There are some newborns who happen to get colic. They make loud cries and you (parents) have tried many things to calm them down, but they just don’t seem to work. The babies keep crying.
You can read the article below and get some information on how to deal with your newborn or baby’s colic.
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Coping With Your Baby’s Colic
By Margaret Tye
A new baby with colic is one of the most difficult problems a new parent has to cope with. Most new parents are under pressure trying to deal with a new routine and lack of sleep, the added burden of a crying infant you seem powerless to help can be overwhelming. The only comfort that can be offered is, with 1 in 5 babies developing colic, many other parents are suffering too and that by the time the baby is four months old the problem normally disappears.
The normal symptoms of colic are continuous loud crying, flexing and extending the legs, clenching fists and often a distended tummy. Very often this occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, although it can happen at any time.
So what is colic and is there a remedy for it? There are many possible causes, but initially the most important thing that a parent must do is establish that the child is actually suffering from colic and there is not another reason for the crying. Colic, however distressed the baby seems, is not life threatening, but it is essential not to assume a crying baby has colic, check with your doctor immediately.
Once colic has been diagnosed you should try to identify the cause. If you are breastfeeding avoid foods that are likely to cause gas. Make a note of what you are eating, baby may be intolerant to something in your diet, including dairy products. If the baby is bottle fed your doctor may suggest a change of formula. Don’t overfeed the baby, we all know that bloated feeling when we have overeaten, so why shouldn’t baby feel the same. Try hard not to get stressed, I know this isn’t easy but many experts believe that babies are sensitive to stress around them and react. It’s a catch 22 situation, the more crying the greater the stress. Try to take turns in dealing with the crying baby, even rope in grandparents or a close friend so that you can walk away for 30minutes.
A continuous soothing sound such as a washing machine or tumbledryer often works. There are CD’s available that can help and I found that a tape of sea waves worked well, particularly when gently rocking the child.
Seek your doctor’s advice on medicines, he may recommend some colic relief. If colic has been diagnosed but there is any change in the baby’s behaviour, go straight back to your doctor, it’s better to err on the safe side.
Finally remember that it will pass, in a few months that screaming bundle will be toddling about getting into more mischief than you can possibly imagine!
This article is for information only. You should always consult your doctor before commencing any treatment and no liability is accepted.
Hi Adwina:
Some people will definitely disagree with me – but I don’t know that I believe in “colic”. I think that when a baby cries, it’s for good reason – especially a little baby. When we first brought our triplets home from the hospital, William was inconsolable. He would scream, arch his back, kick his legs, clench his fists. It was terrible. The only way that he would be somewhat pacified is if we carried him around in Bjorn, and even then – he’d still cry.
After our doctor telling us it was reflux … we treated him with Reglan and Zantac. Still – he was miserable. Rather than believing that this was something he would outgrow, I insisted that they run a stool culture. He was diagnosed with lactose intolerance and because I was nursing, I was given strict instructions on foods to avoid. I also was supplementing a few ounces a day with formula, so I made certain that we used a soy based type. Within 3 days, he was a different baby. He was eating, sleeping and pooping well.
Of course, I also broke all the rules and let him sleep on his tummy, too. More than once, I would watch him, from a sound sleep, lift his head – burp – and put his head back down to keep sleeping. My opinion is that they feel more secure on their bellies and it is a better position to “get the gas up.”
It’s good to remember how we managed all of this – considering our baby #4 is due in June! (a total, but wonderful surprise!!)
Take care – Jen
I’m sorry to hear about William. Glad to know he got better. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Another baby?? What a surprise! Congratulations Jen!