Baby colic: what can you do about it?

Colic is a common problem in babies and can be quite upsetting for both the baby and parents. But how do you know when colic is normal and when you as a parent should pay more attention to this problem? In this article, you can read all about the causes and symptoms of colic, and you will receive practical tips to help your baby relieve the pain.

Wat is buikkramp precies?

Tummy troubles (the medical term is ‘colic’) are painful spasms in the intestines that are common in newborns and young babies. This is often related to the baby's still-developing digestive system. Tummy troubles can occur when a baby has difficulty digesting food, swallows air during feeding, or has a food allergy or intolerance.

Colic is very common in the first few months of a baby's life. It usually starts around the second to third week after birth and peaks around the sixth week. Symptoms often lessen between three and six months as the baby's digestive system develops further.

How to recognise colic

Having a stomach ache is no fun, as we all know. Unfortunately, your baby can't tell you what's wrong, so you'll have to learn to recognise it yourself. These are symptoms that could indicate colic:

Sudden bouts of crying, often in the evening or at night
Your baby is drawing their legs up to their tummy and clenching their fists.
Your baby seems inconsolable, despite all attempts to soothe them.
Babies with colic often have periods where they are calm, interspersed with sudden bouts of crying. If you cannot pinpoint any other cause for these crying spells, then it could be colic.

When should I worry?

As previously stated, (unfortunately) colic is part of a newborn baby's life. They usually resolve on their own when the digestive system is further developed. In most cases, it is therefore a matter of patience. If the symptoms worsen, it is best to contact your GP. For example, in these situations:

When your baby won't stop crying and nothing seems to help to calm them.
If your baby is not growing well or is losing weight.
If you notice your baby having difficulty breathing during tantrums.
If your baby frequently has diarrhoea, blood in their stools, or shows other signs of illness.

Tips for relieving stomach cramps

As a parent, you naturally want to do everything you can to help your baby feel better. Here are some tips that can help relieve colic:

To fart. Ensure your baby burps regularly during and after feeding. This can help to remove swallowed air and reduce pressure in their tummy.

Adjusting baby formula. If you are bottle-feeding, you could try switching to a different brand or type of formula that is easier for your baby to digest. Sometimes, using anti-colic bottles can also help reduce the amount of air swallowed.

Peaceful surroundings. Create a calm and relaxed environment for your baby. Avoid loud noises and bright lights, especially during feeding and just before bedtime. While the environment won't naturally solve colic, it will provide more peace during times when your baby is feeling unwell.

Abdominal massage. Gentle belly massages can help to calm your baby's bowels and promote digestion. Make clockwise circular movements on your baby's tummy.

Applying heat. A warm (not hot!) bath or a heat pad can help to relax your baby's tummy muscles and relieve the pain. Be sure to only concentrate this warmth around their tummy and ensure their hands and head are always free to dissipate heat. If your baby overheats, they will experience even more discomfort.

The NUNKI fitted sheet. Our NUNKI fitted sheet can also contribute to your baby's comfort during colic. The sheet provides a pleasant, deep pressure on your baby's upper body, which can have a calming effect. This allows your baby to relax better and fall asleep more easily. In this way, the sheet offers a safe and secure sleep environment that helps your baby regulate pain, and it also frees up your hands to stroke and support your little one during difficult moments.

Success!

Lots of love,

Frederieke