How do you recognize colic in babies?
Colic in babies can be quite distressing, both for the baby and their parents. It is essential to know how to recognize cramps. The symptoms of colic include:
- Crying fits: Crying is the most common expression of discomfort in colicky babies. This crying can be loud and inconsolable.
- Overstretching: Colicky babies have a tendency to overextend, arch their backs and pull their legs towards their stomach.
- Restless behavior: Babies with colic are often restless, have difficulty falling asleep and have difficulty relaxing.
- Abdominal complaints: Babies may experience pain in the abdominal area, which manifests itself in tense abdominal muscles.
Possible causes of cramps
Understanding the possible causes of colic is the first step to relief. The causes of colic can vary and include:
- Hypersensitivity or allergy to certain baby milk powders: Some babies have difficulty digesting certain milk powders, such as cow's milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
- Swallowing air: Babies may swallow air while drinking, leading to gas formation in the intestines.
- Constipation: Constipation can cause discomfort and pain in babies.
- Reflux: Reflux, in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can lead to discomfort and crying.
- Viral infection: A viral infection can disrupt the baby's digestion.
- Overfeeding: Giving too much food in one day or at a time can lead to digestive problems.
- Maturation of the gastrointestinal tract: Newborn babies' intestines need to get used to real food, which can cause gas and colic.
- Air: Swallowing air while drinking can be a cause of colic, especially in voracious babies.
- Stimuli: Too much stimulation can cause stomach ache, especially in sensitive babies.
- (Cow's milk) allergy: In some cases, abdominal complaints can be caused by a hypersensitivity or food intolerance, such as cow's milk allergy.
- Nutrition: The type of nutrition the baby receives can influence the level of symptoms, whether it is breast or bottle feeding.
Tips for parents with babies with colic
Parents want nothing more than to comfort and provide relief to their babies. We have therefore listed practical tips that can help reduce cramps:
- Make sure your baby is burped properly: Burping properly after drinking a bottle can help remove air from the stomach and reduce gas.
- Bathing: A warm bath can be relaxing for the baby and help relieve discomfort.
- Swaddling or using a towel: Wrapping the baby in a towel or swaddling can create a feeling of security, which can help soothe colic.
- Gently massage his belly: Massage the baby's belly with warm hands in gentle, circular motions. This can help reduce tension in the abdomen.
Tips to reduce your baby's stomach cramps
You don't have to watch helplessly as your baby struggles with colic. Here are some tips you can try to provide relief:
- Place a cherry stone bag on his or her stomach:
- The warmth of a cherry stone bag can help your baby relax and cause fewer complaints. A warm bath can have the same effect.
- Gently massage his or her abdomen:
- Massage your baby's belly with warm hands in gentle, circular motions to release abdominal muscle tension and relieve discomfort. This can not only help reduce colic, but it also creates a nice moment of physical contact between you and your baby.
- Cycle with his legs in the air:
- This gentle movement can break the tension in the abdominal muscles and help relax the abdomen.
- Distraction with sound and movement:
- Sing a soothing song to your baby, rock him gently back and forth, or take a short car ride. The soothing movements and the sound of your voice can help calm your baby.
- Swaddling:
- Swaddling can help create a secure and safe environment for your baby. This will help him relax and hopefully get a good night's sleep.
- In the baby carrier or sling:
- Carry your baby in a baby carrier or sling and take a quiet walk. The warmth of your body, the beating of your heart and the rocking movements can soothe your baby.
- A nice attitude:
- Try different positions until your baby feels more comfortable. Some babies with colic like to lie with their stomach on your forearm, supporting the lower abdomen. A flexed position, such as the fetal position, can also be comfortable.
- Avoid fennel tea or anise tea:
- Although in the past fennel tea or anise tea has sometimes been recommended for colic, it is not wise to give these to your baby as they may contain harmful plant toxins.
Medicines and aids
Sometimes medication can be considered to relieve cramps. There are several products available at pharmacies and drugstores that claim to help with intestinal colic, such as Sab Simplex, Cinababy, Infacol and ABC Dophilus. Although there is no convincing scientific evidence that these drugs are always effective, positive effects are known among users. However, it is advisable to use such products only after consultation with a pediatrician and/or a consultant at the child health clinic.
When to go to the doctor for abdominal cramps?
Intestinal colic in itself is not a reason to go to the doctor, because they are not harmful to the baby. However, if you have any doubts or think that there may be other causes for your baby's persistent crying, it is wise to contact your doctor. Medical advice is advisable, especially if there are other symptoms such as fever, vomiting or blood in the stool
It is important to remember that in most cases, colic will go away on its own after a few months. With proper care, patience, and these helpful tips, parents can help their babies overcome this challenging phase and grow together in their parent-child relationship. The love and attention you give to your little one is always a source of comfort and support during this time.