Baby Colic

Infantile colic: causes, symptoms and treatments

Babies, especially in the first weeks of life, can sleep most of the day, bringing joy and peace to their parents. However, when a child reaches 2-3 months, many begin to experience bouts of incessant crying, accompanied by a feeling of abdominal pain. This is usually caused by intestinal colic, which can last up to 3-4 months.

Why does intestinal colic occur at this age, and how to deal with it? At the moment, there is no exact answer to this question. However, there are several hypotheses that explain the causes of colic.

One hypothesis is related to the immaturity of the infant's digestive system. In the first months of life, the child has not yet developed a full-fledged intestinal microflora, and the intestinal muscles have not yet developed enough strength to effectively digest food. In addition, intestinal colic can be caused by a contradiction between the needs of the baby and the capabilities of his body.

Crying attacks most often occur in the evening, when the child is already tired. Boys cry more often than girls, first-born children cry more often than their younger brothers and sisters, and children of nervous, anxious and suspicious mothers cry more often than children of calm mothers.

There are babies who behave as quietly as in the first month of life, and they do not have intestinal colic. This may have to do with the child's personality and ability to cope better with stress.

How to help a baby suffering from intestinal colic? There are several methods that can alleviate the baby's condition. The first thing to do is to make sure that the baby is not hungry and does not need to change his diaper. If your baby continues to cry, you can try the following methods:

1. Abdominal massage. A gentle abdominal massage can help your baby get rid of gas and reduce pain. The massage should be done in a circular motion in a clockwise direction.

2. Warm. Some babies benefit from warm swaddling or simply placing a heating pad on their belly.

3. Transfer to another position. You can try placing your baby on his side or stomach, or lifting his legs toward his chest. In some cases, certain postures can relieve bowel tension and pain.

4. Changing the feeding diet. Sometimes intestinal colic can be associated with an incorrect diet. If the baby is breastfeeding, the mother can try to change her diet by eliminating foods that can cause gas. If the child is bottle-fed, then you can try using a different formula.

5. Anti-colic drops. There are special drops that help reduce pain during intestinal colic. However, they should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.

Although intestinal colic can be very unpleasant, it is not dangerous to the baby's health and usually goes away after a few months. The main thing is to monitor your child, make sure he gets enough nutrients and love, and help him get through this period. If crying attacks continue for longer than several months, you should consult a doctor for additional consultations and to rule out other possible causes.