Parents know how painful, frustrating, and difficult colic is. It refers to prolonged, unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. It’s difficult to manage because parents can’t understand why their baby is crying, and the fact that they can’t console the baby despite trying makes it worse.
Understanding colic symptoms and causes is often the first step in managing the inconsolable crying. The good news is that this phase lasts temporarily. In the meantime, understanding the symptoms, causes, and the signs that warrant a visit to the paediatrician in Mulund can help.
Symptoms of Colic
Colic mostly happens during the evening when parents themselves are drained. It peaks around 6 weeks of age, and symptoms start declining when your baby is 3-4 months old. Colic is when your baby cries for more than three hours, every three days a week, and consistently for more than three weeks. Here are the common symptoms:
- Your baby cries intensely, usually in the late afternoon
- Your baby has clenched fists and an arched back
- Your baby won’t settle despite consoling, rocking, or feeding
- They are bloated
- Your baby feeds well, produces enough urine, and is overall healthy
When to See a Doctor?
Colic is harmless. It’s just a phase that your baby will eventually outgrow. In the meantime, here are some warning signs you must watch out for:
- They are not feeding well
- They are not gaining the ideal weight for their age
- They are vomiting
- They have diarrhoea, blood in the stools, or not enough wet diapers
- They have a fever (especially if they are less than three months old)
- Something feels off about their health
When in doubt, see a paediatrician immediately.
Causes of Colic
Experts haven’t found the exact single cause of colid. Multiple factors contribute to these prolonged, multiple episodes of crying in infants. These factors, usually in combination, can be the causes of colic.
- Immature Digestive Systems: Your baby’s digestive system isn’t fully developed, which makes them more prone to gas buildup and tummy discomfort.
- Food Allergies: Some babies are allergic to certain ingredients in the formula milk or foods in the breastfeeding mothers’ diet, which makes them colicky.
- Feeding Patterns: Colic can also occur from poor feeding, overfeeding, or infrequent burping.
Sometimes, overstimulation can make them cry or worsen crying in newborns.
What are the Complications?
Fortunately, colic is rarely harmful. It doesn’t cause any long-term complications either. Colicky babies grow like normal babies. The only challenge is for parents. Sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and inability to calm the baby can all take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Diagnosis & Treatment
There’s no specific test for colic. Doctors listen to the symptoms and rule out other underlying health conditions first. They may check the baby’s weight, urine output, and overall health.
Colic is when there’s no apparent reason for their constant crying. There is a combination of strategies you can try to manage colic in babies. For some parents, rocking and swaddling help. For others, using white noise to calm overstimulated babies works wonders.