A question that concerns 8 out of 10 mothers, even those who are not first-time moms, is how to relieve baby colic. The truth is that not all babies have this problem, but the vast majority do experience issues related to the adaptation of the stomach in the first few months of life.
However, it’s not always clear how to handle this situation, and it’s important to emphasize that each baby, during this adaptation, will have their own way of showing colic symptoms to their mother.
This is a step-by-step guide to help moms and dads ease their babies’ pain in a gentle and uncomplicated way. If you have doubts or the symptoms persist, a pediatrician should evaluate, ok? Let’s get started!
What Is Colic?
Newborn colic is a side effect of the immaturity of the baby’s digestive system. While still in the womb, the baby is able to swallow, digest, and expel fluids in the form of urine. However, when the stomach starts receiving milk, there is an adaptation process, and this varies from baby to baby.
Colic is nothing more than the buildup of gas caused by the improper processing of amniotic fluid ingested; in other words, the enzymes that absorb and process milk are not able to handle it all and this causes a buildup of gas that leads to discomfort and pain in the baby.
The simple act of swallowing can also cause colic. If the baby latches onto the breast incorrectly, they will have problems with colic because they will swallow air. If the baby drinks from a bottle, the same problem can happen as they will also swallow air. Therefore, we can conclude that colic is extremely common and totally natural at this stage of life.
How to Diagnose Colic?
Colic usually appears within the first month of life. For some, it occurs a bit later, for others a bit sooner, but for the majority, it appears around the 15th day of life. The baby begins to behave differently, crying more and appearing quite irritable.
Their sleep may become restless at certain times of the day, their cries are sharper, and their movements are quite different. The baby moves their arms and legs vigorously and may cry with a trembling chin (these are signs they are in pain).
Important: There are no specific times when a baby will feel colic, but it is most common for them to have it more often at night and late afternoon, which is usually the coolest part of the day.
How Does Your Baby Feed?
First of all, it is important to know how the baby is being fed. The essential and recommended method by the World Health Organization is that the newborn is fed with breast milk, which is not only ideal but also causes fewer problems with colic.
But it’s not always possible for this to be the case, so, formulas are introduced, specially developed for babies and improved by various companies every day. Babies who are exclusively breastfed can have colic due to a number of factors:
External environment: The room temperature (cold) can result in colic. That is why it is important to avoid bathing the baby in open or cool environments and not to let them get cold (look for pale or reddened hands).
Mom’s diet: What the mother eats can indeed influence whether the baby has colic or not. It is recommended for her to avoid eating or drinking certain foods during breastfeeding, such as: chocolate, milk, coffee, teas with caffeine, sodas, very acidic juices, energy drinks, cabbage, beans, pepper, cauliflower, and others.
There are many formulas on the market, and the pediatrician will help choose the best one. However, they are responsible for the majority of colic cases in newborns because they are heavy and more likely to cause constipation in the baby.
Constipation is one reason why a newborn may experience colic. A newborn who drinks formula will have firmer stools due to the amount of solids found in formula, so they are more prone to pain.
In this case, it is important to talk to the doctor about prescribing a lighter formula or one that contains some additive to ease constipation. One good tip is to avoid bottle nipples with large holes and always look for one that is designed to avoid letting the baby drink milk too quickly and swallow air with it. As mentioned above, air can cause colic.
How to Relieve Baby Colic?
There are several ways to relieve baby colic, many of them passed down from generation to generation by mothers and grandmothers:
Heated diapers and water bags: Warm a diaper with an iron and place it warm on the baby’s belly. The heat helps dissipate trapped gas. Warm a hot water bag until it’s lukewarm and then lay the baby face down over it.
You can also find seed bags, which, when microwaved for 1 or 2 minutes, reach the right temperature for the baby’s delicate skin. Always remember to check the temperature on your wrist and wrap a cloth (to reduce the heat) before putting it on the baby in any of these relief methods to avoid burns or other problems.
Abdominal massage and shantala: The famous bicycle motion or pressing the baby’s knees toward the belly will help release the trapped gas naturally. The massage should be gentle, but firm enough to press the gut against the leg to expel whatever is in excess and bothering the baby. In Shantala, you can use baby-safe oils or even a thin towel to help slide the legs or hands over the baby’s tummy.
How to Relieve Baby Colic: Tea
Should I give tea to my baby if they have colic? The purpose of tea is to calm the stomach and it was widely used by many generations. However, today we know that a baby who is exclusively breastfed does not need tea, water, or any other supplement.
On the other hand, tea may be recommended if the baby is exclusively on formula, but remember, it’s up to the pediatrician to advise. Never give it on your own because, even though it is natural, you never know how the child’s body will react. The teas most often recommended by doctors are chamomile, fennel, and anise. Some cultures offer mint tea as an alternative for relief.
Medications for Newborn Baby Colic
There are some options on the market that are used freely and do not interfere with breastfeeding or the baby’s health; but always remember, the pediatrician is the best professional to prescribe medication, ok?
ColicCalm: A popular product overseas, only available through specific importers, and the manufacturer guarantees it is all natural. Its ingredients are: aloe and vera, fennel, chamomile, ginger, cumin, mint, lemon balm, blackthorn, and activated charcoal. It costs about R$150.00.
Simethicone: Better known as Luftal, simethicone helps disperse the gas bubbles that accumulate in the stomach and intestine. The recommended dosage is one drop per kilogram of the baby’s weight. It costs about R$6.00.
Colikids: The formulation of Colikids is based on Lactobacillus reuteri, which works in the baby’s body by naturally balancing their immature intestines, adding lactobacillus to help the gut flora. It costs around R$45.00.
When colic is severe, doctors may recommend the use of paracetamol and even some antispasmodic for the baby. These are prescribed in cases where no other remedy is effective in relieving the newborn’s suffering from colic. One example that has been frequently used for some time is Dimetiliv. However, since this is an EXTREMELY potent MEDICATION with a risk of side effects, a medical prescription is absolutely essential.
See also: Prune Water for Baby – Home Remedy for Constipation Relief
Photo: briekkasten2
