Colic. This word itself will bring frustration and frustrated memories to a lot of new and seasoned parents alike. I keep getting worried parents coming over and saying that – our baby has been crying inconsolably all evening. Most often these babies turn out to be quite healthy and have Infantile Colic or Baby Colic or just Colic.

Colic isn’t a disease and does not have any long-term effect on health. Some researchers also believe that colic is a stress reliever for newborns. However, this causes a lot of concern and frustration in the parents.

What is Colic?

Colic is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week for a three-week duration (lots of 3s!) in an otherwise healthy child between the ages of two weeks and four months (At least a 3 is left out here!).

It simply means that if your baby is crying a lot and is otherwise healthy i.e. does not have any other problem which could cause crying in your baby then probably your baby has colic.

Does my baby have Colic?

If your baby is otherwise healthy and does the following (Symptoms) then probably your baby has colic:-

1. Intense crying bouts
2. Crying in the late afternoon or evening that lasts several hours
3. Your baby’s face being red and flushed when they cry
4. Your baby clenching their fists, drawing their knees up to their tummy, or arching their back while crying
5. Your baby is ready to feed, and you feel your baby is overfeeding
6. Baby is quiet if you hold him straight over your shoulder.

Why is my baby having Colic?

Despite decades of research, the cause of infantile colic is not known. Various causes which are thought to cause colic include: –

1. Immature Intestines: The intestines of baby may not be able to fully breakdown and handle the nutrient load. Leading to gas and pain.
2. Food allergy and sensitivity: Some researcher feel that in a breastfed baby some food in the mother’s diet can cause colic. In formula fed babies lactose intolerance could be the possible cause.
3. Maternal Smoking: Some studies have associated colic with mothers smoking during or after pregnancy
4. Increased Serotonin: Serotonin is a chemical formed in our body. An increased level has been seen in the evening. This serotonin causes the intestines to contract and could possibly cause colic.
5. Altered Intestinal Microorganisms: Some studies have reported colicky babies to have a different intestinal microflora as compared to non-colicky ones.
6. Stress reliever response: Some researcher feel that towards the end of first month babies have increased stimulation from sound and light. Towards the end of day when they are over-stimulated by this increased sound and light the cry to relieve the stress out.

OK. My baby has colic. What should I do?

First and foremost, visit you Paediatrician/Neonatologist. He will thoroughly check and rule out if there could be other cause for excessive crying.

Watch out for Danger Signs

Don’t panic or feel guilty about it. It is nothing you could have done or averted to prevent colic. It is estimated that 10-40% babies worldwide have colic. So, you are not alone.

Calm the baby. Take the baby away from too much noises, light and people. Some babies like it to be taken out of the house so a drive or strolling in the garden might help.

Humming to baby or slow soothing music can also be tried. Swaddling of the baby has shown to soothe babies. A pressure applied on the abdomen (as in “colic carry”) may help babies with intestinal cause. A “colic carry” – where the baby lies with his/her abdomen rested over you arm – may help.

Burp the baby. Antigas medication (Semithicone) can be tried, however research has not shown very promising results. However, a trial would not harm (Please consult Paediatrician for dosage)

Mothers should stop smoking. A change in mother’s diet can also help in breastfed babies hence, it is worth a try. Babies on formula feeds may be given a trial of hydrolysed milk. Pacifiers may help and can be tried.

Probiotic correct the microflora of the intestine and may help reduce symptoms of colic. Consult your paediatrician for type and dosage.

Gripe Water: I don’t advice as there are no shown benefits in babies. There are also no safety studies for it. So better avoided.

Again, Colic isn’t a disease and does not have any long-term effect on health. Don’t panic and feel guilty or depressed about it. Colic is usually relieved in most babies by the end of 5 months and in a few by end of six month. Be patient.