Colic in Babies: Why it Happens and How to Treat It

Colic in babies is more common than you might think. In fact, it is estimated that 40% of breastfed babies suffer from colic. It can begin a little before the first month of life and generally disappears three or four months after birth.

Both breastfed and formula- fed babies can experience colic; and although the exact cause of colic in babies is unknown, it can be attributed to the baby’s intolerance to cow’s milk in formula milk and, in the case of those who breastfeed, it could be closely related to the mother’s diet.

All About Colic in Babies

How Do I Know if My Baby Has Colic?

When a baby cries and cries for no apparent reason, it is most likely that the baby is suffering from colic. In fact, crying is one of the main indicators of colic in babies; for example, when a baby is healthy, is gaining weight, is feeding well and normally, but has a high-pitched cry for several periods and is very difficult to calm, it is likely that the baby has colic.

How much crying can be defined as infantile colic? It could be said that if the child cries for three or more hours a day, for at least three days a week and for at least three weeks, it could be colic.

Regurgitation is not a symptom of colic. In fact, babies who do not suffer from colic may also regurgitate from time to time. However, if your baby regurgitates or vomits frequently and is also losing weight or not gaining weight as they should, you should immediately consult your pediatrician.

In what other cases should you consult your pediatrician? When your baby does not have a good sucking reflex or one that is strong enough to breastfeed properly, or when there is blood in the stool or diarrhea, since babies with colic have normal stools and a normal sucking reflex.

What Causes It?

When the baby is fed with formula milk , colic can occur due to intolerance to cow’s milk, which is generally made from this type of milk.

And when the baby is fed with breast milk it may be related to the mother’s diet; however, it is not universal, there are mothers who have eliminated caffeine from their diet and it improves the baby’s colic, other mothers control the consumption of dairy products, eggs, wheat or soy and it also helps the baby’s colic. Other foods such as onions or cabbage can also be irritating for the baby.

How to Treat Colic in Babies at Home?

The first thing is to be patient. There is no magic formula, so you can try various things to see what works for your baby. If you suspect your baby has colic, try burping him more each time he eats. Positions to relieve colic are important. Try sitting with your baby in a rocking chair or sitting your baby in a swing. Movement can help him feel better.

There is a position recommended by the “grandmothers” and it is placing the baby face down on your arm, the baby’s head should rest on your hand and the arms and legs should hang down; rock him gently while you walk from one side to the other.

Going for a ride in the car with the baby in the car seat can also help a lot because the vibrations help calm the baby. Another position you can try is placing the baby face down on your thighs and massaging his back.

Take advantage of this position to give a massage and do aromatherapy with some essential oil suitable for babies; we recommend lavender or chamomile, which have a calming effect; with sweet fennel oil, do a very comforting massage on their tummy in a clockwise direction. Remember to use only a couple of drops as these oils are very concentrated.