Theories about the causes of colic

Some theories state that a poor or week digestive system is the cause while others state that lactose intolerant babies suffer from colic. Yet another theory states that the nervous system is the cause of colic. As newer theories arrive none of them have been proved as the actual reason for infant colic.

Symptoms of colic

Babies suffering from colic tend to go red in the face; they cry for hours and get breathless. They have difficulty falling asleep and wake up crying. They tend to pass a lot of gas. Most babies refuse to be fed and appear to be in pain.

Helping babies suffering from colic

If you are a mother and your baby is suffering from colic you tend to feel useless. This is particularly true for first time mothers. You feel frustrated as whatever you try does not help to calm your baby. Do not loose your patience. Rock your baby steadily from side to side and attempt to calm the baby or put her to sleep. You may need to do this for longer periods as compared to babies not suffering from colic. Never shake the baby in anger. This will scare the infant.

-Play soothing music. As your child listens to the melody she may tend to calm down.

-Keep a diary to clock in the timings of the attack. Keep a track of the activity that provokes the attack and find different ways to work about it.

-If your baby starts crying immediately after a feed it means that the milk is aggravating her situation. Burp the baby several times after each feed. There is a possibility that she may have swallowed too much air and that causes the attack.

-Try bathing the infant in warm water or try a soothing massage to put the baby at ease.

-Take the baby for a drive in the car. The steady movement may calm her. Make sure that there is an additional person along with the driver. Although you may have a car seat the state of the child may affect your mental state and hence not making you a safe driver.

-Try swaddling the baby in a blanket. Do not tie the baby tight. This may cause her more distress.

If none of these tips help your baby then you must speak to your doctor. He will be able to rule out the causes of the colic and accordingly prescribe the appropriate medication.