Colic

Colic is a word to describe a healthy baby who cries uncontrollably for no known reason. Usually a baby is said to be colicky if they cry or fuss for more than 3 hours a day for more than 3 days in a week. Colic usually starts within the first 3 months of their life. All babies cry sometimes. It is their only way of telling you something. The average baby cries about 3 hours a day.

• Colicky babies will cry constantly and look uncomfortable.
• Sometimes they straighten their legs or pull them up and pass gas.
• Often their crying is worse in the evening.
• Usually it starts when your baby is between 2 to 4 weeks old and lasts for about 3 months, but sometimes colic lasts up to 9 months.

The cause is really unknown, but doctors believe it has something to do with the baby's digestive system that has not fully developed. Bottle-fed and breastfed babies both get colic, however there tends to be less colic in breastfed babies. Babies who are around cigarette smoke are more prone to colic.

What can I do to help?

What works one time may not help the next, so it is important to be patient and creative. Here are some suggestions:

• Never shake your baby because it can cause permanent brain damage.
• Try to stay calm and relaxed. It may be hard, but your baby is able to sense your stress.
• If you need to take a few minutes away from your baby, put them in a safe warm place like their crib, for a few minutes. This will give you a chance to calm down.
• You may want to call a friend to help.
• Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat but not too much. With breastfed babies, the baby themselves know when they are full however, since we can see how much bottle fed babies drank we may try to force them to drink more.
• Your baby may be swallowing air while they drink. Try to feed a bottle fed baby slowly and in an almost sitting up position. Burp your baby every few minutes. As your baby gets older, you will get a better idea as to how often you need to burp them. Avoid lying your baby down flat for at least 15 minutes after they eat.
• (1) A larger hole in the nipple of a bottle can help lessen the amount of air your baby swallows.
• (2) Nipples with larger holes can be bought at a drugstore.
• (3) Never cut a larger hole.
• Do not overheat the formula. Never use a microwave to heat the bottle because the  microwave can cause the formula to have hot spots. Put the bottle in a deep bowl of warm water to warm the formula.
• Keep the atmosphere quiet during feeding time.
• Check your baby's diaper. Keep dry for comfort
• Make sure they are not too warm or too cold.
• If you are breastfeeding, you may want to see if there is anything in your diet that may be bothering your baby. Sometimes dairy products may be a problem. To check this, try eliminating all dairy products for 10 to 14 days (this is how long it can take for them to get out of your system) to see if it makes a difference. If it does, this may be the problem. You may be able to gradually add dairy products, especially as your baby gets older. This is more common in people who have a history of dairy allergies in their family.
• You can change your babies formula (under the direction of your physician). There are formulas available that are not milk based. Remember it takes time for your baby's digestive system to get used to the change.
• Babies like to be cuddled. You cannot spoil a baby by holding them.
• Try using a sling to carry your baby around with you while you do things.
• A hot-water bottle at a temperature that is comfortable for you may be placed on your knee with a towel over top, then lie your baby tummy down on the water bottle.  Rubbing or patting their back may help to relieve the pressure. Never leave them to sleep like this!
• Write down the times that your baby is fussy and anything related to it. Also note what makes them happy.
• A ride in the car may help soothe them.
• Get out for some fresh air and go for a walk. Even if it does not help your baby, it may help ease your nerves.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your doctor IF:

• Your baby has vomiting or diarrhea or any other signs of illness.
• Your baby looks sick.
• Colic lasts continually for 4 days and you need more advice.
• If you are breastfeeding you may want to call the breastfeeding clinic @ 648-6379.
• Call a lactation consultant or someone from La Leche league for more advice.