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Colic
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Every new parent’s worst nightmare, colic is often described by the “rule of threes” – unexplained periods of crying that usually start around 2-3 weeks of age, last for up to 3 hours at a time and occur 3 or more days a week. Colic reaches it peak around 6 weeks of age and usually subsides by around 3 months old. While the cause of colic is unknown, some theories include an immature nervous system, abdominal discomfort or an immature digestive tract. Babies with colic often seem tense, draw up their legs and are frustrated with feedings. They often pass a lot of gas (probably because they swallow so much air when crying). While it is ok to try over-the-counter Mylicon (simethicone) anti-gas drops, they do not seem to help all babies.
Try to determine the cause of your baby’s fussiness (hungry, tired, wet or dirty, overstimulated) and respond before the baby is too frenzied. If your baby is exhibiting signs of colic, or unexplained fussiness, it can be helpful to swaddle your baby tightly, offer a pacifier, walk or rock the baby or try a vibrating bouncy chair or a car ride. The football hold (baby’s tummy resting on your forearm with the cheek cradled in your palm) with a gentle up and down motion might also be helpful. Less stimulation during the day as well as white noise (soft music or static on the radio, fan or vacuum) sometimes helps. Once you have tried everything, know that it is all right to leave your baby safely in his or her room while you step out for 10-15 minutes to maintain your sanity. You are not a bad parent or doing anything wrong – colicky babies are a challenge for even the best parents. Remember to NEVER shake your baby in frustration as this can cause both eye and brain damage.
Some parents opt to try herbal remedies such as an ounce or so of chamomile tea, peppermint water or a dropperful of Gripe water (available at the Teeter Totter store in Carmel) once or twice a day. While these are fine to try, they should only be used in limited amounts since too much free water can upset small baby’s salt and mineral balance and lead to seizures in extreme cases. A resource that many parents find helpful is The Happiest Baby on the Block book, VHS or DVD by Harvey Karp, which explains colic and offers practical tips on soothing techniques.
Be sure to call us if your baby’s colicky symptoms are accompanied by fever (temperature above 100.4), last longer than 3-4 hours at a time or are accompanied by loose stools, arching of the back or frequent spittiness (indicating a possible formula intolerance or reflux disease).
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