4 months ago 19th Apr 15:33
Colic is quite common, but no one knows exactly what it is. The medical definition is crying in a healthy, normally developing baby, which seems unrelated to pain or hunger, and which occurs most days or evenings over a period of time.
Typically, colic starts in the first month, and goes on until your baby is three months or so.
It's not known why some babies are affected more than others, or why it sometimes suddenly disappears. It could be to do with immaturity of the gut, and as the baby's digestion matures, they become more able to tolerate the sensations of digestion. Alternatively, it may be bubbles of trapped wind, causing discomfort.
The baby is unable to be comforted It occurs in babies under four months of age It's usually worse in the evening after feeding and is often highlighted by high-pitched screaming
Massage - apply gentle pressure on the tummy by, for example, holding your baby across the crook of your arm or face down over your knees, or upright over your shoulder and rubbing your baby's back and/or tummy.
Diet - if breastfeeding, think about your diet to see whether particular foods you eat seem to make your baby's colic worse. It's unusual for this to be the case, but it's worth thinking about, even so.
Teats - if bottlefeeding, try anti-colic teats. Formula - if formula feeding ask your health visitor about different brands, including formula for unsettled, hungry or lactose-intolerant babies
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