What Are the Causes of Colic?

According to the Mayo Clinic, colic is when an infant cries for more than three hours a day, up to three times a week, and the crying lasts for more than three weeks (see References). Although a crying baby can wreak havoc on your nerves, in many cases, the symptoms of colic begin to disappear after three to four months. There are many reasons that can cause your little one to have colic. However, if you find that your baby no longer has an interest in eating, or there is a change in his sleep pattern and behavior, it is important that you see your child's pediatrician.

Bowel Movements

• When infants are born, they lack the necessity to digest food as adults do. Their digestive track has not yet figured out how to break down food, and muscles within the digestive track do not know how to push the food through yet. As a result, when your infant tries to have a bowel movement, the process is slow, which can then cause air to get caught in the intestines. According to Dr. Stuart Crisp, this can result in the baby's intestines expanding and causing pain (see References).

Eating and Crying

• Sometimes how your baby eats can cause issues. If your baby eats excessively fast, she can gulp in air. Even eating too much or not burping your baby (to release air buildup) can cause your baby discomfort. Sometimes too much crying can cause your baby to gulp in air, which can add to gas increase and bloating.

Stimulation

• Overstimulation can contribute to colic. Newborns are not used to loud sounds or too many sights. Infants can easily get overstimulated, which can increase their chances for becoming cranky. Infants who are exposed to too much in their daily routine, whether it's TV, family visiting or running errands, may have more difficulty settling down (see References).

Foods

• If you breast-feed your infant, the foods you eat may irritate your infant's stomach. Chemicals or allergens contained within the foods we eat may cause digestive upset (see References). If you eat vegetables, spicy foods or acidic foods, such as oranges, this can create gas and bloating in your child's tummy. You can help alleviate the cause of your child's colic by keeping a diary to note what is causing your child to become particularly irritable.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

• According to Dr. William Sears, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs because food contents are being regurgitated back into your baby's esophagus (see Resources). The esophagus is joined to the stomach by a valve. The reflex that makes the valve close the way it is supposed to is immature at this stage in an infant's life. Babies who tend to suffer from GER are more likely to spit up their food, arch their back, choose to want to sit upright, and be awake more during the night.

Other Causes

• Other possibilities for colic may be allergies. Some formulas may upset an infant's stomach, and if you choose to bottle feed your baby, speak with a pediatrician as to which formula may be best suited for your little one. Also, how you breast-feed your infant makes a difference. Correctly allowing your child to latch, with no space between your breast and the baby's mouth, may help reduce air that is being swallowed in.

Coping

• You can help alleviate your infant's symptoms by burping her more frequently to get out excess air, especially after feedings. After you feed your infant, keep him in an upright position for at least half an hour. Try to lessen stimulation, such as TV, and excessive sounds or lights, especially before bed. The football hold can also help stop the cramps in your infant's tummy. Hold your child with her face in the crook of your elbow (face pointing out). Have his legs straddle your hand, and make sure that his tummy is pressing against your wrist. Using these techniques can help calm your baby.