Author - Dr. Neeraj Kumar, MBBS, DCH, MD Consultant - Paediatrician at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital, Chandigarh

Colic in Babies - How to Protect and Provide Relief

Does your newborn go through a fussy period each day? Do you try to comfort your baby in every possible way but it seems to go in vain? According to Dr Neeraj Kumar, MBBS, DCH, MD, Consultant Paediatrician, this may be due to colic. A colic symptom can be suspected in babies if they cry or get fussy frequently for no reason. In such cases, you should visit the best paediatrician in Chandigarh at the earliest to relieve these symptoms.

What is Colic?

Colic refers to the incessant crying or fussing of an otherwise healthy baby for no apparent reason. It is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day at least 3 days per week or even more than 3 weeks. It can start a few weeks after birth with its peak between 4 to 6 weeks of age. Sometimes the babies can cry inconsolably, often screaming, extending, or pulling up their legs, and passing gas. Managing such a scenario can be difficult or stressful for new parents.

What are the Symptoms of Colic?

It is normal for babies to cry and fuss. Babies with colic, however, cry more than normal babies with no health issues. If your baby cries inconsolably and shows the following symptoms, visit the best paediatricians in Chandigarh for consultation:

1. Crying for no apparent reason.
2. Crying around the same time each day. Babies usually get fussy towards the end of the day. The crying, however, can happen at any time of the day.
3. Clenching their fists while crying or curling up their legs.
4. Crying as if they are in pain.
5. Turning bright red while crying.

What Causes Colic?

Although the exact reason for colic is not known yet the best paediatrician in Chandigarh considers the following contributing factors :

1. Overfeeding or underfeeding.
2. Pain or discomfort from indigestion.
3. Sensitivity to breast or formula milk.
4. Emotional reaction to excitement, frustration, or fear.
5. Overstimulation.

How to Relieve Colic Symptoms?

Although most of the time, you just must wait for the phase to pass. You can, however, also try several other things at your home. Before doing anything, visit the best paediatricians in Chandigarh for a consultation to ensure that the crying is not related to any medical condition. If not, you can try the following:

1. If you are nursing: Try eliminating caffeine, onion, cabbage, milk products, or any other irritating foods from your diet. You can also discuss this with your paediatrician and eliminate one thing at a time.
2. If you are feeding from formula milk: At times babies cry because of food sensitivity. In such cases, discuss this with your best paediatrician in Chandigarh for other options.
3. Do not overfeed your baby: Overfeeding can make them feel uncomfortable. As a rule of thumb, you should have a gap of at least two to two and a half hours between each feeding.
4. Walk your baby: Motion and body contact can help them reassure. Hence, try walking your baby around. Specific positions like of holding baby like ‘The Hold’ and ‘Tiger in the Tree’ have been found to be quite effective.
5. White Sound: Which mimics a continuous humming or water flow has also been found to soothe a crying baby.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best PaediatricIan in Chandigarh. Do take an appointment with the best Paediatrician in Chandigarh at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. you wish to get in touch with Dr. Neeraj Kumar, please book your appointment here