Colic in babies

Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, paediatric specialist registrar

What causes colic?

Between 10 and 15 per cent of all children get colic. Doctors don't know precisely what triggers the condition. There are several theories, but doctors aren't agreed on a single cause or even on a course of treatment.

The most popular theory is that the child's intestines are working too hard, which causes them to get a sort of cramp.

However, some doctors believe that colic arises because the child's bowel movements may be too slow, so that air in the bowel makes the intestines expand, causing the pain.

Others believe that colic has something to do with eating too fast, eating too much, or swallowing too much air without burping. There is also a theory that there is a link between colic and whether or not the mother drinks cows' milk.

How do I know if my child has colic?

These are several signs.

Colic can start within two to four weeks after birth and may last for up to three months.

Baby cries loudly, often for two to three hours and can't be comforted.

Baby often cries at roughly the same time and usually once or twice a day.

Bowel pains.

Baby pulls his feet up under his body and clenches his fists.

Some babies' stomachs rumble severely and they produce a lot of wind.

Remember, colic might not be the only cause of your child's discomfort. If your baby cries loudly all the time and cannot be comforted, you should first consult a doctor before deciding he or she has colic.

Conditions such as volvulus (when the stomach gets twisted), a twisted testicle or other pain can also make a baby cry incessantly. If in doubt, ask your GP.

Can a mother's diet make colic worse?

Some doctors think that if a baby is breastfed and the mother eats food that can cause gas, this may cause colic or make it worse. Food and drinks that produce lots of gas include:

orange juice

vegetables, especially onions and cabbage

fruit such as apples and plums

spicy food

products containing caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee and tea.

Experiment to find out what makes a difference to your child's colic. The best thing is to leave two days between each change of diet so you know exactly what makes your baby feel better or worse.

What can I do to help my child?

There is no foolproof advice, because colic isn't fully understood. But there are several things that parents can try.

Many children with colic calm down if they are rocked either in a cradle, a rocking chair or on your lap.

Some children feel better if they are carried in a sling on your stomach - your body heat and movement may help.

Some children feel comforted when wrapped in a blanket or held tightly.

Gently massaging your baby's tummy may help, because this is where the large intestine lies. Massage in a circle, moving your hand from left to right. Massaging in this direction can ease pain by helping your baby to pass wind.

Some parents find their baby is comforted by a car ride.

A baby can sometimes be soothed with music or monotonous sounds. It may help to sing to your child, which has the additional effect of helping to calm you too!

It may also help to:

get your child to drink milk slowly

burp your baby more often

sit your child straight while he or she eats (if old enough)

try a different product or brand if your child drinks powdered milk.

Feel your way, and if you need more help, ask your health visitor.

How to cope when your child has colic

When a baby has colic, family life is turned upside down. It is extremely stressful and upsetting when your baby cries for hours and cannot be comforted.

For first-time parents in particular, it can be a shock and disappointment to discover that your newborn baby is not the bundle of joy you were expecting. You may also feel guilty, even though you are not the cause of your child's colic.

It's easily said, but your child is healthy and will outgrow the colic in a few months' time. Colic does not harm your baby's development - in fact, children with colic are actually very stimulated!

Parents should look after themselves, too, during the difficult periods. It may be necessary for you and your partner to take turns, so that one can rest while the other is awake.

You may also need to call on friends or family as reinforcement. It is better to ask for help than to wear yourself out completely because of the challenge.

It can help to talk to other parents who have experienced the same thing. If you do not know any yourself, ask your health visitor to put you in touch with someone to chat to.

Always remember: colic is only temporary.

<<Back



The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved