Infant colic: causes, remedies, and when it goes away

During the first months of life , babies cry often. They do so primarily to communicate their needs, from hunger to tiredness, from cold to minor ailments, or simply because they want to be cuddled . This normal crying is a sign of a baby's normal development and shouldn't arouse suspicion, at least until the fits begin to last more than three hours a day , more than three times a week , and for three consecutive weeks . The "rule of threes" is the term coined in 1954 by pediatrician Dr. Wessel to define infant colic , painful contractions of the involuntary intestinal muscles.

Cause

Infant colic can be caused by a variety of factors , starting with the presence of gas in the baby's intestines due to excessive swallowing during feedings or poor coordination of sucking . Another cause could be a mild intolerance to milk , resulting in an imbalance in the intestinal flora. Or even excess gas produced by intestinal bacteria. There are also theories that point to possible milk allergies, but at present this hypothetical cause has no scientific basis. In fact, many studies show that switching to a milk-free diet does not improve colic in any way. On the other hand, it significantly worsens the baby's nutritional balance, especially if breast milk is used.

Finally, poor nutrition on the mother's part is also cited as a cause, but this is an indication that does not yet have the necessary scientific evidence, although the advice, during pregnancy, remains to follow a healthy and balanced diet, low in fat and sugar. 

What causes colic in babies?

Symptoms

Symptoms include sudden, prolonged crying, usually immediately after feeding, and the baby may clench his fists, arch his back , and raise his legs toward his abdomen. Other symptoms include: the baby doesn't latch on as usual, appears nervous and sleepy, has deeper and more frequent breathing, and eats less than usual. He may also have diarrhea or vomiting.

When they pass by

This is a temporary problem , however, which generally tends to disappear around the third month of the baby's life. A good idea is to calculate how long your baby cries : for example, it may seem like your baby has been crying for two hours, but in reality, it's only been for 45 minutes. Knowing exactly how much your baby cries can be helpful in understanding the underlying causes of the crying spells.

Natural remedies

There is currently no specific medical treatment for infant colic, and medications are generally not necessary . Only in some, more severe cases can probiotics or antispasmodics be administered to the baby and a change in the mother 's diet be considered during breastfeeding.

Here are some useful tips and natural remedies to relieve colic in newborns and reduce crying spells:

• Carry him around on his stomach

Extend one forearm with your hand palm up, place the baby face down on your arm, with his head in the palm of your hand and his legs on either side of your elbow, support him with your other hand and walk around the house a little, keeping him in this position.

Alternatively, try calming your baby and putting him to sleep while sitting in a rocking chair: the movement promotes relaxation. And don't forget the classic car ride: sometimes it works better than strolling.

• The burp

If your baby cries, he or she risks swallowing a lot of air, thus worsening colic. Check your baby's position frequently while you feed him or her, and then place him or her with his or her head against your shoulder to help him or her burp.

• The massage

Tummy massages can relax your baby and help him calm down and sleep better.

• No to excessive lights and loud noises

They can irritate the baby: avoid all excessive stimulation, both visual and acoustic.

• White noises

A different approach, however, is the so-called " white noise ," created by turning on a fan or placing the crib near the dishwasher. It creates a soft, soothing noise for the baby.

• The pacifier

Use a pacifier if you notice that sucking helps relieve colic discomfort. And don't forget that whispering softly in your baby's ear can also soothe him.

• Wrap the baby in a blanket

Wrap your baby in a blanket and hug him: it has a calming effect.

• Beware of cow's milk

As mentioned, one cause of infant colic may be a mild intolerance to cow's milk proteins, passed on from the mother through breast milk . In this case, it may be helpful for the mother, and especially the baby, to experiment with a cow's milk-free diet, especially if there are previous cases of allergies and intolerances in the family.

If your baby is bottle-fed, opt for an easily digestible milk with a low lactose content.

• Maternal nutrition

Likewise, it is important for mothers to be careful about certain foods such as caffeinated drinks , chocolate, bananas , oranges, strawberries , and very tasty and spicy dishes.

• Herbal Teas

Consult your pediatrician about giving your baby a herbal tea made with chamomile, mint, or fennel. Consulting a doctor is essential in this case, not only to determine the correct dosage, but also because this beverage can interfere with breastfeeding and induce a false sense of satiety in the infant, thus reducing the number of feedings.

• The pediatrician

If your little one is experiencing excessive discomfort and the crying spells continue for too long, don't hesitate to consult a doctor so the cause of the problem can be identified immediately.

• Lullaby

Read also:

• Rules for proper nutrition for children
• Strengthening children's immune defenses: you can do it with nutrition
• Vegetables for Kids: 10 Easy Ways to Get Them to Eat Every Day
• The importance of caresses, they promote the growth of children and strengthen the bond between couples
• Tips for successful breastfeeding, including nourishment and cuddles for mother and baby.