Causes and Solutions for Colic in Babies Learn more about Causes and Symptoms of Baby Colic

Colic is a very common experience among infants, but for new parents, it can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. The persistent crying and discomfort can last from one to four hours, depending on the severity. While it’s not truly dangerous, colic can seem intense when you see your baby crying loudly and desperately.

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What Is Colic?

For those unfamiliar, colic is a stomach pain that occurs after feeding. Due to ongoing discomfort, babies cry for hours until the colic subsides. The crying can last from one to four hours, depending on how intense the pain is. Observers may notice the baby’s face turning red from effort and possibly from pain.

When a baby has colic, their tummy may become distended or appear swollen. One leg may be bent while the other is stretched out. Feet might feel cold, and little fists clenched due to discomfort. This reaction is common in infants experiencing stomach upset after feeding.

Colic typically happens in the late afternoon or early evening following meals but can occur at any time of day. Not all babies experience colic, and some may suffer less frequently than others. Medical experts believe there could be a genetic component: if one or both parents had colic as babies, their children might be more prone to experiencing it too.

For those unfamiliar with the condition, colic is a type of stomach pain that occurs after feeding. Due to persistent discomfort, babies may cry for hours on end until the colic subsides. The crying can last anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the severity of the pain. Babies often become red-faced from the effort and possibly from the pain as well.

When experiencing colic, a baby’s stomach may become distended or swollen. One leg may be bent while the other remains extended. Feet may feel cold, and hands can be clenched tightly due to discomfort. This is a common response in individuals whose stomachs have been fed.

Typically, colic occurs in the late afternoon or early evening after each feeding, but it can happen at any time of day. Not all babies suffer from colic, and some may experience it less frequently than others. Medical experts believe genetics may play a role. It appears that if one or both parents had colic as babies, their children might be more prone to experiencing it too.

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Factors That Might Worsen Colic

There are several factors that can contribute to colic in infants. Here are some of them and tips on how to avoid them:

Overfeeding

Make sure your baby is genuinely hungry before feeding again. Overfeeding can only make things worse if the baby is already crying or in discomfort.

Factors That Might Worsen Colic

Several factors can contribute to infant colic. Here are some of them and tips on how to avoid them:

Overfeeding

Make sure your baby is truly hungry before feeding again. Overfeeding can only make things worse if your baby is already crying or in discomfort.

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Learn more about [[Causes](/blog/causes-of-colic-in-babies-understand-and-manage/) and Symptoms of Baby Colic](/blog/causes-and-symptoms-of-baby-colic/)

Specific Foods

Some types of foods can make colic worse. High sugar foods and undiluted fruit juices increase gas in the stomach, which can intensify the discomfort.

Gut Allergy

Intestinal allergy can also cause colic, so it’s important to identify what makes your baby sensitive. This could be from something they eat directly or from something transferred through breast milk.

Intense Emotions

Feelings like anger, fear, anxiety, and stress can affect colic. Managing these emotions is important to help prevent worsening your baby’s pain.

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Practical Tips for Parents

To improve your child’s quality of life, consider these helpful tips:

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Practical Tips for Parents

To improve your baby’s quality of life, consider these helpful tips:

1. Monitor Feeding Times: Make sure your baby is genuinely hungry before feeding again, and keep track of what and how much they’re eating.
2. Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify foods that make your baby’s colic worse and try to avoid or limit them.
3. Watch for Pain Signs: Look for indicators like bloating, clenched fists, or cold hands and feet that could signal discomfort. If you suspect a gut allergy, consult your pediatrician to identify problematic foods.
4. Reduce Stress: Try to keep your baby calm, especially during times when colic tends to flare up, such as after feeds.

Conclusion

Baby colic is common, but understanding its causes and how to prevent them can make life easier for parents. Observe your baby carefully, identify potential triggers, and take measures to reduce colic episodes. Colic usually starts between two and three weeks of age and tends to peak within the first two months, often easing by around three months.

The frequency of colic episodes can vary; some babies experience them more often than others. It’s important to be attentive to your baby’s signs and symptoms and seek appropriate solutions to help them feel better.