Philips AVENT - Coping with colic

Coping with colic

If your little one is crying more than a few hours, on a persistent basis, it could be colic.

Philips AVENT - Coping with colic

Symptoms of Colic

Colic is sometimes identified by the “rule of threes.” Doctors look for:

  • Constant crying that begins in baby’s third week
  • Constant crying that lasts more than three hours
  • Constant crying that happens for more than three days, more than three weeks in a row.

Why do babies get colic?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there’s no clear explanation for colic but that a colicky baby may be “unusually sensitive to stimulation or cannot ‘self-console’ or regulate his nervous system.”

Soothing your baby's belly

Colicky babies are often gassy, but it’s unclear whether gassiness is the cause or the result of so much crying. Either way, many of the best colic relief tips focus on soothing your baby’s belly.

What can you do?

• Breastfeeding diet

  • Try eliminating certain foods from your diet to see if it improves baby’s symptoms
  • Consuming dairy products, caffeine or vegetables such as onions and cabbage could trigger food sensitivities in your child
  • Ask your pediatrician for more advice

• Time to digest

  • Avoid overfeeding your baby and give baby time to digest
  • The AAP recommends waiting two and half hours from the start of one feed before starting the next

• Calming actions

Rocking, swaddling and walking with your baby can soothe and calm him.

• Suckling to sooth

A pacifier may help some babies, but others may show no interest.

• Back rub

  • Lay your baby tummy down
  • Rubbing the back to help ease gas pains

Fortunately, even if your baby is diagnosed with colic, the issue usually subsides around three to four months. If your child is still experiencing colic beyond that point, call your pediatrician.

Please be aware that the information given in these articles is only intended as general advice and should in no way be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or your family or your child is suffering from symptoms or conditions which are severe or persistent or you need specific medical advice, please seek professional medical assistance. Philips Avent cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.

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