Colic in infants is a condition when the baby cries for hours and is difficult to soothe. Although it looks worrying, this condition is normal for newborns and is not considered a health problem.
Colic in infants is defined as crying that lasts more than 3 hours a day and occurs for at least 3 days a week. Usually babies cry in the afternoon or evening.
Colic-like signs in babies that need to be watched out for
As discussed above, colic in babies is actually normal and nothing to worry about. Apart from crying that doesn't stop, the characteristics of babies with colic are when they cry, their hands are clenched into fists, pulling their knees to their stomachs, their faces are red, and their backs are arched.
In addition to recognizing the characteristics of colic in babies, it is also important for you to distinguish which crying is caused by colic and which is not. Cries that are similar to colic cries but are accompanied by other alarming signs need to be watched out for and checked by a doctor. Here are the signs:
- Baby is more than 4 months old
- High pitched baby cry
- When lifted, the baby's body droops
- Baby doesn't gain weight
- Abnormal baby's pattern of urination and defecation
- Baby has no appetite
- Some parts of the baby's skin look pale or blue
- Baby's crown stands out
- Baby looks hard to breathe
You also need to make sure that the baby's crying is not caused by a cow's milk allergy or incompatibility with cow's milk, because these conditions should also be checked by a doctor.
Causes and How to Treat Colic in Babies
The exact cause of colic is still not known. It is suspected that this condition occurs when the baby experiences discomfort in his stomach, because at his age it is difficult to digest food. Conditions of too much gas in the digestive tract, hunger, or too full may also cause colic.
Colic can also occur if the baby is in an environment that is not comfortable for him, for example a room that is too cold or too hot. In addition, babies born prematurely, whose mothers smoke, or whose nervous systems are not well developed, are also thought to be at higher risk of developing colic.
Generally, colic in infants will improve by itself when the baby is 4 months old. That is why, doctors usually only recommend that the baby be soothed or made comfortable when experiencing colic.
How to Calm a Baby with Colic
In general, here are things parents can do to calm a colic baby:
- Gently massage baby's tummy
- Hold the baby while he cries
- Bathe baby with warm water
- Carry baby in a cloth sling or blanket
- Give a pacifier if necessary to help calm the baby
- Give a hum or soft sound like “sshh sshh…” on baby
- Put baby on bouncer or a baby rocking chair.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, try giving your baby probiotic drops or syrup. A recent review of research states that it is a safe and effective way to reduce colic in babies.
In addition, other methods that are also known to help treat colic in infants are massage therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic. However, you are still advised to consult a doctor before applying this treatment method.
Keep in mind that when your child is colic, avoid shaking him hard and fast. This method is not able to make her cry subside, but it actually risks endangering her health because it can trigger it shaken baby syndrome.
Tips for Preventing Colic in Babies
To prevent colic in babies, here are some things you can do:
- Change the nipple on the baby's bottle if the hole is too small to prevent the baby from swallowing more air than liquid.
- Stay away from cigarette smoke.
- Avoid consumption of coffee, tea, and spicy food if the baby is still breastfeeding.
- Gently pat baby on the back to burp after eating.
For parents, it is important to maintain conditions so as not to stress so that emotions remain under control when dealing with colic babies. If necessary, ask someone you can trust for help.
If various ways have been done but the colic in the baby is not resolved and makes you worried, consult a doctor, especially if your baby often has colic.