20-25% of young babies may get colic, and parents are unlikely to miss its rather overt symptoms. The signs of colic in babies, which include prolonged and stressful crying from the baby, who may not respond to any comforting measures by the parents, create a difficult time for all family members, baby included. In most cases, the fortunate thing about this condition is that it eventually passes and usually doesn’t mean a child has any severe health issues or problems. What is most important, if people encounter colic in babies, is to recognize its signs, rule out other illnesses and try to keep emotionally cool.
Colic in babies is most often characterized by crying spells lasting at least two to four hours a day for several days (between three and five) consecutively. It probably wouldn’t be diagnosed right after illness or if a child has just received immunizations. Some immunizations can cause extreme crying for up to 24 hours afterwards. Generally, this symptom of excess crying for several days straight occurs in the first quarter to half year of life.
The crying associated with colic in babies is high pitched, intense, and miserable, and many parents describe it as sounding “angry.” While babies cry, they may cry with such furiousness that their faces redden or pale. Parents may also note things like a pushed out belly, clenched fists or stiff arms and legs that push out far apart from each other. Crying may also be accompanied by shaking of limbs or face and sometimes parents note the extremities feel cool or cold.
There are times when signs of colic in babies are most likely to occur. Babies seem more prone to it after a meal, particularly if they’re overfed. Crying jags frequently make their appearance in the afternoon or evening.
Before using the signs of colic in babies to definitively diagnose children, it’s a good idea to understand when a doctor should be called. In general, parents should feel free to call their child’s physician if only the signs of colic emerge. If moms or dads feel certain the condition is colic, they should be sure to rule out a few other things if they choose not to see a doctor. The baby shouldn’t have fever, signs of food allergy, recent immunizations, nasal congestion, diarrhea, vomiting, or coughing. If any of these are present, a physician should examine the infant for other illnesses, which could also cause excessive crying.
Excessive crying puts the infant at risk for abuse, and parenting a colicky baby is one of the most stressful things parents have to cope with. Parents should monitor their own frustration levels as they help their babies through this phase. It is always better to put a crying baby down and walk away for ten minutes than it is to shake or hit a baby, since both are serious and potentially life-threatening abuse. Parents who feel overwhelmed are urged to get help to deal with these feelings so the whole family survives the colicky stage unharmed and intact.
