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A colicky infant
cries for hours for
no known reason. The cry is often a fussy screaming. Colic begins in
infants about 2-4 weeks old and can last 5 months. It is more common in
boys and first-born children.
The exact cause of colic is unknown.
Tiredness, food allergy, overly warm milk or overfeeding your baby may
play a part. Stress in the home, loneliness and pain may also have a role.
Your colicky infant may simply want to be held or to go to sleep. It is
hard to treat colic since its cause is unknown. Holding, cuddling and
rocking your baby usually works best.
What should you do?
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Burp your infant after each
ounce of formula. If you are breastfeeding every 5 minutes.
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Do not give a feeding every time
the baby cries. Wait at least 2 hours between
feedings.
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When trying to comfort a crying
infant, use soothing gentle motions.
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When your baby is having an
attack of gas, hold him securely and gently massage the lower part of
the stomach.
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Try not to let your baby sleep
more than 3 hours at a time during a day.
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The baby's constant
crying can
be very stressful. Try to be patient and stay calm. Remember you did
not cause your infant's colic, so don't blame yourself.
Contact your doctor if: your
baby seems to be in pain or acts sick, your baby has been crying
constantly for more than 3 hours, your baby develops a high temperature
and is less than 3 months of age.
Source: The PDR Family
Guide, Encyclopedia of Medical Care (1997)
 
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