Coping With Colic


A new baby with colic is one of the most difficult problems a new parent has to cope with. Most new parents are under pressure trying to deal with a new routine and lack of sleep, the added burden of a crying infant you seem powerless to help can be overwhelming. The only comfort that can be offered is, with 1 in 5 babies developing colic, many other parents are suffering too and that by the time the baby is four months old the problem normally disappears.

The normal symptoms of colic are continuous loud crying, flexing and extending the legs, clenching fists and often a distended tummy. Very often this occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, although it can happen at any time.

So what is colic and is there a remedy for it? There are many possible causes, but initially the most important thing that a parent must do is establish that the child is actually suffering from colic and there is not another reason for the crying. Colic, however distressed the baby seems, is not life threatening, but it is essential not to assume a crying baby has colic, check with your doctor immediately.

Once colic has been diagnosed you should try to identify the cause. If you are breastfeeding avoid foods that are likely to cause gas. Make a note of what you are eating, baby may be intolerant to something in your diet, including dairy products. If the baby is bottle fed your doctor may suggest a change of formula. Don't overfeed the baby, we all know that bloated feeling when we have overeaten, so why shouldn't baby feel the same. Try hard not to get stressed, I know this isn't easy but many experts believe that babies are sensitive to stress around them and react. It's a catch 22 situation, the more crying the greater the stress. Try to take turns in dealing with the crying baby, even rope in grandparents or a close friend so that you can walk away for 30minutes.

A continuous soothing sound such as a washing machine or tumbledryer often works. There are CD's available that can help and I found that a tape of sea waves worked well, particularly when gently rocking the child.

Seek your doctor's advice on medicines, he may recommend some colic relief. If colic has been diagnosed but there is any change in the baby's behaviour, go straight back to your doctor, it's better to err on the safe side.

Finally remember that it will pass, in a few months that screaming bundle will be toddling about getting into more mischief than you can possibly imagine!

This article is for information only. You should always consult your doctor before commencing any treatment and no liability is accepted.

Margaret Tye runs the FromTots2Teens website that offers information on supplies for children of all ages as well as advice on health and other child and teenage related problems.

You are welcome to use this article as long as it is not altered and credit is given to the author, with a link back to this site. http://www.fromtots2teens.com. Please pay the site a visit for articles on other childhood health issues.







Related News



Baby Einstein(TM) Founder Julie Clark and Jennifer Garner Host ... - MarketWatch

Baby Einstein(TM) Founder Julie Clark and Jennifer Garner Host ...
MarketWatch -Aug 20, 2008
The company is famous for its best-selling Baby Einstein brand of DVDs, books, music CDs and toys specifically designed for babies and toddlers, ...

PARENT FRIENDLY AWARD FOR POOL - Arbroath Herald

PARENT FRIENDLY AWARD FOR POOL
Arbroath Herald, UK -7 hours ago
... peace of mind when taking their babies swimming. The swimming pool at Arbroath Sports Centre offers of a six lane pool with attached toddler area. ...

Dublin Noticeboard - Northside People

Dublin Noticeboard
Northside People, Ireland -2 hours ago
BABIES: A Parent and Toddler Playgroup for carers, babies and toddlers, takes place on Fridays from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Sutton Methodist Hall. ...

NW Arkansas today - Arkansas Democrat Gazette

NW Arkansas today
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, AR -10 hours ago
Rogers Public Library, 711 S. Dixieland Road: Toddler Story Time, 9: 30 am today; Babies ‘n’ Books, 10: 30 am today; Papa Murphy’s Special Pizza Story Time, ...

Men accused in babies's deaths face new charges - Monitor

Men accused in babies's deaths face new charges
Monitor, TX -20 hours ago
Authorities said he failed to provide medical care to the toddler in February 2007, causing her serious bodily injury. The little girl died from blunt ...

Libraries Offer Fun Activities for the Preschool Set - The Ledger

Libraries Offer Fun Activities for the Preschool Set
The Ledger, FL -21 minutes ago
Mother Goose Time (lapsit for babies), 10 am, Wednesdays, in the Main Library Meeting Room. Toddler Time (ages 2-3), 11 am, Wednesdays, and 10 am, ...

Teacher, librarian launches online boutique - South Lyon Herald

Teacher, librarian launches online boutique
South Lyon Herald, MI -10 hours ago
Once baby is born, moms can order everything from couture baby blankets, slings and strollers to toddler beds, clothing and personalized lunch boxes. ...

Garner's busy with babies, but also stays in the spotlight - USA Today

Garner's busy with babies, but also stays in the spotlight
USA Today -13 hours ago
Despite her pregnancy, Garner had as much energy as any toddler at the event, jumping up to help the camera crew that was breaking down a set around her and ...

Boys will be boys, girls will be - CNN International

Boys will be boys, girls will be
CNN International -7 hours ago
As toddlers, girls zoom ahead of boys on imitative behaviors such as pretending to take care of a baby but, interestingly, are no different from little guys ...


New Southam children's centre a summer hit - Leamington Spa Today

New Southam children's centre a summer hit
Leamington Spa Today, UK -12 hours ago
Monday:Baby Time,1.30pm to 3.15pm, for babies from birth to 18 months. Wednesday: Stay and Play, 9.30am to 11.30am. Toddler group 1.15pm to 2.45pm. ...