7 Common Questions New Parents Ask About Colic
New moms and dads confronted by a baby who cries incessantly without obvious reasons may be confused and frustrated. In most cases, such babies appear healthy. They lack visible signs of trauma, infection, or any other condition. Yet, they cry nonstop, often for hours at a time.
If this describes your infant, she may be suffering from colic. In this article, we’ll answer seven of the most common questions parents ask about the condition. The following will clarify what colic is, how to respond, and what to expect over the long run.
#1 – “What Is Colic?”
Technically, colic describes a circumstance during which your baby cries constantly, usually from abdominal discomfort. Her crying may last for more than three hours at a time, and can occur several times a week. It is understandably distressing to moms and dads, especially if they have no experience with a colicky baby.
#2 – “When Does It Start?”
The crying usually begins during the third week, though it occasionally starts during the second week.
#3 – “Does My Baby Need To See A Doctor?”
Because babies can suffer from so many unseen conditions, it’s important to have your infant’s pediatrician examine her. The doctor will be able to rule out unrelated ailments, such as an ear infection, GI obstruction, or a urinary tract infection.
#4 – “How Is Colic Treated?”
If your little one’s discomfort is due to gas, and you’re feeding her formula, switching to soy may help. The gas is usually caused by food that has not been fully digested. Soy minimizes this problem. It’s worth noting, however, this solution presumes the colic is the result of gas, when in fact, it may be related to other factors.
In the past, many doctors prescribed medications to help ease the pain. Unfortunately, such medications were less than helpful, and posed side effects. Today, pediatricians typically recommend allowing the discomfort to fade away on its own.
#5 – “How Long Will My Baby Be Colicky?”
The good news is that colic eventually resolves without medications or other types of treatment. The bad news is that it lasts awhile. When your infant reaches six weeks, she’ll begin to cry less frequently, and for less time. By the end of the third month, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement. Colic typically disappears by the fifth month.
If you have never cared for a colicky baby, realize that you’ll need help from others. Your little one’s relentless cries will eventually fray your nerves. During the months she cries, you’ll constantly wonder whether anything is wrong, even following a visit to her pediatrician. This is normal, but can tax your emotions and energy. Be willing to ask friends and family to watch your baby while you take breaks.
#6 – “What Causes Colic?”
As noted earlier, gas from undigested food can cause your infant to become colicky. However, it’s unknown why this happens. Some babies have especially sensitive gastrointestinal tracts; others may be lactose-intolerant, and thus unable to properly digest formula; and still others might lack the necessary enzymes to deal with protein from breast milk.
#7 – “Can The Foods I Eat Cause My Baby To Have Colic?”
It is possible. There are some foods and beverages that nursing moms consume which may affect their babies. For example, even small amounts of caffeine can potentially upset your little one’s stomach. Also, depending on whether she has food allergies, a diet heavy with shellfish, peanuts, or eggs may aggravate her digestive tract.
One of the most common sources of gastrointestinal irritation in babies is dairy. If you consume a high volume of dairy products, think about eating less, or switching to soy.
Colic is frustrating – for you, your partner, and your baby. Fortunately, while it requires a heavy dose of patience, it will eventually disappear.