Help for Infant Colic

While all babies cry, infant colic is distinguishable. Infant colic is described as excessive crying for more than three hours, more than three days in a week and for more than three weeks, in an otherwise well-fed and healthy infant. These episodes usually occur in the evening. The infant is difficult to console, becomes stiff, draws up her legs and may pass gas. Although colic is not fully understood, colic is related to gas, reflux, sensitive stomach, underdeveloped digestive system and food allergies.

Swaddling Blankets

• Regardless of the cause of an infant's colic, specialized swaddling blankets can be true miracles for parents. These blankets swaddle infants tightly in such a way that the child is unable to escape from the swaddle during fussy or thrashing behavior. When an infant cries excessively, these blankets restrain her, make her feel more secure, and help her calm down enough to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Gas

• If colic is caused by gas, it can be easy to treat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved over-the-counter anti-gas medications for infants. These medications contain the active ingredient Simethicone and are sold in small bottles with a dropper. Drops can be placed directly into an infant's mouth or in the child's bottle. The dosage varies depending on a child's age. Specially formulated bottles with internal vents can help reduce the amount of air an infant takes in during feeding.

Reflux

• Colicky behavior, when combined irritability during feeding, marked projectile vomiting, arching the back during feeding and other signs of discomfort during feeding, may indicate the infant has gastroesophageal reflux disease. The child may prefer to sleep propped in an upright position. Reflux is especially common in the first three months of life. A pediatrician can diagnose reflux, and prescription antacid medications can ease the symptoms.

Hypoallergenic Formulas

• If gas and reflux have been ruled out, an infant's colic could be related to a sensitive stomach, underdeveloped digestive system or food allergies. Hypoallergenic formulas may relieve or reduce colic in these children. These formulas are sold in grocery and discount stores, but they are more expensive than ordinarily formulas. With a physician's prescription, however, parents may be able to obtain health insurance coverage for hypoallergenic formulas.

Allergic Reactions

• Foods in a child or a nursing mother's diet (commonly cow's milk protein or soy protein) can trigger an allergic reaction in infants and cause colicky behavior. While hypoallergenic formulas may reduce the colic, elimination diets may help identify a specific food trigger so it can be avoided. Allergy testing may also be useful in identifying potential food allergies. Lifestyle and diet changes for the infant (and sometimes for the entire family) may be necessary for the child's health.