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Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, paediatric specialist registrar
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What causes colic?
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| It's tough trying to cope with a
crying baby, but in most cases
colic doesn't last for more than a few months. |
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Between 10 and 15 per cent of all children get
colic. Doctors don't know precisely what triggers the
condition. There are several theories, but doctors aren't agreed on a
single cause or even on a course of treatment.
The most popular theory is that the child’s intestines are
working too hard, which causes them to get a sort of cramp.
However, some doctors believe that colic arises because the
child's bowel movements may be too slow, so that air in the bowel makes
the intestines expand, causing the pain.
Others believe that colic has something to do with eating too
fast, eating too much, or swallowing too much air without burping. There is
also a theory that there is a link between colic and whether or not the mother
drinks cows' milk.
How do I know if my child has colic?
These are several signs.
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Colic can start within two to four weeks after birth
and may last for up to three months.
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Baby cries loudly, often for two to three hours
and can't be comforted.
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Baby often cries at roughly the same time and usually once
or twice a day.
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Bowel pains.
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Baby pulls his feet up under his body and
clenches his fists.
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Some babies' stomachs rumble severely and they
produce a lot of wind.
Remember, colic might not be the only cause of your child's
discomfort. If your baby cries loudly all the time and cannot be comforted, you should first consult a
doctor before deciding he or she has
colic.
Conditions such as volvulus (when the stomach gets twisted),
a twisted testicle
or other pain can also make a baby cry incessantly. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Can a mother's diet make colic worse?
Some doctors think that if a baby is
breastfed and the
mother eats food that can cause gas, this may cause colic or make it worse.
Food and drinks that produce lots of gas include:
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orange juice
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vegetables, especially onions and cabbage
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fruit such as apples and plums
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spicy food
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products containing caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee and
tea.
Experiment to find out what makes a difference to your child’s
colic. The best thing is to leave two days between each change of diet so you know exactly what makes your baby feel better or worse.
What can I do to help my child?
There is no foolproof
advice, because colic isn't fully understood. But there are several things that parents can try.
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Many children with colic calm down if they are rocked either in
a cradle, a rocking chair or on your lap.
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Some children feel better if they are carried in a sling on
your stomach - your body heat and movement may help.
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Some children feel comforted when wrapped in a blanket or held
tightly.
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Gently massaging your baby's tummy may
help, because this is where the large intestine lies. Massage in a circle, moving your hand from left to right. Massaging in this direction can ease pain by helping your baby to pass wind.
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Some parents find their baby is comforted by a car ride.
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A baby can sometimes be soothed with music or monotonous
sounds. It may help to sing to your child, which has the additional effect of
helping to calm you too!
It may also help to:
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get your child to drink milk slowly
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burp your baby more often
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sit your child straight while he or she eats (if old
enough)
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try a different product or
brand if your child drinks powdered milk.
Feel your way, and if you need more help, ask your health visitor.
How to cope when your child has colic
When a baby has colic, family life is turned upside
down. It is extremely stressful and upsetting when your baby cries for hours and cannot be comforted.
For first-time parents in particular, it can be a shock and disappointment to discover that your newborn baby is not the bundle of joy you
were expecting. You may also feel guilty, even though you are not the cause
of your child's colic.
It's easily said, but your child is healthy and will outgrow the
colic in a few months' time. Colic does not harm your baby's development - in fact, children with colic are actually very stimulated!
Parents should look after themselves, too, during the difficult
periods. It may be necessary for you and your partner to take turns, so that one can rest
while the other is awake.
You may also need to call on friends or family
as reinforcement. It is better to ask for help than to wear yourself out
completely because of the challenge.
It can help to talk to other parents who have experienced
the same thing. If you do not know any yourself, ask your health visitor to put
you in touch with someone to chat to.
Always remember: colic is only temporary.
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Based on a text by Christel Bech, nurse
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Last updated 01.05.2005
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