MindRivet

Colic

What is Colic? 

As a first time parent, I was often at a loss when my few days old would cry for a period ranging from 15 minutes to two hours, especially in the evenings.
It is then that I learnt of this problem called colic with infants. The problem originated in the baby’s digestive system, specifically because of the buildup of gas which could not be released and the doctor prescribed digestive syrup (gripe water) for treating colic. This helped.
But the remedy for colic as some say is not definitive and what works for a child may not work for another.

As the wikipedia (wikipedia ) puts it - Infant colic (also known as baby colic, three month colic, and Infantile colic) is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods, without any discernible reason.
The condition typically appears within the first two weeks of life and almost invariably disappears, often very suddenly, before the baby is three to four months old. It is more common in bottle-fed babies, but also occurs in breast-fed infants. The crying frequently occurs during a specific period of the day, often in the early evening.

From http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/colic.htm

What causes colic?

No one is really sure, but there are a few suspected causes, such as intestinal gas, food sensitivity or allergy, or an immature nervous system. This last idea speculates that Baby’s immature nervous system can’t handle the stimuli of everyday life, and that crying is their only way of communicating this “overload.” An opposite hypothesis is that Baby needs more stimulation, and gets it through crying. Colic is mysterious, but not harmful to your baby.

How do you sooth a colicky baby?

From http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/infants/036.html
Tips on soothing your colicky baby
Feed your baby in an upright position.
Burp your baby often.
If you are breastfeeding, try making small changes in your own diet. Try to limit spicy foods, citrus fruits or caffeine.

What are colic causing foods during breast feeding? 

From http://askdrsears.com/html/8/t083301.asp
COLIC-CAUSING FOODS IN BREASTFEEDING
Dairy products
Caffeine – coffee, tea, soda
Soy products
Peanuts
Shellfish
Chocolate (sorry!)
Citrus fruits
Wheat
Chicken
Beef
Eggs
Nuts
Corn
Prenatal vitamins (The iron may be irritating to baby. Ask your OB for an alternative if this is the culprit.)
Gassy vegetables:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Onions
Green peppers
Tomatoes

More information on Coping with colic at http://askdrsears.com/html/5/t051300.asp#T051304