Colic is a condition where there are repeated bouts of excessive crying in a baby who is otherwise healthy. Colic is common and can be very distressing for parents. It usually goes away by the age of 3-4 months. This leaflet discusses some of the colic remedies available, and gives some tips on coping. Show
What is colic?Colic describes a common condition where a baby cries a lot for no apparent reason. It is impossible to know what the baby feels, of course, as they can't tell us. So we don't really know what the symptoms of colic are. But babies with colic appear to have a tummy ache. There are a number of possible medical definitions of colic - it can be difficult to make sense of the research on colic because the definitions vary. One definition used medically is 'episodes of irritability, fussing, or crying that begin and end for no apparent reason and last at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, for at least one week, in an infant up to 4 months of age with no evidence of faltering growth'. Typically babies with colic:
During episodes of typical colic, the baby:
How can you tell if your baby has colic?This is a difficult one, because - as above - they can't tell us what they feel. Diagnosing colic, for both parents and health professionals, is as much about what the baby DOESN'T have as what they DO have. Typically, babies with colic fit the description in the section above. Most importantly, there doesn't seem to be anything else wrong. So colic is NOT the diagnosis if the baby:
If you are not sure why your baby is crying a lot then see a health professional (such as your health visitor or GP). Usually a doctor will be able to diagnose colic by asking you questions about your baby, and by examining them. There are no tests for colic, but the doctor will check that there don't seem to be any other causes for the baby's crying. There are no specific signs for colic - just the typical picture as above, and the lack of signs of any more serious disease. What else could it be?Babies can only tell us something is wrong by crying, so first consider the obvious things that might be making them uncomfortable:
Other common conditions in babies which might cause crying include:
Uncommon conditions which might cause crying include:
How long does colic last?Episodes of colic can go on for a few minutes to 2-3 hours or more. Babies grow out of colic by the time they are 6 months old, and usually before that. In most babies it has improved by the age of 3-4 months. What causes colic?Despite the fact that colic is incredibly common, the cause is not known. A number of possible causes have been suggested. These include:
Some studies have suggested that colic is more common in babies who are born to women who smoke or are older, and in first babies. How common is colic?Colic seems to be very common. It is thought to affect one in five babies. So, if you have a baby with colic, you are not alone! It is most common in the first six weeks of a baby's life. It is just as common in girls as it is in boys. It is just as common whether the baby is breast-fed or bottle-fed. What is the treatment for colic?This is the million dollar question! There is no very good evidence for ANY colic treatments used. Studies have been difficult because definitions of colic vary, because it is difficult to measure how effective treatment is, and because it gets better on its own anyway. Mostly, managing colic involves finding out what works best for you and your baby in a way that causes the minimum amount of stress. Strategies which MAY be useful include:
Colic drops for babiesThere is no convincing evidence that any of the available colic remedies actually work. Some of the options available include:
Formula for colicBabies get colic whether they are breast-fed or fed with formula milk. Breastfeeding is known to be best for a baby, so if you are breastfeeding, do not stop because your baby has colic. There is not enough evidence to suggest that changing to a different formula milk might help. There is also no convincing evidence that if a breastfeeding mum alters her own diet it will help her colicky baby. If these strategies are helpful, it is more likely that the baby has cow's milk allergy rather than colic. If the crying is severe, it may be worth considering this as a possible alternative diagnosis. If this is the case, your health visitor or doctor may be able to advise on different formula milks. Only consider this with the help of medical advice. See also the separate leaflet called Cow's Milk Protein Allergy. Other remedies for colicVarious physical treatments are sometimes promoted for colic. These include massage, cranial osteopathy, spinal manipulation and acupuncture. There is currently no evidence to back a recommendation for these treatments. Some bottles and teats are sold as being specially for colic. Again there is no evidence for this. It does make sense that the shape of the feeding equipment might affect the amount of air being swallowed with the milk. This might make a baby less likely to have discomfort from wind. However, there is no evidence to suggest that wind is the cause of colic. Also, remember that where possible, breastfeeding is best for your baby. Look after yourself tooHaving a baby who cries a lot can be very wearing and stressful for parents. Make sure you keep yourself sane. Discuss your worries about your baby with your health visitor or doctor. Seek help from them if you feel very down or anxious. Take up offers from family or friends to help so you can take time out for rests and time for yourself. You and your partner will need to support each other, and take it in turns to spend time consoling a crying baby. Talking with others who have babies with colic may help, or contact a support group such as Cry-sis. Remember that colic does go away, and it is a phase your baby will come through. What is the outcome (prognosis)?All babies grow out of colic. Most do so by the age of 3-4 months and often much earlier than this. It is unusual for colic to go on past 6 months. You may feel that all the information above is rather depressing as there is nothing that has been proven to work. However take heart from the knowledge that your baby's colic will definitely get better just with the magic treatment of time. So hang on in there, and remember it is very common - you are not alone. What is the best thing a parent can use to calm a colicky baby?Hold your baby near low, rhythmic noises, like the sound of the washing machine or a recording of a heartbeat. The steady hum of a fan or a white noise machine can also be soothing. Go for a ride in the car. The motion and noise of a car ride helps to calm some babies.
What are some suggestions to prevent or ease a baby with colic?Your baby may calm down if you:. Lay them on their back in a dark, quiet room.. Swaddle them snugly in a blanket.. Lay them across your lap and gently rub their back.. Try infant massage.. Put a warm water bottle on your baby's belly.. Have them suck on a pacifier.. Soak them in a warm bath.. What are the 4 ways to prevent colic?6 Tips On Preventing Colic. Avoid Stress While You're Pregnant. As mothers, we pass on a lot of what is in our body when we're pregnant. ... . Consider a Bottle That is Designed to Reduce Gas. ... . Avoid Being too Active After 4pm. ... . Take Your Baby Out With You. ... . Ensure Your Baby is Comfortable. ... . Keep on Trying.. Which instructions are appropriate for an infant diagnosed with colic?Nursing interventions for a child with colic include the following: Reduce/relieve pain. Assess pain characteristics; acknowledge reports of pain immediately; provide rest periods to promote relief, sleep, and relaxation; place infant on a position of comfort to reduce pain. Educate caregivers on the disease.
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