Colic in Babies Characterized by Crying for Hours

Colic in infants often causes babies to cry for hours at a certain time each day. This condition is actually a natural thing to happen to newborns. However, there are some colic symptoms that need to be watched out for. Colic in infants is a situation when babies who are in good health often cry excessively. The situation that occurs in some babies is rarely considered a health disorder and is often undiagnosed. Generally colic occurs in the first few weeks after the baby is born and will stop after the baby is 4 months old. Usually the baby cries in the evening and is difficult to relieve up to several hours.

Common Symptoms and Colic Conditions to Look Out for

Babies who experience colic usually cry more than 3 hours a day for at least 3 days a week. This condition can last for 3 weeks or more. The thing to remember is that this condition is actually normal and does not have a bad impact in the long run. The characteristics of babies who experience colic are when crying both hands clenched, pulling knees to the abdomen, blushing, and arching his back. Conditions on colic that must be watched out for and consult a doctor immediately, include:

• When lifted, his body drooped
• The sound of crying is high-pitched and occurs continuously
• Vomit green liquid
• Urine out less than usual
• There is mucus or blood in the stool
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Convulsions
• Some parts of the skin look pale or blue
• The crown stands out
• Having respiratory problems
• Accompanied by fever up to 38 degrees Celsius or more if the baby is less than 3 months old, and 39 degrees Celsius or more for infants aged 3 months and above.

Causes and Ways to Handle Colic in Infants

The exact cause of colic is still unknown. Presumably due to digestive disorders, including the production of gas in the digestive tract, the intestine is sensitive to certain types of protein, hungry, or too full. The condition of babies born prematurely or the nervous system that has not been well developed may also be related to colic in infants. Generally colic will improve by itself over time, so colic in infants is rarely given special treatment. Even though you don't have strong scientific evidence, you can do the following things before consulting a pediatrician:

• Stop the consumption of cow's milk in infants

It's possible that your baby has protein intolerance from cow's milk or other dairy products. You can switch to hypoallergenic milk labeled with low protein content. Consumption of formula milk containing soy is not recommended for infants less than 6 months because it contains hormones that can affect sexual and physical development in the future. If symptoms do not improve after a week, you can return to cow milk.

• Stop the consumption of milk taken by nursing mothers

In nursing mothers, try to stop consuming milk for a while, to see if your baby's condition will improve. If it turns out the problem lies with the dairy products that you consume, then as a substitute you need to consume other sources of calcium such as supplements.

Both of these, can be considered because of the possibility of your baby experiencing intolerance to the protein present in cow's milk products. However, you are still advised to consult further with a pediatrician.

How to soothe babies who have colic

Although it can improve by itself, treatment to calm the baby from colic is still needed. If the cause is known, then treatment should be adjusted to the cause. But in general, the following things can be done to calm a baby who has colic:

• Gently massage the baby's stomach.
• Carry a baby while he cries.
• Wash your baby with warm water.
• Carry a baby in a cloth or blanket.
• If possible, give a pacifier to calm the baby.
• Humming or making a "sshhhhh ..." sound to a baby might calm him down.
• If you know that your baby is consuming enough fluids and getting enough sleep, you can soothe by placing him in bed for some time.
• Take the baby to a quiet, cool room with low lighting, maybe it can help make it calmer.
• Alternatively, you can put the baby in a bouncer or baby rocking chair. In addition, taking the baby to travel by car might also help calm.
• Never shake the baby when he cries loudly.

There are medicines that can be given to treat colic in infants such as simethicone drops. This liquid can be added to milk or breast milk provided in a bottle. Simethicone acts to help release air bubbles in the baby's digestion which can interfere with digestion. Although so far the liquid is declared safe for infants, but its use must still be based on doctor's recommendations. Various other methods such as sugar water, massage therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and chiropractic are sometimes applied to treat colic in infants. But so far there is no scientific evidence that guarantees the effectiveness of these procedures against colic in infants. Even in certain cases, this action can harm the baby. Parents should always consult a doctor first before carrying out these methods of action.

Tips to Prevent Colic Occurrence in Babies

To prevent colic, here are some things you can do:

• Change baby bottles with other types. A hole that is too small in a baby's bottle can cause it to swallow more air than liquid.
• If the baby suckles, nursing mothers should avoid consuming too much coffee, tea, and spicy foods.
• Pat your baby's back gently so he can burp after eating. Do this by putting the baby on one shoulder. Make sure the head and neck are well supported. Rub and pat gently on the back until the baby burps. It's okay if there is a little food or liquid that comes out with burp.

Above all the treatments mentioned, it is important to maintain parental conditions so as not to stress, which can cause uncontrollable emotions when handling babies. If you yourself are exhausted, it is better to temporarily transfer baby care to others nearby such as husbands or relatives. The thing to remember is colic in babies is not the fault of parents or caregivers in how to care for babies. Generally the condition of colicky babies will improve and parents need to stay calm. Consult a doctor if colic occurs repeatedly or protracted.