Handling A Colicky Baby
Handling A Colicky Baby
Handling A Colicky Baby
If a baby of two weeks to four months cries for around three hours daily for at least three consecutive days, chances are that it is due to a condition known as colic. It is a common condition and affects about twenty percent of babies. Though what causes colic is still not known, the condition does not bother a doctor as it is not likely to have any long term health implications. Food allergy, immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract, infant temperament, immature nervous system and even parental stress have all been considered as a cause but none of these have really been firmly established.
The occurrence of colic does make new parents quite worried as the baby is seen to be in utter agony crying for prolonged periods and becoming very irritable. Typically, colic afflicts babies in their second week; may become more severe by six weeks. But luckily, it gets sorted out by the time the baby touches four months. Nothing that the parents and family members do to comfort the baby really works and causes distress to them to see their loved one in such pain.
One though has to be careful not to always relate a baby's crying to colic. It needs to be seen if the baby doesn't have some physical ailment or injury. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or fever, one ought to know, are not symptoms of colic.
In case you see any traces of blood or mucous in your baby's stool, it can't be because of colic; it is advisable to have the baby checked by a pediatrician. The belief that colic can be cause due to any food items that the feeding mother takes is also wrong though mother's diet may result in gas or similar digestive issues in the infant and may make the baby more uncomfortable.
Anytime that you are unsure about the reason for your baby's excessive crying, it advisable to consult a pediatrician. Don't forget to carry with you notes about the duration your baby cried and other external factors to help him diagnose the real issue. This will rule out any other serious reason; though the parents will have to wait till colic gets sorted out.
As it is not possible to comfort a baby having a bout of colic, it is necessary for parents not lose their own cool. At times, as some parents have found, some gestures like rocking or swaddling the baby may soothe your baby; try taking the baby out for drive if it works in your case. It is important to ensure that the baby is not put to any additional discomfort due to hunger, soiling or fatigue.
For parents of a colicky baby, patience is highly important. They need not be overly stressed to lose their bearings and not hesitate in asking neighbors and friends.
To keep siblings of a colicky baby comforted too is a priority; young ones are likely to feel stressed that something is seriously wrong with their young brother/sister.
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