Colic in babies: A 101 guide for parents

Colic is a condition in which babies cry for hours without an apparent reason. It usually starts when they are three months old and ends after they turn 3 to 4 months old. Some studies say a baby is a colic as it adapts to the world outside its mother’s womb. Other studies claim that it happens due to gastric issues or food allergies. Dealing with a colic baby can be frustrating for new parents, and if you are in this situation, the Best child specialist in Lahore can tell you how to deal with a colic baby. 

Signs of a colic baby

Babies may cry and be fussy sometimes, but not all cries are due to colic. Dirty diapers, hunger, and wanting to be held can also lead to crying babies. To ensure your baby is colic, you should know the signs of colic. They include: 

• Shrilling crying and screaming for hours as if they are in pain
• Baby is clean and well-fed but still crying
• Colic babies usually cry at the same time every day
• Curling up legs or clenching fists while crying
• Baby is not calming down even after consoling

If your baby does not have any of these symptoms and is still crying a lot, you should consult a Child Specialist in Karachi. 

Tips to relieve a baby’s colic fast

1.Changes in diet

As a breastfeeding mother, you may need to adjust your diet as everything you consume passes on to the baby. Avoid caffeine and coffee. Keep track of what you eat and avoid foods with allergens, such as dairy and nuts. If you are bottle-feeding your baby, try changing brands to see if that is the problem. You can relieve colic through other ways, such as feeding after small intervals and avoiding feeding too much at a time. You can try feeding in an upright position, as it may help.

2.Change holding position

Some positions can soothe some babies when they are crying uncontrollably. Lay them on their back on your legs or stomach and massage their back. Hold them in your arm and rock them as motion can calm babies. 

3.Use sounds

Sounds can help relax a baby and put a stop to continuous crying. Sounds of a vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, and dishwasher can be helpful hacks in soothing a colic baby. Some babies may respond well to it. You can also consider putting a white noise machine in your baby’s room, as it can be calming for them and help with colic. 

4.Talk or sing

Talking or singing to your baby can calm your baby. Talk to them in a gentle voice, and help stop their crying. 

Coping with a colic baby

Parenthood comes with its challenges. Colic is not dangerous for your baby and may not have any effect on your baby. Yet, it can be overwhelming or exhausting for parents, especially new parents. At this time, you need to control yourself and not shake your baby, as that may harm them. Following are a few tips to help parents cope with a baby with colic:

• Ask for help:

Ask your family and friends for help when you feel you cannot handle it anymore. Ask others if they can help soothe your baby or do other tasks while you deal with a colic baby. Hire a babysitter if you feel the need to take a break. 

• Try not be hard on yourself:

It is natural for parents to feel guilty when their child is crying nonstop. You may blame yourself, but colic is not your fault. Your baby is not crying because you are doing anything wrong. Go easy on yourself and handle the situation calmly. 

• Know that it is temporary:

There is no definitive cure for colic except for time. The colic goes away within a few months. Assure yourself that your child is not in physical danger and that the crying will pass after a few months.

Conclusion

Colic babies can be tough to deal with for parents. It is usual for parents to feel stressed during the times their baby is constantly crying. There is no proven cause for colic. Some believe it can be a gastric issue, while others suggest it is the baby’s way of adapting to the world. Whatever the cause, you can talk to your doctor, and they may recommend the best practice to follow to provide relief from colic. You can also try to soothe your baby by swaddling, noises, cuddling, and singing. Colic usually resolves with time and is not harmful to the baby but be disturbing for parents. As a parent, you should take care of yourself to take care of your baby.