What is Infant Colic?

Colic is a common condition in childhood that is marked by intense prolonged crying, usually during the evening hours. The crying arises all of a sudden and cannot be pacified by any means. The child will stop crying only after it is exhausted. Usually 2 weeks after birth this crying may start and continue everyday for several months, same time each evening.

Symptoms of Infant Colic

1. Screaming or crying maybe accompanied by clenched fists, tense abdomen, rumbling in the stomach, red face and drawn-in-legs.
2. Healthy infants cry persistently and inconsolably. The crying begins when the infant is 2 weeks old and reduces gradually around 3 months of age.
3. The child may and try to suck breast, pacifier or bottle hungrily, but after taking it into the mouth it immediately refuses it, and resumes crying.
4. Usually during the late afternoon or early evening the crying may start suddenly continue for several hours or through the night. Crying maybe temporarily halted by bowel movement or passage of gas.

Causes of Colic

• Air that is swallowed during crying may cause abdominal spasm or pain;
• Besides, fatigue or child’s frustration of not being able to interact with the environment maybe the other causes.

Home remedies for Colic

1. The baby should be fed in a semi upright position, and continue holding the baby for about 15 minutes after feeding. Remember it is important that the baby burp’s.
2. Infants may become more irritated if parents are upset, so maintain your calm.
3. Use gentle strokes to massage the stomach of the baby.
4. Try warm baths, swaddle the baby in soft blanket or use a warm heating pad or a hot water bottle to place on the baby’s stomach.
5. Distract the baby’s attention by playing soft music, take the baby for a ride in the car and give the baby a pacifier. Besides fondle, gently rock or walk with your infant, for that feeling of supportive reassurance.

How can one prevent Colic?

There are no known preventive measures for infant colic.