Coping With Colic

31 May 2009 1,199 views No Comment

Coping With Colic
By Melanie Wade

A standard definition of colic is inconsolable crying for more than three hours a day for more than three days a week and for more than three weeks. In reality, any crying, screaming or fussing that lasts much longer than expected in an otherwise healthy baby who has no apparent reason to cry qualifies as colic. Colic means pain from the intestines, but its not at all clear that this is the cause of crying in these infants.

There seem to be two distinct patterns of crying by infants with colic. For some, the crying is generally limited to one period in the evening typically from five to eight, for the remainder of the time the child is contented and easy to soothe for most of the day, its when evening starts and both parent and baby is most tired the crying begins. Sometimes a baby can cry inconsolably for the next few hours.

Other babies cry at any and all times during the day and night. Some of these babies also seem to be generally tense and jumpy, their little bodies don’t relax very well. They can easily be startled or cry at slight noises or on any quick change of position.

Persistent crying is the number one cause of stress for many parents in the first few months after their baby’s birth. Common misconceptions about what causes infant crying can leave parents feeling anxious, guilty, sometimes angry, and often unsupported. However recent research can help you to understand what is happening, even if it can’t stop the crying!

Responding to Colic

* Just remember that this is an intense phase that will pass, as your baby gets older.
* If you suspect that your baby has an intolerance to a certain food speak to your G.P.
* Under no circumstances blame yourself or feel guilty for not being able to stop the crying. Look after yourself and stay as calm and relax as possible.
* Keep your home as calm as possible especially in the evening or time when the crying is at its worse.
* Try changing positions and walking up and down: however don’t switch from one thing to another too often, as your baby is probably already over stimulated.
* Try giving a warm bath, especially if your baby normally enjoys being bath.
* Try playing calming music and gently rock your baby.

If you start to feel desperate and out of control, give your baby to someone else or if you are on your own, place the baby in a cot and go into another room until you feel calm. Never shake a baby. Feelings of desperation and anger drive some parents to shake their babies in a last-ditch effort to get them to stop crying. The result a real tragedy, often severe, permanent brain damage even death.

A crying baby is not your fault and don’t be afraid to seek help.

About The Author
Melanie Wade is a mother and the co-founder of http://gagagiggles.com providing knowledge and solutions for new parents; For your FREE parent’s guide to medicine safety, which answers the common questions that parents ask when their kid’s are sick, please visit http://gagagiggles.com now to get your FREE guide!

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