Colic in infants is one of the most painful problems for infants and a source of distress for mothers, especially in the first months after birth.
The infant enters into intense crying spells for no apparent reason. Although it is not a serious illness, it indicates a problem with the child's digestive system.
This may be due to gas or indigestion, and often disappears with growth and improvement of the child's digestive system. Below, we will learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
What is infant colic
Infant colic occurs due to the infant's immature digestive system and difficulty getting rid of gas, leading to frequent and intense crying spells.
It occurs in the first months after birth and lasts for several hours daily, gradually disappearing when the infant reaches 3 or 4 months.
Symptoms of colic in infants
The symptoms of colic in infants are clearly evident and include:
- Abdominal bloating.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Gas sounds.
- Intense and persistent crying.
- Pulling the swabs toward the abdomen.
- Redness of the baby's face while crying.
- The baby calms down after defecating or passing gas.
Causes of Colic in Infants
The causes of colic in infants vary, but they are often related to the development of the digestive system. The most important causes include:
- Mother's stress and anxiety.
- Infrequent burping of the baby after feeding.
- The baby's sensitivity to a component of milk.
- The baby's digestive system is not fully developed.
- Gas accumulation resulting from swallowing air during feeding.
- The mother's feeding of gas-causing foods, such as legumes and cabbage.
Preventing Colic in Infants
Colic in infants can be prevented by following the following tips during feeding and daily habits, including:
- Burping the baby after each feeding.
- Refraining from stress while feeding the baby.
- Avoid feeding the baby quickly and in large quantities.
- Breastfeeding the baby in the correct position to avoid swallowing air.
- The mother avoids eating foods that cause gas and bloating.
- Do not suddenly change the type of formula without consulting a doctor.
Methods for Treating Colic in Infants
Treatment for colic in infants aims to relieve pain and provide comfort to the baby and includes:
- Using anti-gas drops.
- Warming the baby's tummy with warm compresses.
- Avoiding gas-causing foods.
- Holding the baby on your shoulder or on your tummy.
- Gently massaging the baby's tummy in circular motions.
- Small, frequent feedings instead of large meals.
Can colic in infants be treated with herbs
It is not recommended to give herbs directly to the baby without consulting a doctor, especially for babies under 6 months old. However, breastfeeding mothers can consume these herbs so they pass safely through the milk.
Among the herbs that mothers can drink are anise, cumin, mint, and caraway to soothe colic in infants and reduce bloating and abdominal cramps.
When should you see a doctor about colic in infants
A doctor should be consulted if the infant's crying lasts for more than 3 hours a day, the baby fails to gain weight, has a loss of appetite, and refuses to breastfeed.
Or if the baby experiences frequent vomiting after each feeding, a high temperature accompanied by lethargy, or if the stool color changes or there is severe abdominal bloating.
Medications for Treating Colic in Infants
Medications for treating colic in infants are used after consulting a doctor, as they vary depending on the child's age, weight, and the cause of the colic. These include:
- Lactase drops.
- Carminex or Baby Gas.
- Baby Forte or Procept.
- Simethicone or Deflat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colic in Infants
What is the best medicine for colic in infants
There is no single best medicine, but simethicone or Deflat is considered safe and effective in expelling gas and relieving pain.
How can gas be expelled from an infant's tummy
Burping the baby after feeding, massaging the tummy, and gently moving the legs.
What is the quick treatment for infant colic
Warming and gently massaging the infant's abdomen, along with giving the appropriate medication after consulting a doctor.
When does colic disappear in infants
It disappears after 3 or 4 months of age, when the infant's digestive system is fully developed.
Does breast milk cause colic
In some cases, yes, if the mother eats foods such as legumes, cabbage, or spicy foods. However, breast milk itself does not cause colic.
Article Summary
Infant colic is a common condition that appears after birth and lasts for 3 or 4 months. Its symptoms can be characterized by intense, frequent crying with the legs pulled toward the abdomen.
This occurs as a result of the infant's immature digestive system and inability to expel gas. Colic can be relieved through proper breastfeeding, abdominal massage, and burping the infant after feeding.