How to Tell if Your Baby has Colic
Since there are so many different theories on colic, and because there is no clear cause for colic, it is more helpful to describe what we do know and what colic refers to. Here is a guideline to show you how to tell if your baby has colic.
Doctors diagnose a baby as ‘colicky’ when the baby cries for hours at a time, and there is no clear reason for it. The definition of colic is crying for at least three hours a day, at least three times a week, and for at least three weeks straight.
Babies who have colic are between three weeks and three months old, and it is usually at its worst point when the baby is between 8 and 14 weeks old.
Babies with colic are otherwise healthy and doctors cannot find a medical reason for the crying. The baby is not in pain or hungry, and colic does not cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
TIP: This means that if you suspect your baby has colic, but he or she is showing these symptoms, you should check with a doctor immediately because there could be other reasons for the crying.
Colicky babies do show some typical behaviors when they cry: some will arch their back and tighten their stomach. They also clench their fists and pull up their legs or stiffen their legs.
If your baby is crying a lot, and you cannot find a reason for it, you might want to keep track of the times and duration of the crying to discuss it with your doctor. The doctor will do a physical exam, and ask you some questions to rule out any other causes for the crying.
Once you know it is colic, there are different approaches you can try that might help you.
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Click here to understand the difference between Acid Reflux and Infant Colic
How to create a safe sleeping environment
Putting your baby down to sleep for the night – or at least for the early part of the night, given the practical certainty that they will awake at least once during your own sleep cycle – is something that will, at least initially, be nerve-racking for any new parent. In order to ensure that their newborn has a safe sleeping environment, many parents will keep the baby in the parental bed with them in order to keep them close by and prevent them from feeling isolated. Other parents are terrified to do this for fear of rolling over and hurting the child. Either way there are concerns to bear in mind.
Having a crib for your baby is something that any parent will want to look into and do properly so as not to risk anything going wrong. The incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is something that has reduced greatly in the last few decades, but at one time it was a huge concern for parents worldwide. Improvements in the manufacture of bedding and the simple instruction to always put your baby on its back to sleep have led to this reduction, but most parents will still have concerns when it comes to bedtime for their child. A firm, flat surface is best for a child to sleep, so it is best not to have a pillow in their crib.
Avoiding the following will help ensure a safe sleeping environment for your baby:
- curtains with dangling cords: present the risk of strangling
- too soft a mattress: presents the risk of suffocation
- too large bed sheets: presents the risk of suffocation
- too close to heater/direct sunlight: presents the risk of overheating
- too many or too thick blankets: present the risk of overheating
Keeping your baby’s crib tidy, fitted with the proper bedding and in a moderatly temperatured room out of direct sunlight (on the crib) will ensure a safe sleeping environment for your infant.
How to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Certainly the greatest fear of any parent is the sudden death of their baby, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and what you can do to lower the risk for your infant.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep. It is the leading cause of death for children from one month to one year of age and is also known as “crib death” or “cot death”.
7 Tips to help reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
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Check the Baby’s Crib Start with the baby crib.
Be sure it has a firm mattress that is covered with a fitted sheet. Do not use a pillow in the crib, and remove any soft or fluffy bedding as well as stuffed toys.
Thick cloth bumpers or any material that restricts airflow in the crib is not recommended.
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Dress the Baby in Light Clothing
Dress your baby in light clothing so she does not overheat. Sleep sacks are a safe and comfortable way to dress your baby for sleep, usually eliminating the need for additional blankets.
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Keep the Room at a Moderate Temperature
Keep the room temperature at a moderate setting that is comfortable for you. Watch the baby for signs of sweating or overheating, which may increase the risk of breathing difficulties.
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Give the Baby a Pacifier
Consider giving your child a pacifier in the crib. Studies have shown that pacifier use is linked to a reduction in SIDS. Do not force your baby to take the pacifier but offer it gently.
If you are breastfeeding, you may wish to wait to offer the pacifier until after the baby is one month old to reduce the chance of nipple confusion.
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Put the Baby to Sleep on Her Back
Always place the baby to sleep on her back even for short naps. Make sure the baby’s head and face are uncovered while sleeping.
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Maintain a Smoke-Free Environment
Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of sudden infant death so be sure to maintain a smoke-free environment in your home.
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Ensure that all Care-Takers of your Baby Understand and Adhere to these Tips
Lastly, be sure that anyone who cares for your baby understands about putting the baby to sleep on her back and the other steps I have outlined above. Following these recommendations should help you sleep easier, too.
Following these tips will help lower the risk for Sudden Infant Death Sydrome.
Oded Preis MD Neonatology www.DrMDK.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Video memorial of our son (Aug 1, 2008 to Nov 13, 2008). God gave us an angel and we were blessed. We hope this memorial video will encourage you to treasure every single moment you spend with your loved ones and encourage a deeper walk with Christ, so that we all may enjoy the glory God has in store for us in the place where Nathan dwells. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” What a message John shares with us from scripture. Feel free to visit the Nathan Michael King Foundation website as we continue to develop it at www.nmksids.org Thank you so much for taking the time to watch the video. It is quite an honor to present our blessing to people. Nathan has and continues to have such an impact on people’s live’s. We were so blessed that God sent us such a beautiful angel. We are also blessed that our son continues to bring people closer to Christ even in his absense. I recall the verse Isaiah 11:6 “…and a child will lead them.” Nathan, of Hebrew origin, meaning “God has Given”, the son of King David, and prophet of God. What an honor, God gave us, to care for Nathan, present him to others, so that they may see God’s strength, power, mercy and grace through us. (All images and video can only be used at the sole permission from the King family. All music belongs to it’s artist and/or affiliates)
A brief video promoting widespread knowledge of SIDS and the steps to take to prevent the fatal syndrome. Features links to various sites with SIDS information, including SIDS Educational Services, created and run by South of Nowhere star Gabrielle Christian’s mother, Joani Nelson Horchler
