Colic is a problem that is well known to pediatricians and is very common. To help your baby through this difficult time, you must know what colic is and what you can do about it:
- Colic appears regularly from the 3rd week of baby's life and more rarely from the 1st week.
- Colic can be recognized by your baby's intense, recurring cries and screams.
- The attacks cause pain that can exceed 3 hours per day and last for several weeks.
- They are linked to tensions felt by the baby, but also to gas that accumulates in the intestines, or to poor evacuation of stools.
- The baby expresses himself by writhing, clenching their fists, and blushing.
- To ease colic, create a soothing, serene environment to help your baby calm down.
- Massaging the belly clockwise will help your baby pass gas and stimulate digestion.
- A hot water bottle on your baby's tummy reduces the pain of colic and makes your baby feel better.
- To avoid making colic worse, it is recommended that your baby does not eat too much or too fast, and swallows as little air as possible while feeding.
- You can also help your baby by putting them in a lukewarm bath that will relax them and help release tensions in the intestines. A bath is ideal to enjoy a little peace and quiet, and to soothe your baby's crying.
- If you're at a loss when faced with the constant crying and pain of your baby, call your pediatrician. They will do a check-up to make sure your baby is well and that it is only colic. They will also give you some tips on how to ease the pain of colic.
- There's no magic trick, but by using these tips, you can reduce the pain and make it more manageable. Use them to see what helps your baby.
