A new baby with colic is one of the most difficult problems a new parent has to cope with. Most new parents are under pressure trying to deal with a new routine and lack of sleep, the added burden of a crying infant you seem powerless to help can be overwhelming. The only comfort that can be offered is, with 1 in 5 babies developing colic, many other parents are suffering too and that by the time the baby is four months old the problem normally disappears.
The normal symptoms of colic are continuous loud crying, flexing and extending the legs, clenching fists and often a distended tummy. Very often this occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, although it can happen at any time.
So what is colic and is there a remedy for it? There are many possible causes, but initially the most important thing that a parent must do is establish that the child is actually suffering from colic and there is not another reason for the crying. Colic, however distressed the baby seems, is not life threatening, but it is essential not to assume a crying baby has colic, check with your doctor immediately.
Once colic has been diagnosed you should try to identify the cause. If you are breastfeeding avoid foods that are likely to cause gas. Make a note of what you are eating, baby may be intolerant to something in your diet, including dairy products. If the baby is bottle fed your doctor may suggest a change of formula. Don't overfeed the baby, we all know that bloated feeling when we have overeaten, so why shouldn't baby feel the same. Try hard not to get stressed, I know this isn't easy but many experts believe that babies are sensitive to stress around them and react. It's a catch 22 situation, the more crying the greater the stress. Try to take turns in dealing with the crying baby, even rope in grandparents or a close friend so that you can walk away for 30minutes.
A continuous soothing sound such as a washing machine or tumbledryer often works. There are CD's available that can help and I found that a tape of sea waves worked well, particularly when gently rocking the child.
Seek your doctor's advice on medicines, he may recommend some colic relief. If colic has been diagnosed but there is any change in the baby's behaviour, go straight back to your doctor, it's better to err on the safe side.
Finally remember that it will pass, in a few months that screaming bundle will be toddling about getting into more mischief than you can possibly imagine!
This article is for information only. You should always consult your doctor before commencing any treatment and no liability is accepted.
Margaret Tye runs the FromTots2Teens website that offers information on supplies for children of all ages as well as advice on health and other child and teenage related problems.
You are welcome to use this article as long as it is not altered and credit is given to the author, with a link back to this site. http://www.fromtots2teens.com. Please pay the site a visit for articles on other childhood health issues.
Years ago my husband and I attended a parenting class... Read More
Did you waste $57 today? I hope not. Unfortunately, so... Read More
With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More
So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More
Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More
Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would... Read More
Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety EquipmentOnce your... Read More
Your Pisces Baby..February 19 - March 20Your baby will have... Read More
There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More
Even if your baby is just weeks old now, you'll... Read More
The best time to wean your baby onto solid food... Read More
A Baby's Reflexes..A baby is born with certain reflexes to... Read More
It is true to say that a lot of people... Read More
Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on... Read More
It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident... Read More
Most babies and kids with reflux will have typical symptoms... Read More
If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More
When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced... Read More
Mobiles are well known for its effectiveness in capturing and... Read More
The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More
Many parents already know that it is better not to... Read More
Here you will learn how to make and where to... Read More
Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More
After all the baby furniture is purchased, you'll have to... Read More
The perfect way to spoil the baby shower games is... Read More
No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More
Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing... Read More
Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a... Read More
Your Leo Baby..July 23 - August 22Leo children are sunny,... Read More
Teething is what your baby experiences when her first set... Read More
The list of baby girls names that are the most... Read More
There are quite a few baby shower game ideas for... Read More
Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting... Read More
Breastfeeding Your Baby..Everyone tells you that breastfeeding is best -... Read More
Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery.... Read More
When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More
What is cradle cap?What is the cause?No one really knows... Read More
There is actually a bit of controversy about this question.... Read More
If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you,... Read More
Did You Know:Men are officially the best at changing baby!... Read More
When your time comes to shower a new mom or... Read More
With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More
As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More
The first thing you need to do before you order... Read More
How Can We Help Children Learn about Character?Children learn about... Read More
Babys dresser or baby chest of drawers make up the... Read More
Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per... Read More
Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of... Read More
Congratulations! You have just learned that you are having a... Read More
Here you will learn how to make and where to... Read More
Baby shower party game ideas?? This is the question which... Read More
When I had my firstborn I thought I new everything... Read More
Sounds great ? doesn't it?Or does it sound too good... Read More
Your Taurus Baby..April 20 - May 20Taurus babies are usually... Read More
When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More
Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More
With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More
Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More
Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More
As a host, you need to consider the people that... Read More
If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both... Read More
Baby Strollers are one of the major purchases you will... Read More
When it comes to naming their baby, people tend to... Read More
A long distance baby shower is for when mothers won't... Read More
When parents face difficulties with infant and child sleep issues,... Read More
Even if your baby is just weeks old now, you'll... Read More
Babies & Toddler |