Of all the characteristics of a new baby, none may be more upsetting to his or her parents than colic.

What is it?

This is an ancient term and simply means spasmodic pain in the tummy. However, infant colic may not be belly pain at all, but simply a developmental episode in a baby’s life. Either way, the episodic and periodic wailing is, at the least disconcerting and at the most downright frustrating.  

Symptoms

“The rule of 3’s”: onset by three months, lasts three months, starts about three in the afternoon and goes on for three hours.”

• Crying or wailing.
• Baby often arches back, draws legs up to abdomen.
• Does not seem hungry or thirsty (feeding does not alleviate crying.)   

What can I do?

• Be patient. Be patient.
• Take a break by having someone else care for the baby during the most irritable times.
• Use a rocking chair liberally.
• Sometimes other rhythmic movements such as a baby swing or, as some parents have done, riding around in the car. With baby securely seated of course.
• Try a warm towel over the abdomen. This may occasionally be soothing.
• Avoid sedatives or other medications.
• Some physicians will prescribe a medicine to diminish gas in the stomach or bowel. In some babies, this may help but it is generally  short lived

Call the Doctor if

• Crying is associated with vomiting, especially in the early weeks of life.
• Diarrhea occurs.
• Fever is present with persistent crying.
• Episodes of crying are not necessarily associated with the “rule of threes”
• If baby repeatedly awakens from a sound sleep crying.
• Abdomen is tight or if there is a feeling of some hard or firm mass in the abdomen. 

Colic is not much fun for the family or the baby. Throughout history, babies have cried and colic has been recorded. If there is no obvious answer to the episodic crying, especially in the afternoon, “colic” may well be the diagnosis. This is one kind of event in a child’s life where friends and neighbors are truly helpful. Colic can lead to weariness and irritability.You need to rest while others care for your baby.

One caution: Crying babies do lower ones’ reserve strength so if you ever find yourself getting angry with him or want to shake him, ask for relief. You both will be glad you did!

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