Baby Colic
Nearly 20% of babies are thought to suffer from colic. Baby colic is described as excessive crying and abdominal pain. A baby who cries continuously for at least three hours a day for at least three days a week may have colic.
In most cases, babies start to show symptoms of colic at three weeks. The colic peaks when the baby is six weeks old and goes away when the baby is three or four months old.
Although most Doctors do not know the cause of colic, many think it is due to an underdeveloped digestive system that is cramping. Other experts propose the stomach pain is due to crying. Some experts believe that colic is due to an underdeveloped nervous system which makes the baby stiffen up in reaction to surrounding stimuli. Another theory contends that a reaction to the mother’s milk or formula causes colic in some babies. Researchers are still working to determine the underlying cause of baby colic.
In treating baby colic, it is important to first take your baby to a pediatrician to determine whether there is a medical reason for the crying. If there is no other medical reason for the crying, then it is important to sooth and comfort your baby during the crying incidents.
A parent can help comfort a colicky baby by rocking the baby in a rocking chair. A parent walking with the baby may also help. It is also helpful to rub the baby’s back. Some babies may be comforted by music or white noise such as a running clothes dryer while other babies may prefer being swaddled and placed in a quiet dark room. Placing warm heat such as a Warmheart on the baby’s tummy may also help soothe the baby.
The Cherry-Pit-Pac also works great on Baby Colic!