Colic
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Colic 〰️
Care Plan
What to expect
It's normal for babies to fuss and cry, but those with colic cry more than most, despite being otherwise healthy. Colic can be characterized by:
- Crying for no apparent reason, such as when they're not hungry or don't need a diaper change.
- Crying at the same time each day, often in the late afternoon or evening, though it can happen anytime.
- Clenching their fists or curling up their legs while crying.
- Crying as if they're in pain.
- Turning bright red when crying.
When your baby cries, they might swallow air, which can cause gas and make their tummy look swollen or feel tight. They may show some relief in symptoms after passing gas or having a bowel movement
How to prevent?
You cannot prevent colic, but you can try to find some mitigating factors
Certain factors may trigger colic, but there are ways to avoid these triggers and soothe your baby to reduce their crying.
Feeding Your Baby
If you're breastfeeding:
- Monitor your diet and beverages, as everything you consume can affect your baby.
- Avoid caffeine and chocolate, which are stimulants.
- Avoid dairy products and nuts in case of allergies.
- Consult your doctor about any medications you are taking that might be causing issues.
If you're formula-feeding:
- Try a different brand, as some babies are sensitive to specific proteins in formula.
- Feed smaller meals more frequently.
- Avoid overfeeding or feeding too quickly. A bottle feeding should last about 20 minutes; use a nipple with a smaller hole to slow down fast eaters.
- Warm the formula to body temperature.
- Feed your baby in an upright position.
How to care for the colic ?Holding Your Baby
Babies with colic might respond well to different holding and rocking methods, such as:
- Across your arm or lap while you massage their back.
- Upright, especially if they have gas.
- Rocking in your arms or using an infant swing.
Comforting Your Baby
Try these methods to soothe your baby:
- Provide extra skin-to-skin contact.
- Swaddle them by wrapping them in a blanket.
- Sing to your baby.
- Give a warm (not hot) bath or place a warm towel on their stomach.
- Massage your baby; ask your doctor for guidelines.
- Provide white noise, like from a fan, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, hair dryer, or dishwasher.
- Offer a pacifier.
- Take a walk with your baby in a stroller or go for a drive with them in a car seat.
- Give simethicone drops, an over-the-counter medicine that can help relieve gas.