Colic is the term used when your otherwise healthy baby cries excessively and can’t be soothed.
All babies cry, of course. But crying is excessive if it totals three hours a day or more, and happens more than three days a week for at least three weeks. Although colic in babies is common in infants it is poorly understood.
It usually starts within the first few weeks of life but often stops by four months of age. It can occur whether your baby is breastfed or bottle fed.
Signs of colic
A baby with colic may fuss, cry or scream for some hours. The crying usually starts at the same time every day, often in the late afternoon or evening. The baby may pull up their legs, clenches their hands into fists and tighten the abdominal muscles.
How can you help
Babies may swallow air ( wind) when crying or feeding, this may happen because the milk flow is too fast or too slow. Or because the baby is sucking on an empty breast or test.
Colic is a great source of distress for parents and babies alike.
Here are some products that may help;
DR. BROWN’S BOTTLE
How do they work?
Air enters the bottle collar and routes directly through the internal vent system. The air channels through the vent tube bypassing the milk, to the end of the bottle. The vent prevents aeration of the milk,vacuum pressure and nipple collapse. The baby is then able
to feed comfortably while the milk flows freely like breastfeeding. Available in store. Starter kit $49.99 or Two pack ( standard size) $29.99
INFANTS FRIEND
An oral liquid which will relieve colic and wind in the bowels.
Available in store. $12.99
INFACOL WIND DROPS
Relieves infant wind before painful colic can occur. Simethicone, the active ingredient in Infacol, causes the small bubbles of gas in the baby’s stomach to join together into one large bubble which can be easily expelled.
Available in store. $11.99
BRAUER BABY COLIC
Contains ingredients traditionally used in homeopathic medicine to provide temporary relief from the pain, irritability and bloated tummy caused by colic.
Available in store. $19.99
NOVALAC COLIC FORMULA ( BIRTH TO 12 MONTHS)
Especially designed for easy digestion in babies and colic. The bloating and wind associated with colic may be related to us digested lactose that remains in the gut after feeding. Novalac has an easy to digest reduced lactose formulation.
Available in store. $31.99
PROBIOTICS
In recent years there has been a lot of interest in the type of bacteria that grow in the bowel and the benefits of having a correct balance of ‘good’ bacteria such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus versus ‘bad’ bacteria. There are claims that some probiotics may lessen the amount of crying for babies with colic.
Coping Strategies
Please speak with the Child Health Nurse at Currambine Pharmacy for different strategies to help cope with your baby if suffering with colic.
Infant massage is proven to help with reducing signs of colic. Individual classes are available upon request. ( Fees apply)
The above information should not be used as an alternative to professional care. Always seek medical advice to confirm your baby has colic as other illnesses/ conditions may be similar to symptoms of colic.