Common Causes of Colic

Babies are the cutest, most precious thing to a parent. Their birth brings extreme joy to everyone surrounding them, but an important truth is that they also brings a load of worries with them. The biggest of them is how to protect them from all the pain, heartbreak and sickness that exists. It would be a good thing to remember that just like everyone else, babies also have to face some things in life just like everyone else; although, as parents, we will always be there to help them overcome pain. The most common disorder affecting almost all babies is colic. Every family has stories of the extremely colicky baby who kept everyone awake at night. You might have been one of those. Every baby has a different trigger for colic. In fact, experts say that there are no specific causes for it, although some doctors do attribute some factors to it.

The most common reason for colic is the baby's digestive system. It takes some time for it to start working because this is first time it is digesting food. Like everything and everyone, the baby's system is also learning "the tricks of the trade," the muscles are only now starting to gain their rhythm. This does take time and hence the pain.

The muscular rhythm is required to push food through his digestive tract and newborns don't have the necessary bacteria that help with digestion. Once the system is in place, newborns stop having colic pain, although this happens around the time they turn six months old. It is also important to examine the food the mother is eating. It is possible that this is difficult for the baby to handle if they are being breastfed. Feeding mothers have to be very careful about what they eat because food containing chemicals and allergens will reach the baby through their milk and harm them.

Crying and colic work in a vicious cycle. Colic causes excessive crying in babies, which, in turn, may cause the baby to swallow air, which will again cause colic in them. They also swallow air when they are eating and this can cause them discomfort because of bloating and gas. Since babies are helpless, they end up crying even more.

The main symptoms of colic are discomfort because of gas; excessive crying for long periods of time, when they are simply inconsolable; frequent sleeplessness, irritability and fussiness; and distended and hard stomach. At these times, babies also tend to put their knees to the chest.

Colic can occur at an exact time in the day or night but mostly right after a meal. The episodes can also sometimes end just as suddenly as they began. Though it is easy to lose patience and get frustrated with a crying baby, keep your cool and it will be over soon. Remember that the baby can do nothing but cry out in pain, and it is your duty as a parent to help your child through the ordeal. Contact the doctor in case you need any help.

Source: http://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/baby_colic_treatment.htm