WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A colicky infant cries for hours for no known reason. The
cry is often a fussy screaming. Colic begins in infants about 2
to 4 weeks old and can last 5 months. It is more common in boys
and first-born children.
Causes
The exact cause of colic is
unknown. Tiredness, food allergy, overly warm milk, or
overfeeding your baby may play a part. Stress in the home,
loneliness, and pain may also have a role. Your colicky infant
may simply want to be held or to go to sleep.
Signs/Symptoms
Your infant may cry once or twice
a day for 1 to 2 hours. Between these crying spells, the baby
may seem fine. Crying often starts in late afternoon or early
evening and frequently stops when you hold the child. The
crying does no harm.
Care
It is hard to treat colic since
its cause is unknown. Holding, cuddling, and rocking your baby
usually works best.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Burp your infant after each ounce of formula. If you
are breastfeeding, burp the baby every 5 minutes. Always
hold the child while feeding, and allow at least 20 minutes
for each session.
-
Do not give a feeding every time the baby cries. Wait
at least 2 hours between feedings. Check to see if the baby
is in a cramped position, is too hot or cold, has a soiled
diaper or an open diaper pin, or needs to be
cuddled.
-
When trying to comfort a crying infant, use soothing
gentle motions. Use a rocking chair or cradle, put the baby
in a wind-up swing, or carry the child in a front-pack. If
the crying continues after more than 20 minutes of gentle
motion, let the baby cry himself to
sleep.
-
When your baby is having an attack of gas, hold him
or her securely and gently massage the lower part of the
stomach. You may also apply a heating pad set on
low or a warm water bottle to the stomach. Be very
careful not to burn the baby. Do not lay the infant on the
heating pad.
-
Try not to let your baby sleep more than 3 hours at a
time during the day.
-
The baby's constant crying can be very stressful. Try
to be patient and stay calm. Ask someone to care for the
infant so you can get out for an hour or two. Remember, you
did not cause your infant's colic, so don't blame
yourself.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your baby seems to be in pain or acts
sick.
-
Your baby has been crying constantly for more than
three hours.
-
Your baby develops a high temperature and is less
than 3 months of age.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You are afraid that you will hurt the
baby.
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