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Does Your Baby Suffer From Colic?

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For some people, the joy of having a new baby quickly turns to exhausted frustration at having to cope with constant crying and sleepless nights. Colic is a mysterious condition that affects many babies – and their parents.

Colic is characterised by sudden bouts of screaming and apparent abdominal pain, which usually starts at around three weeks of age and may continue until the baby is around four months old. Usually, the baby is most irritable in the late afternoon and early evening, and crying may last up to three hours at a stretch. As the baby cries, he or she swallows more air, creating wind and more abdominal pain, which make the crying worse.

Finding the right soother

Soothing a baby with colic is often a matter of experimentation. Some will be relaxed by gentle rocking and lullabyes, others may calm down if taken for a drive in a car. Often, a warm towel or hot water bottle (ensure that it is merely warm – not hot) placed near the baby's tummy will help.

Try carrying the baby upright in a "baby pouch" or sling strapped to your front as you go about your daily chores – the movement, physical contact and warmth may soothe the baby and help it to pass any trapped wind. Baby massage, where the baby's tummy, back and limbs are gently massaged in a warm, peaceful environment, may help to stop the crying and move any trapped wind.

Some experts advise breastfeeding mothers to avoid stimulants like coffee or chocolate, to prevent these from entering the baby's bloodstream. Traditionally-avoided foods like beans or broccoli are unlikely to cause colic in a baby, but some experts advise a breastfeeding mother not to eat dairy products or nuts if her baby is colicky.

Importantly, parents need calming during colic attacks too. If dealing with the crying becomes too much for you, ask someone else to baby-sit, and take time off to relax and collect your wits. A stressed and frantic parent is only likely to make the baby's crying bouts worse.

Remember also: It will get better in time and it doesn't last forever!