How To Deal With Colic – And Give Your Baby Some Relief

As a parent, the chances that you’ll come across colic are pretty high. The condition is common – affecting around 20 per cent of babies. 

Generally involving a lot of tears and fussiness, it’s not very nice to watch as your baby may seem like he’s in pain – even though he isn’t.

Colic Affects A Fifth Of Babies [Rex]

What Is Colic?
Colic is the term used when your baby cries excessively, for no apparent reason. It occurs in both boys and girls and in babies that are breast and bottle-fed and there aren't thought to be any long-term effects to their health.

It’s not known what causes it, but some experts think it could be a result of indigestion, trapped wind or sensitivity to some proteins and sugars found in breast milk and formula. 

What Are The Symptoms?   
There are lots of signs for colic – making it tricky to diagnose. But non-stop crying is definitely the biggest indication. 

“It’s often classified as crying for more than three hours a day at a time,” says Theresa Bishop, professional lead for health visiting for Warwickshire. 

“It often starts in the evening from around two months and has commonly resolved by four months of age.”

Familiarise Yourself With The Numerous Symptoms Of Colic [Rex]

Other symptoms of colic include:

•    Crying for long periods of time
•    Crying at the same time each day 
•    Symptoms showing after eating 
•    Symptoms starting and stopping abruptly 
•    Symptoms that stop after a bowel movement or passing wind
•    Lots of spit up
•    Signs of gas like bloated stomach
•    Arched back, pulls knees to chest, clenches fists, flails arms and legs 
•    Disrupted sleep patterns 

How To Treat Colic At Home
There are lots of home remedies that you can try out to soothe and calm your baby. 

“Some babies love being close to their parent and the use of a soft baby carrier can be soothing,” says Theresa. “If you decide to use one of these, ensure you use the T.I.C.K.S. checklist to ensure your baby is kept safe.”

Infacol is another great way to relieve your baby’s pain and can be given to him before a feed. “It helps the bubbles in your baby’s tummy to join together and be eliminated more effectively,” says Theresa. 

When colic is diagnosed, some parents find the use of colief helpful. “Some babies can be sensitive to lactase and giving colief before a feed will help your baby to break down the lactase,” Theresa explains. 

Another option is a baby massage, which can help your baby relax and sleep – as well as providing relief. 

Your local Children Centre or your health visitor may be able to recommend a local session or show you how to give your baby one yourself. 

You can also ring the colic helpline on CRY-SIS 08451 228669 for tips on calming your baby, which is open from 9am to 10pm. 

When To See The GP
If you think your baby has colic, it’s best that you take him to his doctor to make sure that’s what it is.

There are some other conditions that cause extensive crying, including eczema and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, so it’s safest to get those ruled out. 

“You should trust your gut instinct as a parent,” says Theresa. “You are the expert of your baby. If you feel something is not right you can contact your GP or health visitor to discuss any concerns.” 

A number of signs and symptoms suggest that your baby is seriously ill, and he’s not just suffering from colic. 

“It’s recommended that you seek immediate medical advice if your baby is giving a weak, high-pitched continuous cry, seems floppy when lifted, has a fever of 38C or above, has breathing problems or has experienced a seizure,” says Theresa. 

Other symptoms to watch out for include blood in your baby’s poo, a stiff neck, green sick, a spotty, purple-red rash and any sign of turning blue, blotchy or very pale. If you can’t get hold of your GP, call NHS 111 for advice.  

Remember that colic is unavoidable and isn’t a result of anything you’ve done wrong – so don’t beat yourself up for being a bad parent. Yes, it’s tough to get through but keep in your mind that it is just a phase and your baby will be back to his usual smiley self soon. 
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