Peak colic in newborns at what weeks?

What is colic

Infant colic saddens the lives of many parents. They torment infants aged from two weeks to three months. Some children suffer from pain for a little longer. On average, colic subsides by six months. During this period, the baby’s nervous and digestive systems are just being formed. He adapts to a new world for him. As a result, discomfort appears, to which the baby reacts by crying.

There is no clear answer to the question of what colic is. Most experts are inclined to believe that this is increased gas formation, causing discomfort to the baby. Some explain regular crying by immaturity of the nervous system or increased intracranial pressure. Proponents of the theory cite various facts to support it. For example, colic gets worse when the weather changes. Weather sensitivity, in their opinion, is more likely explained by migraines than by abdominal pain.

Note! In any case, colic is a natural process that goes away over time as the baby grows up. The main thing is to make sure that the baby is healthy, well-fed, and not cold or hot.

If there are no obvious reasons for concern, and the baby continues to cry, the problem is considered to be colic.

Mother's menu against colic in a child

Products consumed by a woman during lactation can be divided into 3 groups:

1. Harmless.
2. Conditionally harmless.
3. Dangerous.

The second category includes food that, in limited quantities, does not harm the baby.

Among the familiar foods there are those that are more likely to cause allergies:

1. Cereals with gluten: wheat, rye, barley.
2. Anything that contains milk protein: whole milk, condensed milk ice cream).
3. Foods containing soy.
4. Nuts.
5. Peanut.
6. Some types of fish.

Food allergies can manifest themselves in more than just a rash or redness on the face. Sometimes one of the symptoms is abdominal pain and changes in stool.

Colic can be caused by foods that increase gas formation: some types of cabbage (white cabbage, Brussels sprouts), fresh vegetables (green onions, bell peppers), peas and other legumes, grapes, raisins, fresh baked goods.

Here is what is absolutely not suitable for feeding a nursing mother:

• chocolate, store-bought baked goods;
• carbonated drinks;
• sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, etc.);
• trans fats (margarine);
• sausages and store-bought semi-finished products;
• coffee, alcohol.

As soon as a woman finds out at what age colic lasts, she should plan her diet. It is better to make it up from the following products:

1. Fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, natural yoghurts, soft cheese).
2. Boiled meat (veal, rabbit, turkey). It is better to avoid chicken and pork meat in the first months of breastfeeding.
3. Fruits, dried fruits, berries.
4. Drinks (teas, compotes, freshly squeezed juices).

Jam, even homemade, is not worth eating. This recommendation is associated with a large amount of sugar, which causes gas formation, interferes with the absorption of vitamins, and destroys beneficial substances.

Causes of colic in newborns

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The true causes of colic are unknown to medicine. Pediatricians identify a number of factors that provoke their appearance:

• Incorrect attachment of the baby to the breast or bottle. As a result, while eating, he swallows air, which enters the intestines and causes a lot of inconvenience;
• Overeating of the baby, small intervals between feedings;
• Early transfer to formula and cessation of breastfeeding;
• Failure to comply with proportions when preparing food for “artificial” children. Problems can arise if the mixture is not diluted well. Lumps of powder are difficult to digest and more difficult to absorb;
• Frequent switching from one formula to another or choosing an unsuitable one for the baby;
• Nutrition for a nursing mother. In the first month, it is recommended to stick to a diet, eating low-allergenic foods.

Komarovsky explains that colic is a necessary stage in the development of babies. They get used to new food, reacting to it with intestinal spasms. When the body adapts, everything will return to normal and the crying will stop.

Satisfied grown up baby

Main symptoms

Feeding regimen for a breastfed newborn

You can determine that a baby is suffering from colic by the following signs:

• The child becomes restless in the evening, at approximately the same time. Typically the peak occurs between 18:00 and 22:00;
• He has a normal temperature, no symptoms of illness, he is fed and comfortably dressed, but continues to scream;
• The baby twists his arms and presses his legs to his stomach, which feels tense and swollen and enlarged;
• The baby cannot be distracted or redirected, even the mother’s proximity and rocking motions do not save him, he continues to cry;
• His screaming does not stop, increasing in intensity at times as the pain intensifies;
• After the gas has passed, the child feels better, calms down, and makes contact with loved ones.

Babies born prematurely have a higher risk of developing colic than babies born on time. This is due to a more immature organ system and a lack of essential enzymes.

At what age does colic begin?

What foods cause colic in breastfed babies?

When colic begins in a newborn does not depend on the way he is fed. It happens that children fed formula do not suffer from stomach pain, but babies on breastfeeding suffer for months and vice versa.

Colic usually begins when the baby is 1.5-2 weeks old. They cannot be confused with anything:

• The crying attacks do not go away and last up to three hours, sometimes more;
• The intensity increases at 1.5-2 months. At this time, children become the most restless and cry the longest.

The baby is crying

Breastfed

Breastfed babies suffer from colic if the mother abuses junk food:

• sweets and baked goods;
• citrus fruits;
• legumes;
• spicy, smoked, fried.

The diet of a nursing woman should be varied; you should not limit yourself. The main thing is to initially avoid foods that increase gas formation and use gentle heat treatment methods. Try highly allergenic foods, for example, red berries and fruits, citrus fruits in small portions, observing the baby’s reaction. Sometimes it is recommended that the mother exclude dairy products, explaining the baby’s poor health as a reaction to cow protein.

Colic is also explained by lactase deficiency (lactose is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of sugar in breast milk). As a result, it enters the intestines in large quantities and provokes the proliferation of bacteria. This leads to increased gas formation and cramps.

Note! Be sure to give up alcohol and smoking. Antibiotics should not be used, with rare exceptions. There are medications, the use of which is compatible with feeding, which will definitely be announced by the attending physician.

Often mothers, seeing a crying baby, offer him the breast, which puts even more strain on the digestive system. The body does not have time to cope with large volumes of food, which leads to discomfort. It is always better to underfeed a baby than to overfeed it. He will make up for the loss next time the pain goes away.

Artificially fed

Colic in a newborn sometimes begins when he is weaned and transferred to formula. The digestive system does not have time to rebuild and fails, which leads to increased gas formation and pain.

If the baby does not take the nipple of the bottle correctly, he swallows air. The bubbles cannot come out on their own and cause discomfort to the baby. A sudden transition to artificial feeding in the first months of a baby’s life can provoke spasms, to which he reacts by crying. You cannot often switch from one formula to another; the baby must eat products of the same brand. Only the packs change, depending on the age of the child. A reasonable transition to a different diet is explained by health problems and the recommendations of the pediatrician.

When does colic start in babies?

Colic affects all newborns: some to a greater extent, some to a lesser extent. This once again proves that this phenomenon is natural and, if there are no other symptoms, absolutely safe (albeit unpleasant).

Usually, colic in a newborn appears in the first 2–3 weeks of life. At first, the attacks are relatively weak and pass quickly, but over time the colic intensifies and becomes more frequent.

The “peak” occurs at 6-7 weeks, and then the discomfort begins to gradually subside and disappears by about three months.

During the day, attacks of colic in newborns can occur repeatedly and in total last up to three (!) hours.

But it is worth considering that all babies develop differently, so this illness can begin (and, accordingly, end) at different times. For example, in babies born prematurely, colic begins several weeks later.

A light massage will help against colic: stroke the baby’s tummy clockwise

How long does colic last?

It is impossible to predict in advance how long colic will last in a newborn. When the body adapts to the new environment, food, the discomfort will stop. This means that the digestive system has become more advanced, and the baby has moved to a new stage of development.

When does colic in newborns go away:

• Usually last until three months of age, some children have tummy problems for much longer. By six months the period ends, and the baby becomes calm and smiling;
• The presence of allergies can affect the intensity and duration. Also, for example, it is believed that babies with an umbilical hernia endure this period more painfully;
• More often than not, boys suffer from abdominal pain longer than girls.

The attacks usually occur daily and last on average about three hours. In some children they go away within a quarter of an hour, but this is very rare. At this time, the baby practically does not stop screaming. Between attacks he is cheerful and active, his appetite does not suffer, he gains weight, grows and develops.

Healthy cheerful child

General well-being is not affected, so colic is not equated with a pathology, which means that treatment is usually not required. Methods are used that can alleviate the condition of infants and reduce pain. Which method to choose depends on the baby’s reaction. For some, massage helps, for others, a warm diaper on the stomach helps. Many babies are saved by physical contact with their mother, directly skin to skin.

Note! It is believed that colic occurs at least three times a week and does not last less than 20 days.

Breastfed

Breastfed babies suffer less from colic. They are not as intense and pass much faster than in artificial children. Breast milk contains all the nutrients and vitamins a baby needs. It consists of 80 percent water and is easily absorbed by the digestive system. Therefore, the baby quickly gets used to it, and the discomfort disappears.

It is important to establish proper attachment so that the baby does not swallow air. You can get rid of it if you carry your child in an upright position after eating. The baby puts his head on his mother's shoulder and pushes out excess air. It is enough for him to spend 15 minutes like this. It is also recommended to place the baby on his stomach more often to train the muscles. This will help him cope with gas on his own. This should be done between feedings, but not immediately after eating, otherwise the baby may burp. Also, after eating, newborns fall asleep, and it is not recommended to leave them lying on their stomachs. This situation increases the risk of sudden infant mortality.

Undesirable sleeping position

Artificially fed

Formula-fed and mixed-fed babies are more susceptible to digestive disorders. You need to adhere to existing nutritional recommendations, do not exceed portions and do not deviate from the schedule.

If the child responds well to the formula, the parents give it according to the instructions and prepare it correctly, then the colic ends by 3-4 months. It is necessary to supplement such babies with water to prevent constipation and aggravation of the condition. The formula is not considered a light meal, so additional liquid is essential.

There are special anti-colic mixtures; they contain bacteria close to the organisms found in the baby’s intestines. Therefore, he quickly gets used to them, the digestive system adapts. There are also bottles on sale with longer and curved nipples. This is done so that they are filled to the maximum with the mixture, and the baby does not swallow air.

Komarovsky considers such inventions to be a publicity stunt. He says colic is not a dangerous condition that requires urgent attention. Manufacturers of products for children play on the nerves of parents by giving them the opportunity to help their newborn. Such remedies, like numerous drugs for colic, do not cause harm. They are absolutely safe to use.

Treatment methods

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If your baby is experiencing the symptoms described above, don't just sit and wait for him to calm down and stop crying. When colic in newborns goes away, it becomes easier not only for them, but also for their parents. In order to speed up the process of getting rid of this unpleasant and painful illness, you can use traditional and folk methods of treatment. As soon as the child’s torment ends, life in the family improves.

Traditional

To save a newborn from such an unpleasant illness as intestinal colic, you can use simple tricks. For example, try to calm your child down. The more nervous and capricious he is, the longer he will be bothered by abdominal pain. Massage his belly, hug him, put his tummy on your chest. Contact with the body of the mother or father always has a calming effect. Another useful technique is daily abdominal massage.

The more active the baby, the easier it is to cope with gastrointestinal problems. It’s a good idea to give him swims in the bathroom, walks in the fresh air, and exercise daily. Since such problems are most often associated with the child being in a horizontal position for a long time, it is necessary to hold him “in a column” more often, that is, vertically, especially after feeding, so that the baby has the opportunity to burp the air accumulated in the stomach. To prevent excessive swallowing of milk along with milk, you need to ensure that the baby's lips are tightly pressed around the mother's nipple or pacifier. If you are feeding your baby from a bottle, you can use special attachments. These nipples have a special structure. The valve prevents air from being swallowed.

A good way to prevent colic is to massage your newborn's tummy daily.

Particular attention also applies to food products for newborns. Some nutritious infant formulas are additionally fortified with prebiotics and probiotics, which reduce the risk of colic. In addition to using only age-appropriate ingredients, the mother herself also needs to follow a diet. This is done to avoid problems associated with food allergies. A nursing mother must monitor her diet.

Often, babies are relieved of accumulated air in the tummy using a simple device called a gas tube. It can be bought at any pharmacy or made from a small rubber bulb for enemas. Lubricate one end with cream or Vaseline and insert into the anus. Apply gentle pressure to your baby's tummy.

If your baby cannot calm down for a long time, try giving him a drug based on simethicone. This substance affects accumulated gases and effectively fights colic and flatulence. However, first you should definitely consult your pediatrician.

ethnoscience

For colic, you can give your baby a special herbal tea with fennel

If a newborn begins to experience colic, and there are no suitable medications at hand, you can try to eliminate the disease using traditional medicine. These are, of course, various useful decoctions. Some of them are generally recommended to be given periodically to babies up to 4 months of age to prevent not only colic, but also the development of certain types of intestinal infections. Drinking this way also makes it easier to digest dairy products.

Decoctions based on dill and fennel seeds are recognized as the most effective remedies against intestinal diseases. You can also use water with chamomile infusion. Children's medicinal herbal teas cope well with this task. Add them to your drinking water bottle. The concentration of the medicinal decoction should be small, since the child’s body is not yet able to quickly cope with new products. Start feeding your baby with them around the 10th day of life.

The duration of the course depends on the frequency of colic. For some children, it is enough to give 1 tbsp. l. decoction once a day, while others need to drink 3 spoons of infusion daily.

As soon as your newborn starts having colic, you should not ignore this problem. Indeed, in rare cases, they can be a signal of a serious health problem. However, knowing the approximate age of the child when he is susceptible to colic, you can predict the development of events in advance. There is no need to panic if your baby cries and is fussy due to bloating. However, you shouldn’t just wait until they go away on their own. Help your child cope with this torment and ease his suffering. Moreover, it is quite easy to do this even without the help of a doctor. Mother's care is the best medicine for a child.

How to understand that colic is over

When colic ends in infants, it is immediately clear that the child’s behavior changes. He becomes calmer, even in the evenings he is in a good mood. His stomach is soft and the gases pass on their own. The baby is no longer tormented by spasms, parents can relax, adaptation has been successful.

A happy family

The baby’s well-being is affected by the mother’s condition:

• mood;
• sensitivity to stress;
• fatigue and overwork.

The more positive she is, the easier the baby endures a difficult period for him. Children read the emotions of loved ones.

Important! There is no need to perceive colic as a disease and look for other symptoms in the child. If the baby is healthy and active and cheerful during the period without spasms, you should be patient and perceive what is happening as an inevitable stage in the development of the baby.

Why does colic happen in the evenings?

Colic usually occurs in the evening and at night. The following factors may influence this:

• A breastfeeding mother ate unwanted foods throughout the day. Substances that cause discomfort in the baby’s digestive system have accumulated and begun to take effect;
• The baby has gained emotions during the day, happy or sad, the speed of metabolic processes has increased, the body cannot cope with the production of enzymes, which leads to unpleasant sensations;
• During the day, the gases accumulated in the abdomen become more, so the strength of the spasms increases, and the child cannot tolerate the pain.

It is necessary not to overload the baby with acquaintances and games before bed, monitor nutrition and do not forget about massage. Even if he doesn't suffer from pain, strengthening his muscles will benefit him. In addition, this is not only an activity, but also a way to make the relationship with the baby stronger, to get closer and establish contact.

Massage

Can it be in the morning, in the afternoon

Colic can begin at any time of the day, but its intensity increases in the evening. In the morning, the baby is still alert, full of strength and may not pay attention to discomfort. By the evening he gets tired and acutely perceives any changes. The intensity of the pain increases, the spasms intensify, especially if the baby’s condition is not alleviated, and he begins to cry.

Newborn colic is a physiological process that accompanies the growing up of a child and his adaptation to the outside world. Not everyone has them, but if they happen, you shouldn’t be afraid of them. When the child is healthy and feels great at other times, you need to take care of how to alleviate his condition during the period of spasms. Colic will definitely go away when the baby and his digestive system adapt to the new food. The difficult period will end, you should remember this and not panic.

How to help a newborn?

Every mother is looking for various ways to somehow alleviate intestinal colic in a newborn. Many listen to the advice of pediatricians and give the baby medications prescribed by the doctor, while others feed the child with herbal decoctions and give a special massage. In fact, there are a lot of ways to relieve colic and most of them are very effective.

Diet correction

Often, intestinal colic torments newborns because the mother does not eat properly and her milk is not beneficial, but, on the contrary, irritates the child’s unformed intestines.

During breastfeeding, the mother should completely avoid:

• sweet soda and sparkling mineral water;
• margarine and mayonnaise;
• coffee and tea;
• milk;
• spicy and salty foods;
• legumes;
• cabbage;
• raisins and grapes.

Without fear for your baby’s health, you can consume:

• chicken fillet;
• boiled fish;
• baked apples;
• cereals;
• vegetables;
• lean beef.

If a toddler eats infant formula, then parents need to exclude fermented milk from his diet and replace it with oligosaccharide formulas. Baby food should be purchased only from trusted manufacturers to minimize allergic reactions.

Column position

After feeding, the baby must be placed in an upright position so that the air swallowed during milk consumption comes out and does not cause an attack of colic.

When a newborn begins to suffer from intestinal colic, fennel and chamomile tea or dill water should be introduced into his diet. They remove gases and reduce pain. Teas should be given to the child one teaspoon at a time between meals.

Laying on your stomach

The baby needs to be placed on his stomach more often to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this pose allows you to strengthen the neck muscles, thanks to which the baby will quickly learn to hold his head. You should place a warm diaper or heating pad under your stomach.

Special massage

The mother should gently stroke the baby's belly in a clockwise direction about half an hour before feeding. For massage, you can use special oil based on natural herbs.

Warm baths

Bathing water should not be more than 38 degrees. You can add lavender, lemon balm, chamomile or mint infusions to the water. Bathing your baby should take no more than 20 minutes.

Medications

You can also give your baby special medications that reduce gas formation and relieve pain. Pediatricians usually prescribe Espumisan, Disflatil and Sub-simflex.

If none of the measures described above produces results, the baby most likely has more serious intestinal problems. Massage, diet and medications should relieve pain and spasms. However, if they do not help, and the baby begins to lose weight and refuse to eat, you should immediately consult a specialist.