What causes baby colic and how to relieve colic

A few weeks after birth, babies will start to cry and scream at regular intervals, with pale or red faces and cold hands and feet. Baby colic is a very difficult process for parents, because children have limited ability to express themselves, and parents can only observe carefully and comfort them patiently.

Causes of baby colic

Description of the condition: This condition is caused by strong contraction of the baby's intestinal smooth muscle or intestinal flatulence, which is the most common acute abdominal pain in children. It often occurs at night and is common in babies who are easily excited and irritable.

Age of common occurrence: Depending on the degree and severity, this condition is more common in babies two weeks to three months after birth, usually with a peak at four to six weeks after birth, and will generally gradually improve by the time the baby is around four to six months old.

Common symptoms of baby colic

Crying for irregular periods of time: Usually babies will suddenly cry loudly, which may last for dozens of minutes or even hours, or occasionally. When crying, the baby's face will be red, lips will be pale, the stomach will be swollen and tight, the legs will curl up, the feet will be cold, and the hands will be clenched tightly.

It is difficult to calm the emotions: Once this happens, it is difficult for parents to relieve the mood even by hugging, coaxing or feeding. In the end, the baby will cry until he is hoarse, and then slowly stop crying after passing gas or defecation. This situation often leaves parents helpless.

How to relieve baby colic

Upright patting method: Parents can let the baby lie on the adult's shoulders or legs, gently press and massage the child's abdomen and back to comfort him, or they should place the baby upright on the shoulder and pat the back with the hands with appropriate force to expel excess gas in the stomach.

Don’t keep feeding: Many parents think that their babies are hungry when they are crying, and try to force milk into their babies, but this will make the situation worse, so don’t let your children eat too much.

Breast milk improves symptoms: Try to give your baby some breast milk, or close contact can also make your baby feel safe; but if there is no improvement, or it happens for many nights in a row, you should ask a doctor for a detailed examination and diagnosis.

Anti-flatulence ointment or hot compress: When your baby has colic, you can wrap a hot water bottle in cloth or use a warm towel to apply heat to the child's abdomen to relieve intestinal spasms. You can also use peppermint oil anti-flatulence ointment to wipe the baby's belly, which can help the gastrointestinal tract expel excess gas and relieve intestinal spasms.

How to prevent baby colic

Wear a belly band when sleeping: When the baby is sleeping, the clothes may be lifted up and cause wind to enter. Parents can put a belly band on the baby to prevent the stomach from getting cold. If the baby feels uncomfortable due to bloating, the belly band can be tightened a little bit to help the baby's stomach and intestines to expel gas.

Eating in moderation and at regular times: Parents should cultivate their baby's regular eating habits from an early age, which can reduce the incidence of intestinal cramps caused by irregular eating. Eating in moderation is also important, and the baby should be prevented from eating too much. It is best to eat small meals frequently to reduce intestinal colic caused by indigestion.

Avoid flatulence: Flatulence can easily cause colic. Therefore, to reduce flatulence, babies can feed in a more upright position. Parents can increase the number of times they sweep air for their babies when feeding to avoid excessive air accumulating in the baby's stomach or intestines, which can cause discomfort.

Apply an appropriate amount of anti-gas ointment: Apply anti-gas ointment on the baby's abdomen and massage it. Anti-gas ointment containing a little mint may make the baby feel more comfortable.

Avoid inhaling cold air: Inhaling cold air can easily cause abdominal discomfort. Babies who often suffer from colic can wear masks when going out in winter to prevent cold air from entering the body. In summer, it is not advisable to eat ice cream or drink cold drinks often.