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 colic. The symptoms of colic include:
- Crying spells: Crying is the most common expression of discomfort in babies with colic. This crying can be loud and inconsolable.
- Overstretching: Babies with colic tend to overstretch, arch their backs, and pull their legs towards their belly.
- Restless behavior: Babies with colic are often restless, may have difficulty falling asleep, and struggle to relax.
- Abdominal complaints: Babies may experience pain in the abdominal area, which manifests as tense abdominal muscles.
Possible causes of colic
Understanding the possible causes of colic is the first step towards 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 can swallow air while feeding, which leads to gas in the intestines.
- Constipation: Constipation can cause discomfort and pain in babies.
- Reflux: Reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can cause discomfort and crying.
- Viral infection: A viral infection can disrupt the baby's digestion.
- Overfeeding: Giving too much food in a day or at one time can lead to digestive problems.
- Maturation of the gastrointestinal system: The intestines of newborn babies need to get used to real food, which can cause gas and cramps.
- Air: Swallowing air while feeding can be a cause of cramps, especially in greedy babies.
- Stimuli: Too many stimuli can cause stomach pain, especially in sensitive babies.
- (Cow's milk) allergy: In some cases, stomach complaints can be caused by a sensitivity or food intolerance, such as cow's milk allergy.
- Feeding: The type of feeding the baby receives can affect the amount of discomfort, whether it is breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Tips for parents of babies with cramps
Parents want nothing more than to comfort and relieve their babies. Therefore, we have listed practical tips that can help reduce cramps:
- Make sure your baby burps well: Proper burping after feeding can help remove air from the stomach and reduce gas.
- Taking a bath: 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 sense of security, which can help soothe cramps.
- Gently massage his belly: Massage the baby's belly with warm hands in soft, circular motions. This can help reduce tension in the stomach.
Tips to reduce your baby's stomach cramps
You don't have to watch helplessly while your baby struggles with cramps. Here are some tips you can try to provide relief:
- Place a cherry pit bag on his or her belly:
- The warmth of a cherry pit bag can help your baby relax and reduce discomfort. A warm bath can have the same effect.
- Gently massage his or her belly:
- Massage your baby's belly with warm hands in gentle, circular motions to reduce tension in the abdominal muscles and relieve discomfort. This can not only help reduce cramps but also creates a nice moment of physical contact between you and your little one.
- Bicycle his legs in the air:
- This gentle movement can break the tension in the abdominal muscles and help relax the belly.
- Distraction with sound and movement:
- Sing a soothing song to your baby, gently rock him back and forth, or take a short car ride. The calming movements and the sound of your voice can help soothe your baby.
- Swaddling:
- Swaddling can help create a cozy and safe environment for your baby. This can help him relax better 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 calm walk. The warmth of your body, the beating of your heart, and the rocking movements can soothe your baby.
- A comfortable position:
- Try different positions until your baby feels more comfortable. Some babies with cramps like to lie on their stomach on your forearm, supporting the lower abdomen. A curled position, like the fetal position, can also be comfortable.
- Avoid fennel tea or anise tea:
- Although fennel tea or anise tea was sometimes recommended in the past for intestinal cramps, it is not advisable to give these to your baby, as they may contain harmful plant toxins.
Medications and aids
Sometimes medication can be considered to relieve cramps. There are various products available at the pharmacy and drugstore that claim to help with intestinal cramps, such as Sab Simplex, Cinababy, Infacol, and ABC Dophilus. Although there is no convincing scientific evidence that these remedies are always effective, positive effects are known among users. However, it is advisable to use such remedies only after consultation with a pediatrician and/or a consultant at the consultation center.
When to see the doctor for abdominal cramps?
Intestinal cramps are not in themselves a reason to see a doctor, as they are not harmful to the baby. However, if you are unsure or think there may be other causes for your baby's persistent crying, it is wise to contact your general practitioner. Especially if there are other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool, medical advice is recommended.
It is important to remember that intestinal cramps usually go away on their own after a few months. With the right 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 your little one are always a source of comfort and support during this period.