What Is Baby Colic?
Baby colic is one of the most common conditions for week-old to 3-month old infants. Definitive causes of the ailment have not yet been identified, however, it is not a matter of serious concern. Babies outgrow colic by the time they reach the age of 6 months.
The "Rule of Three" is often used to determine whether or not the infant is suffering from colic. I will attempt to give you a picture of what is meant by "rule of three", then observe your child's behavior. If a baby cries for three hours or more, thrice a week for three consecutive weeks, then he is most likely to have this condition. The healthy yet distressed and inconsolable baby usually becomes irritable and cries for no apparent reason usually after meals or in the late afternoons and evenings.
The discomfort of crying too much may cause the infant's face to turn red. Gas releases become more frequent. The stomach or abdomen becomes bloated, causing the baby to bring its legs towards its chest.
Other contributing factors for baby colic include the maturity and development of their digestive and nervous systems. It can also be triggered by the activity of the baby's surroundings. For breast-feeding infants, the mother's diet and quality of food intake may also cause allergenic effects on the baby's digestive tract that can result to bloating.
Colic prevents the baby from getting enough sleep and can also place a certain degree of stress and exhaustion on the parents. Some parents may even lean towards depression, as they may feel unequipped to give what their child needs. Thus, it is important that family support remains solid and constant throughout this phase of a baby's life.
There is no single recommended treatment as different babies react differently to certain treatments or medicine. Homeopathic or alternative medicine such as Colic Calm has made its way into the market, which gives parents an option for providing relief for their child. Others have suggested that medicine is unnecessary and leave the condition to disappear over time.
To prevent baby colic make sure that you feed your baby on a regular basis. It is recommended to use a baby sling and take the child with you for a walk or while doing other activities around the house. Limit the amount of light and noise in the room during sleeping time to allow your kid to have a good night sleep. If symptoms persist, it is always best to consult your pediatrician for any dietary changes for the baby or if need be, for mothers as well.
