Welcome to the world of parenting, a beautiful journey filled with joy, laughter, and occasional challenges. One such challenge that new parents often face is their baby suffering from colic. Colic is a condition that affects some babies in their first few months, causing them to cry incessantly for several hours, often in the late afternoon or evening. It's typically characterized by episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and for three weeks or longer. But don't worry, despite the distress it can cause, colic is neither dangerous nor harmful to your child, and it typically subsides by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old.
Colic is often linked to gas discomfort or a developing digestive system, although the exact cause remains unknown, making it somewhat challenging to treat. However, there are several strategies to soothe a colicky baby. The '5 S's', Swaddling, Side or stomach position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking, are common tactics you can try. Swaddle your baby in a blanket to make them feel secure, hold them in a side or stomach position, shush them with white noise, gently swing them, or let them suck on a pacifier. Each baby is unique, and you may need to experiment to find what works best for your little one.
Remember, while dealing with colic, it's essential to take care of yourself too. Colic can be stressful for parents, leading to feelings of helplessness or frustration. Don't hesitate to ask for help from family or friends, and take turns with your partner to give each other breaks. It's also okay to put your baby in a safe place, like a crib, and take a few minutes to calm down if the crying becomes overwhelming. Lastly, don't blame yourself or your baby for this temporary phase. It's a common situation that many parents face and does not reflect your parenting skills or your baby's future health or behavior. Remember, this too shall pass.
Additional information can be found here:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Colic. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Colic.aspx
2. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Colic: Symptoms & causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074
3. WebMD. (2020). What is colic. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-is-colic
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Colic Management and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10823-colic
5. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. (2019). Colic in Babies. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=colic-90-P01985
We hope these references are helpful! Our little Char suffered from gas on occasion. A combination of gas drops and various exercises like bicycle kicks and rubbing Char’s tummy helped us this time around.
Have a safe 4th of July!