How Can You Tell If Your Baby Has Colic?

Colic is a concern that commonly comes up when anyone has a fussy baby. In fact, it tends to be the first thing people offer as advice when you complain about having a fussy baby. The question is – how do you know if your baby has colic?

Intense Bouts of Crying

Does your baby cry for what seems like hours and is unable to be consoled? Does it seem like nothing is wrong with your baby and they just cry for long periods of time until they stop on their own? Does it almost feel as if your baby has a predictable routine regarding when they spend hours crying? These are all pretty strong signs of colic.

While the exact cause of colic is not known, the growth of bacteria and gas or air being trapped in your baby's tummy are often attributed to it.

Pulling Up the Knees

If you do get a chance to lie your baby down, watch their knees. Does your baby pull their knees up to their stomach? This can be a way to try to soothe the pain.

Rather than doing this, your baby may arch their back. This is in an attempt to get the wind to pass around the body properly, soothing the pain that way.

Flushed Face

Due to all of the crying, it is normal for a baby's face to become red and flushed. Fortunately, this will go away once the baby calms down. Temperatures and fevers are not associated with colic, so if your baby has one of those, it is likely something else causing the discomfort.

Jiggling and Movement Can Soothe It

When you hold your baby and rock them, does the crying stop? This can also happen if you pop your baby in the car and take a drive around. Some babies will only settle when they are in the car, because the vibrations help to soothe the pain.

If you can't drive, try walking around with your baby. Some parents find that holding babies close to the chest and lightly bouncing up and down can help to soothe the colic.

What Your Baby Shouldn't Have

When suffering from colic, you shouldn't see any green vomit or blood in the stools or urine. You also shouldn't see the number of bottles your little one takes on a daily basis change or any change in the number of wet diapers your baby has. If you notice any of these symptoms or a fever, you should take your baby to their pediatrician for a check-up.

One in five babies will suffer from colic, and there is not a guaranteed form of treatment. Furthermore, it affects both breastfed and bottle fed babies, so there is no reason to think your parenting choices caused the condition. Fortunately, colic is a condition your baby will grow out of. For more baby care information, contact a pediatrician.


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