Overview

 

Non-stop crying in babies could be a sign of colic. Colic in babies is characterised by crying for over 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks, in an otherwise well-fed, healthy baby. The crying can occur suddenly for no apparent reason.

 

Colic normally starts a few weeks after birth and usually improves when your baby is about 3 months old.

 

Symptoms

 

Some common symptoms of colic include :

• Cries at about the same time every day, often in the evening
• Intense crying which is often difficult to pacify
• Posture changes: newborns with colic often curl up their legs, clench their fists and stiffen their abdominal muscles during colic episodes
• Babies with colic may experience bowel movements or pass gas near the end of a colic episode

 

Causes

 

The causes of colic in babies are not exactly known. Doctors believe certain factors might contribute to colic in babies :

• Immature digestive system
• Inefficient or insufficient burping after meals
• Milk intolerances
• Allergies
• Lack of sleep
• Discomfort arising from soiled diapers, extreme temperatures or sudden stimulation of noise or light

 

How to relieve colic in babies

 

Here are some tips on how to soothe a colicky baby :

• Give your baby small frequent feeds, and make sure to burp him/her after feeds.
• Hold your baby close to you as cuddling may help some babies to calm down.
• Try gently rocking your baby in your arms as this could soothe him /her
• Sing to your baby or play some lullaby music as this could calm your baby down
• If your baby is bottle fed, try a different teat that minimises the amount of air introduced while feeding, which can cause a build-up of painful gas.
• Review what you feed your baby. If your baby is fussy after consuming certain types of milk, try changing it and see if it helps. 

 

Treatment

 

While colic can be distressing for babies, as well as parents, it is not a disease. Colic usually resolves on its own, often when your baby is around 3 months old.

 

However, it is only natural for parents to look for remedies in order to try and soothe a colicky baby.

Some treatment options that could be tried include :

 

• Probiotics (Help maintain the natural balance of ‘good bacteria’ in the digestive tract)
• Gripe water

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When to see a doctor

 

You should take your baby to see the doctor if you observe the following symptoms:

 

• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Rashes
• Vomiting

 

Rest assured, your baby will eventually outgrow colic, and the constant crying won't last forever. These challenging times will pass. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to consult a doctor or paediatrician. They can help rule out any underlying conditions and provide guidance on managing colic.

 

References

 

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/colic

https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/health-plus/article/colic-babies

http://www.smj.org.sg/article/approach-infantile-colic-primary-care