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

During the first months of life children We know that they cry often. They do it essentially to communicate their needs, from hunger to tiredness to cold to small ailments, or simply because they want to be pamperedA normal cry that marks the normal development of the child and which should not arouse suspicion at least until the crises begin to prolong. for more than three hours a day, more than three times a week e for three consecutive weeksThe “rule of three” is the expression coined in 1954 by Dr. Wessel, a pediatrician, to define the infant colic, painful contractions of the involuntary muscles of the intestine.

Cause

Misc the causes which determine infantile colic, starting, in fact, from the presence of air in the intestine of the child due to a excessive swallowing of air during meals or to an imperfect coordination of the suction. Another cause could be a slight milk intolerance This can lead to a consequent imbalance in the intestinal flora. Or even excess gas produced by intestinal bacteria. There are also hypotheses that point to possible milk allergies, but at the moment this hypothetical cause has no scientific basis. Indeed, many studies show that switching to a milk-free diet does not improve colic in any way. And, on the other hand, it significantly worsens the baby's nutritional balance, especially if it involves... breast milk.

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

Among the symptoms, in addition to sudden and prolonged crying usually immediately after eating, the newborn clenches his fists, arches his back and lifts the legs towards the abdomen. Other symptoms: the newborn does not 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

Un transient problem however, which generally tends to disappear around the third month of life of the little one. A great idea could be to calculate the crying times of the childFor example, it may seem like your baby has been crying for two hours, but in reality, it's only been 45 minutes. Knowing exactly how long your baby cries can be helpful in understanding the cause of the crying spells.

Natural remedies

Currently there is no real medical therapy against infant colic and, in general there is no need to resort to drugsOnly in some cases, the most serious ones, is it possible to administer probiotics or antispasmodic drugs to the child and to plan a change in the child's diet. mum during the breastfeeding phase.

Here then are many useful tips and natural remedies for relieve colic in newborns and reduce crying fits:

• 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 to calm and put your baby 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 walks in a wheelchair.

• 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

Different, however, is the so-called "white noise" achieved by turning on a fan or placing the crib near the dishwasher. A light, soothing noise for the little one.

• 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 already mentioned, one of the causes of infantile colic could be a slight intolerance of the baby to the proteins of cow's milk transmitted by the mother through the milk Breastfeeding. 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 the mother to pay attention to certain foods such as soft drinks. caffeine, chocolate, banane, oranges, strawberries and very tasty and spicy dishes.

• Herbal Teas

Evaluate with your pediatrician whether it is appropriate to administer a tisane Chamomile, mint, or fennel-based teas. 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.