What is Baby Colic?
Baby colic refers to the condition characterised by excessive, frequent crying and fussiness in an otherwise healthy and well-fed infant.
According to Healthpally, Colic is quite common and typically starts within the first few weeks of a baby’s life, peaking around 6 weeks, and gradually improving by 3 to 4 months of age.
Three-month colic can bother babies in the first few months of life and is also a test of nerves for parents: the child screams for several hours a day, nothing can be calmed down and the parents can thus bring the parents to the edge of despair.
Three-month colic can be troubling for babies in the first few months of life, chaktty reaffirmed.
WHAT CAUSES THREE-MONTH COLIC?
The exact cause of colic is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of factors, including gastrointestinal discomfort, immature digestive system, overstimulation, and sensitivity to external stimuli.
There have been various conjectures as to what causes three-month colic, but none of these theories has so far been scientifically proven.
One physical cause may be that the infant’s intestines are in pain as they are growing.
The fact that too many gases in the intestine produce cramp-like flatulence pain or that the intestine is not yet sufficiently colonised with bacteria that are needed for digestion can also be a reason for three-month colic.
In addition, an incorrect diet, such as a flatulent diet or drinking too quickly, an allergy to milk protein, or psychosocial problems between parents and children can trigger three-month colic, chaktty said.
SYMPTOMS OF THREE-MONTH COLIC
A typical indication of three-month colic is prolonged crying attacks in the infant, which mainly take place after meals or in the second half of the day.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of baby colic:
Intense, inconsolable crying
Colicky babies often cry for long periods, usually in the late afternoon or evening, and it may be difficult to soothe them.
Clenching fists and curling legs
During crying episodes, babies with colic may clench their fists, arch their back, and draw their legs toward their abdomen.
Predictable pattern
Colic often follows a predictable pattern, with crying episodes occurring at similar times each day or night.
Difficulty sleeping
Colicky babies may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to their discomfort.
Temporary relief
Some babies with colic may find temporary relief from crying when held, rocked, or given a pacifier.
It’s important to note that colic is a self-limiting condition, meaning it eventually resolves on its own as the baby grows older. However, there are strategies you can try to help soothe a colicky baby:
Comfort measures
Hold and cuddle your baby, use gentle rocking motions, or try using a baby swing or vibrating chair.
Swaddling the baby snugly in a blanket can also provide a sense of security.
Soothing sounds
Soft background noise such as white noise, gentle music, or the sound of a running vacuum cleaner may help calm the baby.
Feeding techniques
If you are breastfeeding, try adjusting your diet to see if certain foods may be aggravating the baby’s symptoms.
If you are bottle-feeding, ensure that the baby is properly positioned and burped during and after feedings.
Changing the environment
Create a calm and quiet environment for your baby, reducing excessive stimulation and bright lights.
Gas relief
Gentle tummy massage or warm compresses on the baby’s abdomen may help alleviate any gastrointestinal discomfort.
DIAGNOSIS OF THREE-MONTH COLIC
If an infant cries a lot or if parents think that he is not feeling well, a paediatrician should be consulted.
The doctor will examine the child to rule out any organic diseases such as urinary tract infection, otitis media, constipation, or intestinal inflammation.
If there are no physical illnesses, the doctor will ask when the child cries the most, how long and how often the crying attacks occur, what food the baby is getting, whether there are allergy sufferers in the family, and the like to make the diagnosis.
THERAPY
There is not ONE remedy for three-month colic, rather different tips have to be combined to get an individual plan to free the child from colic.
Particular attention must be paid to the nutrition of the baby and the nursing mother :
Flatulent foods should be avoided as well as strong spices.
Fennel or caraway tea are good remedies for gas and flatulence.
The baby should drink in a calm environment, then belch, and generally not be exposed to too much hectic rush.
The paediatrician may prescribe a drug that dissolves the gas bubbles in the child’s intestines.
Also abdominal massage or a hot water bottle on the abdomen of the child to ease his pain.
If none of this helps, there are ” screaming clinics ” in many cities that are available to parents and give them further tried and tested tips.
Conclusion
If you’re concerned about your baby’s colic or if the crying persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s recommended to consult your paediatrician.
They can provide further guidance and evaluate if there might be an underlying issue causing the excessive crying.