What causes colic in babies? This is a very common question among parents of newborns. First, it is important to know that all babies cry for a variety of reasons: hunger, cold, tiredness, heat, or because they need a diaper change. However, a baby may continue to cry even after being well fed, clean, well-dressed, and well cared for. If the baby has repeated episodes of crying but seems healthy and well otherwise, they may have colic.

But after all, what causes colic in babies?

Doctors say that swallowing air or poor digestion may be linked to the development of colic. Some claim that the baby’s intestines are immature and sensitive to certain substances found in breast milk or formula. Milk allergies and lactose intolerance have symptoms similar to colic. However, these theories are not enough to clearly diagnose what causes colic in babies. Babies who are breastfed or formula-fed are equally likely to have colic. Babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are twice as likely to have colic.

How Is Colic Diagnosed?

Figuring out what causes colic in babies can be a bit difficult, so the doctor may perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the pain, such as an intestinal obstruction. If the baby is considered healthy, they will be diagnosed with colic. Laboratory tests or exams are usually not necessary unless the doctor suspects an underlying issue. Parents who suspect their baby is unwell should consult a doctor.

How To Relieve Baby Colic?

Since discovering what causes colic in babies is not always easy, a number of methods may help relieve colic symptoms. There are some things parents can do to comfort their baby and also try different methods to see what works. The following suggestions may help:

Swaddle the baby

Babies with colic can be more sensitive than others and, therefore, overly stimulated by their surroundings; being wrapped in a warm blanket can help them feel safe. Using a sling also helps keep them warm through close contact, which reduces pain and helps them feel protected. Give cuddles (h3) The more you cuddle, the better! Don’t believe the myth that holding a baby will spoil them. On the contrary, responding to a crying baby teaches the child that their parents will not abandon them.

Use sounds to your advantage

Soothing words or songs, especially when combined with gentle rhythmic movement, can help calm the baby. You can also try using background noises like a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer. There are also devices on the market that simulate the sound of the womb.

Seek out silence

Crowds, laughter, talking, or very loud noise can upset some babies (while others seem to enjoy it). A baby with colic is more vulnerable to this kind of situation. Therefore, if you find yourself in a very loud environment, try taking your baby to a quiet room with dim lighting and minimal stimulation.

Lay them on their tummy

Hold your baby facing down with their belly resting on your forearm. Then gently pat their back with your other hand as you walk or sway.

Take a walk around the block

Many parents of colicky babies attest to the wonders of a car ride. The movement and the sound of the engine can calm the baby and help them sleep—at least for a while. Another strategy is to put them in a stroller and go for a walk around your neighborhood.

Dance

The best moves to soothe colic mimic the movements a baby experienced in the womb: up and down, side to side, and back and forth. Make up your own movements and add your favorite tunes.

Exercise them

Lay your baby on their back on your lap or bed and slowly move their legs in a bicycle motion—this movement can help release the gas that causes colic in babies.

Warm them up

Place your baby tummy-down on a pillow, use a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth diaper to gently move it back and forth across their back. You can also sit them in a tub with warm water, which is very soothing. Or lie down on your bed or on the floor, holding your baby tummy-to-tummy, skin to skin—try positioning their ear over your heart.

Massage

Lay your baby on their back on your lap, put your palm over their bellybutton, and gently massage their tummy in a clockwise direction with your thumb. Then lean them forward and press your hand gently against their tense belly. Babies love massage, so it’s important to use baby massage oil and rub them gently.

Take a break

If things get too tough, it’s okay to step away for a few minutes to collect yourself. The baby senses their parents’ anxiety, which makes their own distress worse. If nothing is working, put the baby in a safe place, like the crib, and take a few minutes to breathe.

Medical Treatment for Colic

Since colic is a normal part of life for some babies and is not harmful, medication is generally not recommended. But if what causes colic in your baby could be improved by medication, then it’s best to see a pediatrician. There is no single substance that comprehensively cures most cases of colic. However, some treatments have provided a satisfactory level of relief for babies. These are:

  • Eliminate cow’s milk protein – If your baby is formula-fed, try other types of milk; if breastfed, remove cow’s milk protein from the mother’s diet. If this works, it doesn’t mean your baby will always be intolerant to milk; it means the test worked and the baby may have responded well for various reasons; their intestines are still maturing, it may have just been a coincidence (the colic went away at the same time as the test), or they may still be allergic to milk, etc. In some cases, a dairy-free diet may help reduce colic.
  • Simethicone – is an anti-foaming agent that reduces trapped gas. It collects small gas bubbles trapped in the stomach contents when a baby swallows air. As the bubbles group together and form larger bubbles, they are easier to expel. Simethicone works locally in the intestines and does not enter the bloodstream. It is believed to relieve abdominal pain. Usually, a baby gets a 2.5 ml spoonful after each feeding.

Despite how complicated it is to figure out what causes colic in babies, it is important to remember that it is temporary and part of development. Being patient helps parents and babies get through this stage in a healthier way. Check out also: Constipation in Babies – What To Do? Photos: Melimama