Colic Information You Need
| Basics |
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Colic is acute intermittent abdominal Discomforts occurring in babies. It is characterized by spates of crying that can go on for hours for no apparent reason, and can be emotionally and physically draining for parents. Although Colic is not a problem, it is one of the most frustrating conditions parents have to deal with.
Colic is rarely dangerous and doesn't last a long time. It usually begins after an infant is two weeks old, peaks at about three months of age and most often ends by the fourth month.
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| Symptoms |
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Colic doesn't always start directly after birth but comes on after a few days or even a few weeks. Typically, the attacks start in the evening when parents are most tired and patience is thin. They may become constipated or there may be a change in the color of their stools. Loud crying that can last for hours, lasting anywhere from days to weeks While crying the baby may draw his legs to his abdomen and clenches his hands and curls his toes. Beyond crying, a baby with colic may also appear to be in Discomfort. Babies may lift their head or legs, become red in the face and pass wind. |
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| Prevention |
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The following methods could Enhance Beneficial Effects the onset of colic:
- Hold your child up for feeding to avoid swallowing air, and for a short while afterwards.
- Do not overheat the milk or formula.
- Make sure the bottle's nipple holes are not too small. Try different types of purchased nipples. Tiny holes
cause babies to swallow air as they suck on the nipples.
- Make mealtime a quiet, calm time.
- Feed more frequently. Burp your baby more often.
- Be sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Hunger, not colic, may be causing the crying.
- Burp your baby after each ounce of formula or every few minutes when breast-feeding.
- Play soothing music. This may benefit you as well as the baby.
- Take your baby for a ride outdoors in the stroller or in the car.
- Do not give the baby liquid antacids (such as Maalox) or simethicone drops. These have not been shown to be Enhanceful.
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| Causes |
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The cause of colic is a mystery. Some blame food allergies, abdominal gas, not enough sleep or over sensitivity to the environment; others think it is a certain hormone in breast milk and overfeeding. It may be due to a combination of these factors effect an infant's immature digestive system that results in Colic. |
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| Diagnosis |
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Colic is easily diagnosed through its symptoms. |
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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Breast-feeding is generally recommended over bottle feeding and should optimally last for the first six months of the infant’s life.
If breast-feeding is used, do not eat dairy products or cow’s milk.
Avoid onion, garlic, caffeine, cabbage, broccoli, ham, bacon, shellfish, bananas, nuts, chocolates, strawberries, oranges, tobacco and alcohol.
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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- Infant seats and crib mattresses can be purchased with motorized attachments that vibrate and gently coax a colicky baby to sleep.
- If mixing a formula with water, make sure it is not too concentrated (it may cause irritation).
- Placing an infant on its stomach securely on top of a running dryer or washer (very carefully) can Enhance soothe stomach Discomforts and facilitate movement of gas.
- Don’t overfeed the baby. Using certain herbal teas may Enhance alleviating the problem.
- Taking the baby out for a drive may Enhance him sleep.
- Make sure that your baby has adequately burped after a meal.
- Hot water bottles are also Enhanceful in alleviating the Discomfort.
- The use of pacifiers might Enhance.
- Play music to put the baby to sleep.
- Never smoke around a baby. It increases colic.
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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Many mothers believe that their fussy baby is an indication of their own inadequate mothering. Colic will disappear within a few months of infancy. Learning to relax is important, just remember that babies cry. |
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| Additional Information |
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Herbal supplements with balance dietary plan are beneficial for health. There are certain herbs that show their favorable effects in condition of colic. Colic tablets contain chamomile.
Chamomile herb is very favorable in condition of colic. 1,2,3,4,5,6 Cocyntal contains
Carbo Vegetabilis that shows its beneficial effects on body in colic problem. 7 Kid-e-Col contains fennel that gives
its favorable effects on digestion. 3,5,8 |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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