Colic is a term that is defined as the excessive crying of a baby, in which it becomes impossible to silence the baby. A newborn cries for three hours or more throughout the day without any illness or hunger.
According to experts, there is a difference in its term, sometimes colic is also called "the rule of three", which means crying three times a day, crying at least three times a week, or crying for three weeks; This crying usually starts in the second week after birth and ends either in the second month or in the third or fourth month of age.
Some children with colic seem to be in pain, they stiffen their hands, arms, and legs, they stiffen their hands, arms, and legs towards their body, and their stomach feels swollen and tight.
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The reality of colic
Although colic was first described in ancient Greece, the cause remains unknown, some historians believe that colic is not caused by any specific condition, but rather an extreme form of infantile crying that occurs during the first few months of life. It happens in, spasms due to the development of the child's digestive system, or gas in the stomach, changes in the hormonal system, sensitivity to light, noise, and external environment, development in the nervous system, fear. etc. are said to be the causes of colic. Everything is new and unfamiliar to the baby
However, since the child cannot express his pain verbally, he cries because that is the only way he has to communicate. For this reason, parents call it colic even if there are some other symptoms, which may be some kind of infection, stomach acid, sensitivity due to foreign milk, or the nervous system. Any defect, injury, or irregular heartbeat are also symptoms due to which the baby cries profusely and parents consider it as colic instead of knowing the real reason, but according to some, excessive crying is physical health. And shows strength. Some experts believe that colic has more than one cause. This is not socio-psychological evidence as poor parenting may have organic causes in very few cases, less than 5% of cases. There is some evidence that the mother's smoking or excessive caffeine consumption also causes the baby to cry.
It is estimated that the proportion of children with colic is very high, but 5 to 25% of children fall into this range. The afternoon or evening is the time to cry more. A baby may have colic, but it does not mean that your baby has a problem
Doctors believe that this process is a necessary part of the development of some children. In three or four months, colic is over. If your baby cries a lot, check with the doctor to make sure there is no other health problem.
The problem of colic is found equally in those who drink milk from the breast or those who drink milk from the bottle. If you are breastfeeding, do not stop breastfeeding. There is no evidence that medicines affect colic babies
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What should you do if your baby is crying a lot?
Contact your doctor if your baby cries often, very loudly, and won't stop. In this way, you will be reassured that the child has no health problems. It is indeed a difficult thing that you are trying so hard to make your child quiet but your doctor is unable to give any special medicine.
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What does modern research suggest about colic treatment?
It has been observed that if milk products, eggs, wheat, nuts, etc., or slowly digestible foods are removed from the diet of lactating mothers, colic also gets relief.
When mothers drink herbal teas that are 100% herbal with chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm three times a day (150 mL per dose), this also reduces colicky babies' crying. Since herbal medicines are based on standard strength or formula, consult your doctor.
Since medical science is still ignorant of the main causes of colic, there are no medicines to treat it, but there are some home remedies that should be followed to keep the baby calm.
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Some home tips
If the baby is hungry, give him milk. - If he is breastfed, the mother should be careful about what she eats and should avoid spicy foods.
- Change his diaper more often.
- If the baby is kept very warm, undress him so he can stretch his hands and feet.
- Try to soothe him by holding him and rocking him in your lap.
- Try to attract the baby to different sounds.
- A colicky baby is also soothed by the sound of humming.
- Lift the baby in such a way that the weight is on the stomach or gently press the stomach.
- Lying the baby straight and holding his legs, ride him like a bicycle, this will release gas and soothe the stomach.
- Take the baby for a ride in the car or take the baby for a walk in the walker.
- Often mothers also give babies herbal drops, etc., that contain celery or fennel extracts.
- Herbal products that are available online or at health stores, make sure they do not contain alcohol or sugar and are manufactured by a reputable company.
- It may also be helpful to consult with a breastfeeding specialist to be reassured that there is no problem with breast milk.
- If the baby is hungry, correct the supply.
- Make your baby happy, try feeding, playing, or massaging.
- Hold him close to you.
- Sing a sweet song and talk to the baby.
In some cases, this method is also helpful.
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Instructions for parents
Parents often lose control while caring for a child suffering from colic and during this time they get worried due to stress and lack of sleep. On this occasion, experts believe that the child's crying in this way is not a dangerous situation, nor can it affect the development of the child, so stay calm in such a situation and try to keep the child calm.
A colicky baby is troublesome for parents. If you are tired or worried, give the baby to someone else for a while, if no help is available, leave the baby in the crib for a time or in another room to take a break and rest, sometimes There's nothing wrong with a baby crying, but if he cries a lot and won't stop, try to spank him.
Colicky babies develop normally so don't worry or overthink about it.
I hope now you understand and many doubts are cleared :)