Infant colic
No mum likes to see their baby upset and in discomfort, which is why colic can be such a distressing condition. Although no-one knows for sure what causes the symptoms of colic, it may be linked to excess air being swallowed during feeding. As your baby swallows, their tiny tummy fills up with air, causing a painful bout of wind. Another possibility is that colicky babies find it more difficult to digest their milk, because of an immature digestive system, leading to painful stomach cramps.
What are the symptoms of colic?
The symptoms of colic are quite distinctive and often occur soon after feeding. Colicky babies will regularly cry inconsolably for 2–3 hours, bringing their legs up to their chest, clenching their fists, and becoming flushed in the face. Although the sight of your crying baby can be distressing, the good news is colic usually disappears by the time your baby reaches around 3 months of age, and there are also no known long-term problems associated with babies who suffer from colic. Still, if you suspect your baby is showing signs of colic, it's important to go to your doctor to make sure.
5 ways to soothe your baby
If you think your baby is suffering from colic, try some of these techniques to help soothe their symptoms:
• Massage your baby’s tummy gently in a clockwise direction
• Move your baby’s legs round in a cycling motion
• Rock your baby back and forth
• Take them for a drive in the car − the movement may help settle them down
• Give your baby a warm bath and then wrap them up in a warm blanket
• Ask your midwife or health visitor for different ways to wind your baby
If your baby's been diagnosed with colic and is being bottlefed, your doctor may suggest you try a milk that's specifically designed to ease the symptoms of colic, such as Aptamil Comfort.
Remember, if you are at all concerned about your baby’s health, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or health visitor. Or you can contact the Aptamil's expert team, they have plenty of experience to share. Just call us on 0800 996 1000, or start a conversation using Live Chat, our online messaging service.