Parents with a fussy, irritable, and crying newborn could be dealing with colic. Colic is a common problem in newborn babies and causes a baby to cry for long periods in spite of attempts to soothe. Fortunately, there are a few colic treatments that parents can use to help a baby that is suffering from colic.
Researchers do not know what causes colic although it is a fairly common problem. Some possible causes of colic include allergic reactions, gas, overstimulation, and an immature digestive system. In some cases, a baby may experience pain when suffering from colic. This is especially true if the baby is showing signs of bloating or gas. Bloating and gas can both cause severe abdominal pain which is extremely distressful for the baby.
There are numerous calming tactics that can be used as colic treatments to calm a crying baby. One of the most common techniques used to treat colic is rhythmic motion. Rocking a child in a chair and taking the baby for a ride in the auto are two colic treatments known to quiet a colicky baby.
Some colicky infants simply need to suck. All babies have a strong sucking need, and many are comforted by having something in their mouth — whether it's a pacifier, finger, or breast. This is often referred to as comfort sucking. Comfort sucking is one of many colic treatments used to soothe a child.
There are also herbal and homeopathic remedies that claim to treat colic. Parents should always consult their pediatrician before using any herbal remedy. Some herbal remedies can actually harm the baby and have adverse affects. For example, star anise tea is an herbal tea formerly used to treat colic, but is now no longer recommended because it could potentially poison a baby.
Before using colic treatments, a parent should always consult the expert advice of a pediatrician. A pediatrician can approve certain colic treatments or ensure that the child is not suffering from a different or serious condition that is causing the crying. Common non-colic problems that can cause similar symptoms include fatigue, hunger, itchiness, lack of contact, and an unidentifiable source of pain.
Parents should also consider the different ways that they can prevent colic from occurring in the first place. Preventing a baby from swallowing air during feeding is one way to minimize the potential for colic. Burping a baby after a feeding is another technique used to prevent colic. Overstimulation can also cause colic. Limiting movement and noise are two ways to prevent overstimulation.
