Being a new parent is an adventure filled with joy, love and sleepless nights. We do everything we can to ensure our little ones are healthy, happy and comfortable. One common issue that many parents face is trying to determine if their baby is experiencing colic. Colic refers to excessive crying in infants who are otherwise healthy and well-fed. While the cause of colic remains unknown, research has shown that certain measures can help ease the pain associated with this condition.
In this article, we will explore various ways you can tell if your baby is experiencing colic or another condition entirely. We'll give you some tips for soothing your little one when they're feeling uncomfortable so that you too can catch some much needed Zzz's.
What Causes Colic?
Before delving into how to identify signs of colic, let's take a moment to understand what causes it - or rather -what DOESN'T cause it! There are several myths around what could cause Colic; however, there isn't any scientific evidence supporting these claims!
Myth #1: Gas
Many believe gas triggers colicky behavior but according to Pediatrician Lara McKenzie (MAS from Ohio state university)in most cases lack of burping does not lead to stomach bloating- thus making it unlikely as a Cause for fussiness.
Myth #2: Vaccinations
Contrary To popular belief,vaccinations DO NOT cause COLIC- There aren’t any ingredients present in vaccines which expand the infant’s intestines leading To fussy behavior-says Dr.Margaret Fisher (division chief at CDC advisor CME expert)
While researchers have yet been unable link specific reasons or root causes they have found excess crying often overstimulates an infants nervous system. Thus "doing nothing" sometimes helped soothe the cries along With other methods strongly highlighted by Kate Wilson MD.
Is it Colic or Something Else?
Excessive Crying can be indicative of several things other than colic. Moving forward, to get a better understanding you could try charting your baby's crying patterns throughout the day or week so that you could pick up on any such trends when visiting a Physician. Some alternate causes for increased crying in babies are listed below:
Gas
Though not directly related to stomach bloating/constipation gas can sometimes put pressure on nerves leading To distress/fussiness. However burping during and after feeding may help relieve these symptoms, and reduced ingestion of air could minimise chances of occurrence altogether.
Signs of Reflux
Reflux In infants occurs due to the back-flow Of food contents into their esophagus (especially after a meal) which results in discomfort- causing them To spit-up/vomit,and cry uncontrollably.Ask your physician about GORD medications as solution if identified.(GORD stands for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).
Hunger Pangs
Infants tummies are small and thus require frequent feeds- excess breaks between meals lead sTo hunger pangs resulting in fussy behavior. Ensure regular schedule according to pediatric recommendations-Peddling everything should come with caution says Dr.Mark Rakickas MD,
Keep calm & feed!
Inadequate gluten-free sources make certain segments more vulnerable leading To malnutrition-causing growth hampering among other problems-nothing wrong With keeping an eye out For dietary considerations especially if this diagnosis overlaps with hyper-sensitive tendencies making sound,sight As well As touch intolerant.
Identifying Symptoms Of Colic In Babies
It's best estimating frequency from days old thru first couple months: Average infant cries anywhere between:
•2 hours/day •5pm/pm1am -Cries at different times could indicate another underlying cause
Other obvious signs showing persistent fussiness may include: Low grade fever Decreased appetite Mucus in stool Redness around rectum
Babies who have colic will most often cry after feedings, sometimes non-stop for hours on end. In addition to frequent crying, other signs that your baby may be experiencing colic include:
Clenched fists and tensed stomachs
If you've noticed an increase in the number of times your little one is clenching their fists or tensing up their stomach while crying, this could be a sign that they are experiencing colic.
Arching of back
Arching is one way babies put less pressure on tummy muscles/thus easing.... try swaddling- these practice also reflect sensory over-stimulation resulting-in excess cry oftentimes misdiagnosed as Colic says Dr.Eric Hill,
Aside Over-stimulation different factors impacting symptomatic behavior should he discussed by practitioner - discuss thoroughly with him /her first!
Crying spells
Though all infants experience Occasional periods of fussiness more extreme/crying fits out Of proportion To his or her stimuli Could potentially signal deeper underlying issues
How to Soothe a Baby With Colic?
While there isn't any magical cure for infantile colicky behavior-excessive fuss And tears seems uncomfortably painful even without a diagnosis-GOT to find ways To sooth them..
Here are some tips that can help soothe your little one when they're feeling uncomfortable:
Giving The Child Some Space
Sometimes giving enough padding between mother-child Is enough for infant resilience.Trial-an-error strategies could lead parents Towards "miracle" solutions which apparently helped others.Tots aren’t robotically uniform-so what works for another infant might not work For yours!
Try Music Therapy Musical therapy has been known improving sleeping patterns among individuals post-surgery eliminating Insomnia helps relax restless minds too-could get playthings/toys/music themed comfort pillows..
Adding Some White Noise
White noise?? What in the world is that? Basically it's a sound machine capable of creating background thermal static masking out exterior blockage-CONSISTENT white sounds help infants becalm their nerves so they can sleep more peacefully!
Changing The Diet
While dietary changes have not been proven to completely prevent colicky behavior, cutting back on food groups likely to cause intolerance could definitely make an impact.
Don't let go Without Trying Colic Babies Doctor Advice Since He/She Knows Best!
Conclusion
Being a parent is tough! And having to watch your little one cry uncontrollably without knowing what's wrong with them can be incredibly frustrating. But remember; In time as patterns become increasingly definable and management strategies are put into place, the overwhelming distress will become a 'thing of past'.
If you've noticed any persistent symptoms of infantile colicky behavior or other related issues mentioned above - It would vitally important To seek medical advice at once for additional health assessments.Pediatricians today have ways To ease babies discomfort-and All parents given priority.So don't hesitate Being Better-Safe-Than-Sorry strategy putting yours & baby’s mind At Peace