Reading time: 5 mins Colic is a familiar term, but it’s often vaguely defined. So, you’re not alone if you’re left wondering, ‘what is colic in babies?’. Colic refers to extended periods of crying for no apparent reason. It isn’t dangerous, but it can be distressing. Colic is something that just happens; you haven’t done anything wrong. The good news is that colic will eventually go away on its own, although there are ways to comfort your baby in the meantime. In this article we will share key information about how to know if your baby has colic, including: Additionally, we will explore 10 colic remedies including: So, let’s get started. Read on to discover everything you need to know about symptoms of colic in babies and how to help relieve their discomfort. Although we are here to offer advice and reassurance, always speak with your doctor if you have any worries or additional questions.
Colic is quite a common condition affecting 1 in 5 babies1 yet the exact cause of colic isn’t known. However, the belief is that there are two main answers when it comes to what is colic in babies: If you believe that the colic is caused by food allergies, always consult with your GP before making any changes to their diet (or yours if you are breastfeeding). Because breast milk is specially designed for babies, many wonder if breastfed babies get colicky. The answer is yes – breastfed babies can get colicky – although formula-fed babies also get colicky. Tip: Before jumping to the conclusion that your baby has colic, it is worth noting that there are several other reasons why your baby may cry inconsolably; including a bad case of wind, a dirty nappy, boredom, or over-stimulation.
There are a number of symptoms of colic in babies, but the clearest sign your baby might be suffering from colic is continuous, high-pitched crying for no obvious reason. The rule of 3s2 broadly categorises signs of colic in babies: In addition to the rule of 3s, other signs of colic in babies include:
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Baby bottle with slow-flow teat
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Baby bottle with slow-flow teat
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Colic will usually subside naturally within three months, but we know it can feel like longer when you’ve got a crying baby on your hands. If you want to ease your baby’s discomfort in the meantime, here are 9 simple colic remedies: Tip: Remember, if you are considering cutting out any food groups entirely for the long term, such as dairy, it’s a good idea to get advice from a healthcare professional.
o Turning their head away.
o Milk is dripping out of their mouth.
o Reluctant to latch onto the bottle nipple.
o Starts to move their arms and legs.
o Looking sleep or their body feels heavy and relaxed.
If you’re bottle feeding, either fully or just occasionally, choosing the right bottle is as important as the milk you put inside. There are three main considerations to make when it comes to choosing which bottle to use, especially if you want to avoid the symptoms of colic in babies: Tip: Choosing a bottle with an anti-colic valve, which has been clinically proven to reduce colic, is a key way to help relieve the symptoms of colic in babies. The Philips Avent Anti-Colic with AirFree vent bottle can help to reduce air intake and tummy troubles. If you have combination feeding concerns, the Philips Avent Natural Bottle with Natural Response Nipple might be the right bottle for your little one. Here are five ways this bottle can help you with easy transitions between breast and bottle when you’re trying to steer clear of the signs of colic in babies: Colic can be unsettling for both baby and parent, but the main thing to remember is that you’re doing great. With our guide we’ve helped you discover signs of colic in babies and simple colic remedies so you can rest easy knowing you can do your best for your baby to help relieve any discomfort and soothe their tears. These tips are designed to help put your mind at rest and give you some options for soothing your baby, but please be aware that the information does not substitute professional medical advice. Philips Avent cannot be held responsible for any damages that result from the use of the information provided on this website.
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