Parent Center Network

  • Home
  • Baby
  • Toddler
  • Kids
  • Toys
  • Gifts

What is Colic and what are the symptoms and signs

February 20, 2018 by Mandy Wright

When pregnant you probably hear stories from parents about babies crying all night long. A big reason why most infants cry consistently is colic. This word colic simply refers to a muscle spasm (tightening of the muscles that cause discomfort and pain). Colic is therefore an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition that happens as a result of muscle spasm happening in the baby’s tummy.

2017_02_colic_when_does_it_start_and_end_still

Babies suffering from this condition typically cry more than other babies and have a more difficult time settling quietly and sleeping.

Is common a common condition?

What is Colic and what are the symptoms and signs

Absolutely, according to reliable research 1 out 5 babies under the age of six months suffers from colic. Unlike common misconception, it does not favour a particular gender. It happens in both baby girls and baby boys.

When should I expect Colic to affect my baby?

Age

Baby-Colic

 

When it comes to age this condition is most likely to affect your bundle of joy between 2 to 4 weeks after birth and typically lessens as the baby matures. Keep in mind that it s not a indication of bad health, it happens to babies who are otherwise healthy and thriving. In the beginning when the condition is still series, some babies can barely sleep through the night and are irritable throughout the day. At around 3 to 4 months symptoms decline significantly to 1 to 2 hours of crying daily. In some babies colic stops as early as 2 months while in others it may go on until they are 6 months.

Time of day

Baby-sleeping after colic session

Colic predominately affects babies during the night and in the late afternoons. Experts still have no idea why it happens a certain time in the day. According to paediatricians, if your baby displays symptoms you suspect to be colic at a different time of the day; it is probably another issue such as gastro-oesophageal reflux illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Colic

  • Crying frequently for no apparent reason

One of the key symptoms that your baby is suffering from colic is persistent and excessive crying especially during the late afternoons and night time. This will be typically accompanies by irritability and fussiness. The problem is that a new baby cries a lot anyway making it difficult for a parent to ascertain whether it is a baby being a bay or an indication of colic.

colic simply refers to a muscle spasm (tightening of the muscles that cause discomfort and pain

A reliable system that will help you figure out whether your bundle of joy is suffering from colic is the 3x3x3 rule also known as the Wessel rule of Threes. According to this rule, a baby does not suffer from colic if they don’t:

Cry for more than three hours daily

Cry for more than 3 hours for 3 days every week

Cry for three or more weeks in their first six months

  • Predictable crying pattern

crying-baby-colic

It is extremely important to take into consideration a babies crying pattern when trying to ascertain whether they are afflicted with this condition A baby with this condition will typically experience regular periods of restlessness and crying typically in the late afternoons and night-time. Colicky babies usually cry at the same time everyday while others cry typically the entire day but gets worse during the evenings.

Baby crying sounds

Since this condition cause pain and discomfort to a baby, the crying sounds are easily distinguishable. When a baby has colic, the crying sound is a typically a high pitched cream that is piercing. Additionally, they are virtually inconsolable.

A baby with this condition will typically experience regular periods of restlessness and crying typically in the late afternoons and night-time

Baby’s posture

baby-crying--portrait-clenching fist

An infant suffering from colic while take on easy to identify postures such as:

The baby’s legs will be pulled away from their stomach

Clenched fists which are a reaction to the pain

Typically frown (furrow their brow)

The face is flushed because of the pain and discomfort

In some cases a by tends to push the legs out straight and attempt to arch their back

Stomach gas

baby passing gas

When suffering from colic babies typically pass a lot of as during the intense crying period. You will also notice that their tummies become distended or a bit enlarged because of too much gas.

Peaceful ad calm the rest of the time

Colicky babies are peaceful and calm the rest of the time when not going through the pain and discomfort that comes with this condition. This is because after the strain, their bodies need rest, calm and peace to rejuvenate and strengthen. If you are not sure about the symptoms you can always talk to a doctor.

When to visit to the doctor?

when to see a doctor colic

It is advisable to seek a doctor’s help if you are anxious with the cringe or are unable to cope with it. This is especially recommended for new mothers who need constant reassurance that their bundle of joy is perfectly fine. Also seek medical attention immediately if the crying spells have other accompanying symptoms such as:

The baby is unable to feed well

Weakness or inability to move

If you feel like there is nothing you can do to calm them down

If you think your baby is injured or in too much pain

Vomiting and a swollen scrotum

 Colicky babies are peaceful and calm the rest of the time when not going through the pain and discomfort that comes with this condition

 

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Mandy Wright
Mandy Wright
Mum of three, Pre- K teach and Super Chief Editor at Parent Center Network

[email protected]
Mandy Wright
Latest posts by Mandy Wright (see all)
  • 35 Best Gifts For 10 Year Old Girls 2020 - September 13, 2020
  • Best Baby Swings 2020 - April 29, 2020
  • Best Toddler Swings 2020 - April 29, 2020

Filed Under: Baby, Bottles

You May Also Like

Recent posts

35 Best Gifts For 10 Year Old Girls 2020

35 Best Gifts For 10 Year Old Girls 2020

Best Baby Swings 2020

Best Baby Swings 2020

Best Toddler Swings 2020

Best Toddler Swings 2020

Similac Alimentum Infant Formula Review

Similac Alimentum Infant Formula Review

Best LEGO Sets For Boys

Best LEGO Sets For Boys

Best Backpack Diaper Bags

Best Backpack Diaper Bags

Best Erector Sets for Children to Build

Best Erector Sets for Children to Build

Best Tricycles for Toddlers 2020

Best Tricycles for Toddlers 2020

Best Baby Monitors To Buy In 2020

Best Baby Monitors To Buy In 2020

35 Best Gifts For 7 Year Old Girls 2020

35 Best Gifts For 7 Year Old Girls 2020

Our ambition

Our goal is to provide the best research and parenting information on the web. We work tirelessly ontop of being busy parents to share experiences and products that make parenting lives a little bit easier.

Recent Posts

  • 35 Best Gifts For 10 Year Old Girls 2020
  • Best Baby Swings 2020
  • Best Toddler Swings 2020
  • Similac Alimentum Infant Formula Review
  • Best LEGO Sets For Boys

Search

Copyright © 2021 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions