by abdominal pain due to intestinal gas.
All babies cry, so how do you know
if your baby has colic? Colic usually follows the "rule of three":
Crying starts in the first 3 months after birth and continues more than 3
hours a day, more than 3 days a week.
Fortunately, colic goes away as
the baby matures, almost always by the end of the third month--sooner for
many babies. Although no single method always works to relieve colicky babies,
there are a number of things you can try. Unfortunately, what works one time
may not work the next. Be creative and persistent.
Most important: Stay calm and try to relax. If you start
to lose control, take a minute to calm down. Never shake a baby; it
can cause permanent brain damage and even death.
Ask family and friends to help you out. Having a colicky
baby can be exhausting, and you need time to rest.
Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat, but not
too much. The problem may be hunger, not colic.
Make sure your baby isn't swallowing too much air while
eating. Feed the baby slowly, holding him or her almost upright. Burp
your baby periodically. Prop your baby up for 15 minutes after feeding.
If your baby is bottle-fed, use nipples with holes large
enough to drip cold formula at least 1 drop per second. Babies will
swallow more air from around the nipple if the hole is too small.
Heat formula to body temperature. Don't overheat.
Babies need to suck on something for up to 2 hours a
day to be satisfied. If feedings aren't enough, use a pacifier.
Keep a regular routine for meals, naps, and playtime.
Mealtime should be quiet and undisturbed by bright lights and loud noises.
Make sure your baby's diaper is clean, that he or she
isn't too hot or cold, and isn't bored.
Try rocking or walking your baby. Putting him or her
stomach-down over your knee or forearm may be helpful.
Calm your baby with a car ride or a walk outside. Placing
your baby near the hum of a clothes dryer, dishwasher, or bubbling aquarium
may have a soothing effect.
Don't worry about spoiling a baby during the first 3
months; comforting a baby makes both of you feel better.
Don't leave your baby alone while he or she is crying
for more than 5 to 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, try the above suggestions
again.
Colic generally does not require professional treatment unless it
is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of a more serious illness.
If the baby looks healthy and
acts normally between crying
episodes, and if your emotions can stand the noise for the first 3 months,
you have little cause for worry.
However, if colic lasts more
than 4 hours a day, or if you feel like you need help, contact your doctor
for advice.
In rare cases, colic may be so
severe that you and your doctor may consider a medication for the baby.
Ask about side effects.