Colic is diagnosed when a healthy baby cries or fusses frequently for a prolonged period of time and cries for more than 3 hours a day. This behavior usually starts a few weeks after birth and is generally worst between 4 and 6 weeks of age
According to the Mayo Clinic symptoms of colic may include the following:
- Intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain
- Crying for no apparent reason, unlike crying to express hunger or the need for a diaper change
- Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished
- Predictable timing, with episodes often occurring in the evening
- Facial discoloring, such as reddening of the face or paler skin around the mouth
- Bodily tension, such as pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or tense abdomen
Since the cause of colic is unknown, it is difficult to treat. However, there are some foods you can avoid, especially when breastfeeding, to help your baby digest better such as cow’s milk, nuts, wheat, soy, eggs and fish. When formula feeding, your baby may experience colic if they have an allergy to milk or lactose intolerance.
Some home remedies you can use to sooth your baby if they are experiencing symptoms of colic are:
- Lay your baby on his/her back in a dimly lit quiet room.
- Swaddle your baby snugly in a blanket.
- Lay your baby across your lap and gently rub his/her back.
- Put a warm water bottle on your baby’s stomach.
- Offer your baby a pacifier to suck on.
- Soak him/her in a warm bath.
If your baby’s colic persists with out relief, you may want to seek the advice of a doctor. If you’d like to make an appointment with a Pediatrician at Jamaica Hospial’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.