Colic is a condition that has many parents worried about their baby. While many believe that colic is actually harmless, colicky babies can exhibit what is referred to as “red flag symptoms”. Colic is known to leave babies cramping, crying and moaning, which are all signs of distress. Oftentimes, colic occurs in babies that are about a month old, and then they can just go away before your baby reaches 3 or 4 months old. However, colic can last for up to a year. Studies have been conducted on the condition, and some have shown that breastfed babies are not as likely to develop colic.
Why do Babies get Colic?
We now have access to conclusions derived from years upon years of research, and it has been proven that there are several reasons as to why symptoms of colic appear, among which are improper burping, gas left in the pockets of intestinal tract, excessive stimulation of the baby’s senses, as well as spasm in the muscles. In 1999, research conducted by Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London also found that lactose intolerance may be among the causes of colic, as babies that fed on lactase enzyme were not as likely to develop colic. It is also believed that among the causes of colic are changes in the baby’s intestine, and mostly have to do with the balance of the bacteria present therein.
Baby Colic Symptoms
When babies cry unstoppably, the reason for this may only be because they are ill, uncomfortable or need milk. However, some symptoms of baby colic may raise red flags. Among these symptoms are intense crying; crying weakly or continuous moaning; throwing up as much as 5 times a day, with vomit having blood in it, or yellow or green in color; a temperature that is lower than 97°F or above 100.2°F; being extremely irritable or tired; inability to focus gaze; insufficient weight gain (weight gain should be around 0.5 oz. each day or more); a protruding spot on the head that is soft; restlessness while feeding, as well as constipation, or diarrhea, or mucous or blood in stool.
Baby Colic Remedies
Babies with symptoms that do not raise red flags are best burped properly. Their stomachs can also be gently massaged to release any excess gas inside. Babies that cry continuously are also prescribed probiotic (otherwise known as good bacteria) doses on a daily basis, among which are Lactobacillus reuteri or Lactobacillus acidophilus. These have proven to have a success rate of about 95%. Other safe treatments for colic are white noise and pacifiers, as well as rocking and swinging babies, which can be done with nursing rocking chairs or baby hammocks. Holding babies so that they are on their stomach or side for a while after feeding is also advised, plus just the right amount of swaddling.