What Causes Infant Colic?

Sad news for parents is that the exact cause of colic is still a mystery despite a large amount of research carried out on this subject. Here are a number of feasible and accepted theories that have been put forward by knowledgeable and experienced experts:

Inability to self console and sensitivity

According to most experts, colic probably happens in all babies but causes symptoms only in babies who are extremely sensitive to any new stimuli and are also unable to self console. Every baby is different; while others are able to self console others cannot sooth themselves when faced with any new sensations they are not familiar with such as pain, hunger and a wet nappy. Even when a baby does not have the ability to self console, they are able to self soothe as they grow up and their nervous system matures.

According to most experts, colic probably happens in all babies but causes symptoms only in babies who are extremely sensitive to any new stimuli and are also unable to self console

Food Sensitivity

Although controversial, most experts agree with findings that colic can be a result of food sensitivity. A baby reacts to the food that their mum includes in their diet since this substantially affects breast milk. Some foods that babies are highly sensitive include; onions, caffeine, cabbage and any other gassy foods.

Disease

Although colic is not the result of an illness, there are a slew of other illnesses that may lead to unsettled and fussy behavior in infants. It is important to visit the doctor of you feel like the symptoms are not resolving as you expect. For your own peace of mind it is better for a doctor to rule out any other possible illnesses that may be affecting your baby. If your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, all you have to do is find a way to cope with the endless crying. Keep in mind that less than 5 percent of babies with colic are diagnosed with another illness. No matter how bad the fussiness and crying gets, just hang in there, it will get better.

Misconceptions about Colic

Becoming a new parent is extremely challenging, even when you are already a parent you still feel inadequate when unable to console your precious little one. Here are the things that will not cause colic in an infant:

Feeding patterns

There is no evidence whatsoever that changing the pattern of feeding a baby will influence the development of colic. This is a misconception that most parents fall victim of

Bottle feeding or breast feeding

Colic occurs in 1 out of 5 babies under the age of 6 months whether they are breastfed or baby fed.

Parenting skills or style

Contrary to common misconception, colic is not a reflection on your parenting. While the inability to console and soothe your baby can be extremely frustrating don’t let it doubt your abilities as a parent because colic is largely a natural condition. Be rest assured that if your baby has colic, it is not in any way, shape or form your fault and does not mean that your bundle of joy is rejecting you.