Colic in babies- symptoms & treatment
What is Colic?
Colic is a common condition, affecting about 1 in 5 babies. It is when a baby cries a lot, even though they are properly fed and not unwell. Bouts of crying with colic tend to occur in the later afternoon or evening, but not always. The cause of colic in babies is unclear- which can make it difficult to treat and quite a distressing problem for new parents. If you think your baby has colic, you should bring them to the doctor for a check up, to make sure nothing else is wrong.
Of course, a certain amount of crying is normal in babies- for the first 2 months of life it’s quite normal for a baby to cry for a total of 2 to 3 hours per day, though this will be spread out through the day, and will usually respond to comforting, feeding, a new nappy or sleep! However, babies who have colic will cry for more than 3 hours at a time, for 3 or more days a week, and often will be very hard to console or settle.
What causes colic?
It is not certain what causes colic- it happens equally in breast-fed and bottle-fed babies.
Theories include trapped wind in the bowel or sensitivity of the baby’s gut to substances in milk, but the truth is, we don’t know for sure.
When does colic start?
Colic usually starts in the first few weeks of life, peaking between 6 and 8 weeks, and typically settling down by the age of 4 to 6 months.
What are the symptoms of colic?
Symptoms of colic can vary slightly from one baby to another, but the following features are typical:
- Intense, inconsolable crying for 2-3 hours, usually in the afternoon or evening
- Red face and clenched fists
- Sometimes the baby may draw up their legs or arch their back
When should I worry? When should I see a doctor?
If a baby suddenly starts to cry inconsolably, and has not been previously diagnosed with colic, they should be brought to see a doctor immediately, because some serious illnesses can present with intense crying. The following symptoms do NOT happen in colic and may indicate infection or illness (so you should see a doctor urgently if they occur)
- The baby feels floppy or limp
- A sudden, significant drop in feeding (e.g only taking a third of their normal bottles)
- Fever (a temperature around or above 38C)
- Dehydration- reduced urine output, dry nappies
- Looking pale, grey or blue
- A mottled or blotchy appearance of the skin
- A rash- particularly one that does not disappear when you press it
- Blood in their poo
- Vomiting up green liquid
- A bulging or sunken fontanelle (soft spot)
- Unusually high-pitched continuous crying
- Breathing too quickly
- Abnormal movements of the limbs or seizures
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
Basically, if you’re feeling worried, not sure why your baby is distressed or if any of the above symptoms occur, you should see a doctor immediately. You should also see your doctor if you’re feeling stressed or not coping- colic can be very exhausting for all involved.
What else could it be?
GORD (acid reflux), lactose intolerance or cow’s milk protein intolerance can sometimes cause babies to be unsettled during or after feeds, but the pattern of symptoms tends to be different to colic. These conditions may have a clear pattern relating to feeds, and there will usually be other symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, poor weight gain or vomiting.
What is the best treatment for colic?
At first, it’s important to see your doctor at make sure nothing else is wrong.
If the baby is diagnosed with colic, some techniques may help, such as
- Holding or gently rocking baby, applying gentle pressure to their tummy
- Wrapping them snugly in a blanket or sling
- Rule out anything else that might be bothering them- a nappy change or a feed may help
- Taking them for a walk in a pram
- Staying calm, speaking or singing softly may soothe the baby
- Offering baby a pacifier/dummy to suck
- A warm bath
- Establishing a regular daily feeding and sleep routine may help
- Baby massage
- Maintaining calm quiet surroundings, with soft low lighting in the room
It’s also very important for parents to get enough rest themselves, as the situation can become quite stressful and exhausting- and remembering to ask for support of family and friends if you’re struggling with a colicky baby. It’s worth checking in with your local maternal child health nurse, who will be able to advise about feeding and settling techniques. They may also be able to advise you about helpful local resources for parents. And obviously, speak to your doctor to make sure nothing more serious is underlying.
Things that don’t work for colic
- “Gripe water” is often sold in pharmacies but has no medical basis and is not recommended by doctors.
- There is no benefit in changing a breastfeeding mother’s diet
- Treatments by chiropractors or other alternative practitioners do not help
Will my baby need tests for colic?
A doctor will usually be able to diagnose colic based on the typical symptoms, and by performing a physical examination. In some cases, tests may be requested, if an underlying condition is suspected.
If you have concerns about the symptoms of colic, are worried about your baby’s crying or feel like you’re not coping- speak to your doctor.
Further Patient Resources:
Colic:What is it? raisingchildren.net.au
Unsettled or crying babies (colic) rch.org.au
Article Resources:
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