Colic – infantile

Colic is a condition where repeated bouts of excessive crying
occur in a baby who is otherwise healthy and thriving.

DESCRIPTION

Colic is very common and is thought to affect approximately 20
percent of newborn babies. The symptoms usually start a few weeks
after birth, and continue for the first three to four months of
life. Colic may appear to be distressing for a baby, however it is
not harmful. Babies with Colic still grow and develop
normally.

 

Colic is often defined as crying for more than three hours a
day, three days a week for more than three weeks in an otherwise
well-fed, healthy baby. Colic episodes are most common in the late
afternoon or evening. The crying often begins suddenly and for no
apparent reason. During an episode, your baby may be difficult, or
even impossible, to comfort.

 

Colic can be very upsetting for parents. Although Colic can be
distressing at the time, it is a common phase which will pass in a
few weeks or months. Colic is not the fault of the parents and it
is very important not to blame a ‘stressed’ parent for the crying.
Babies cry as a method of communicating their needs to their
parents. All babies cry at some time and it is not unusual for a
newborn infant to cry for up to 2 hours a day. See the Baby Crying
topic for more information about why your baby may be crying.

CAUSE

The causes of Colic are unknown. Some researchers have
suggested that indigestion or wind may play a role. Others claim
that babies who have Colic may have a temporary sensitivity to
certain substances found in breast or formula milk, such as lactose
(a natural sugar), or proteins found in cows’ milk. There is little
evidence to support these theories. It is known that smoking during
pregnancy doubles the chances of your baby developing Colic.

 

Some researchers have suggested that some babies may be more
sensitive than others, or have a problem ‘turning off’ their crying
response. Some babies are easily frightened by and struggle to cope
with normal physical sensations such as digestion or normal reflux.
Others take longer to adapt to the world and cope with
changes.

 

It is important to remember that all babies are different.
Some cry for longer periods and are more unsettled than others.
This is normal.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Colic can produce the following symptoms;

• Flushed red face
• Intense, furious crying
• Baby is difficult or impossible to comfort
• Baby may clench their fists, draw up their knees, or arch their
  back.

 

Babies with Colic often have difficulty sleeping, and feeding
patterns may be disrupted by the bouts of crying. Feeding is not
normally reduced, but it may take longer if the baby is crying
persistently. It is also common for babies to pass wind during
periods of vigorous crying. Colic can be milder in some babies than
in others, and periods of restlessness in the evenings may be the
only symptom.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As Colic always improves on its own, medical treatment is not
normally recommended. Colic can be very distressing for parents and
if you find that you are having problems coping then you should
contact your GP. Medication should only be given to an infant on
the advice of a Doctor.

 

The suggestions outlined below may be helpful in managing a
colicky baby;

• Stay calm – this will help you to think clearly and provide
  reassurance to your baby. 
• Hold your baby – during a crying episode this can sometimes
  help, as can wrapping them snugly in a blanket (swaddling).
• Prevent air swallowing – by sitting your baby upright during
  feeding. Holes in bottle teats that are too small or too large may
  cause babies to swallow air while feeding. Special teats designed
  to stop your baby swallowing air while feeding may be a useful
  alternative.
• Avoid too much caffeine if breastfeeding – some women also find
  that spicy food and alcohol can aggravate Colic.
• Burp your baby – do this after every feed. Sit your baby
  upright or hold them, facing you, against your shoulder, making
  sure that you support their neck and head. Gently rub their back
  and tummy until they burp. They may bring up a small amount of milk
  when you do this, which is normal.
• Avoid over-stimulation – continually picking up and putting
  down your baby may aggravate the crying. Try gently comforting your
  baby in a quiet, darkened room. If you know that your baby is not
  hungry, tired, too hot or cold, or in need of a nappy change, it
  may help to leave them in their cot for a short while.
• Gentle movement – pushing your baby in their pram or pushchair,
  or going for a drive, can be comforting. Rocking them over your
  shoulder or carrying them around the house may also be
  helpful.
• White noise – the sound of a washing machine or vacuum cleaner
  can be soothing to some babies. 
• Massage – gentle stomach or back rubs, or a warm bath, may also
  help to relieve Colic.

 

If you feel that you cannot cope with your baby’s crying, it
is best to put your baby down somewhere safe and take a few minutes
as a ‘time-out’.

Ask your friends and family for support.

Rest when your baby is asleep.

Try to meet with parents of babies of the same age for support
and advice.

 

See the Australian Breastfeeding Association topic for more
information.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice on treatments for Colic.

1. If bottle feeding, ask your Pharmacist to recommend the most
   suitable teat.
2. Your Pharmacy stocks a range of massage oils suitable for
   babies’ sensitive skin.
3. A warm bath may help to soothe your baby.