Helping You Deal With Colicky Babies
I know when I was a baby, I had a bad case of colic. Obviously, I don’t remember anything but my mother did say it was quite a scare for her and my dad. The following article will discuss baby colic and give you some basic information regarding this.
How do you know when an infant’s crying is something to worry about? If you’re sure the baby is well-fed with a dry diaper, then it may be colic pain. Colic in babies has been widely studied, but the findings have been inconclusive. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes the incessant crying, but they do know that in almost all cases, the apparent “fussiness” goes away by the fourth month. Some researchers suggest it’s a lack of Melatonin (a chemical that helps transport toxins and regulate sleep) or gut flora (healthy stomach microorganisms that help with digestion), while others say it could just be pent up gas or hypersensitivity to a new environment. Unless the baby has a fever, diarrhea or other peculiar symptoms, the colic pain is nothing to be alarmed about and will likely dissipate within four months.
Dealing with a colic baby can be very stressful for new parents. It’s hard to stomach the idea that there is simply nothing you can do. Suddenly, you feel like a scientist, scrambling for any new tactic or product that will soothe the colicky baby. Treating symptoms of colic depends upon the root problem, which is disputed and may vary from infant to infant. First of all, take note when your baby is shrieking. Is the baby crying mostly after a feeding? Try burping the baby or giving a light tummy and intestinal massage. If you are unsure of how to do this, then there are DVDs out on how to do it properly to facilitate effective waste movement.
Another theory is that babies are born hypersensitive to lights and sounds. The real world is quite a drastic change from the warm, muted, dark womb environment. Try to shield your baby from extremely bright lights. Sometime colic in babies can be eased by a walk outdoors in a covered stroller or a calming nap in an infant swing. Warm baths, lullabies and rocking chairs are good things to try as well.
Remember, if you have a colicky baby, then it is not your fault! The baby isn’t feeling detached from you and isn’t intentionally beating you up emotionally. Growing pains are a natural part of life and colic in babies is fairly frequent. Remember that this phase will pass as the baby’s system functions become more advanced. In the meantime, take some moments of reprieve to catch a nap, read a book or go out to dinner as you patiently wait it out.
You can learn more for colic relief at Tina’s health site where she also discusses the importance of cleansing diets
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