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Twenty-five percent of all newborn infants are babies with colic. The condition is marked by periods of incessant crying for seemingly no reason that may last up to three hours, three days per week and for three weeks or more. Many parents fear they may just have a "fussy baby" or blame themselves for not being more attentive to their baby's needs. The good news is that colic in babies only lasts for the first four months, as the baby's digestive system matures. The crying is most likely stomach cramps from excess gas, a lack of Melatonin (which secretes from the pineal gland around 12 weeks), or a lack of gut flora (healthy microorganisms which also take several months to form).
Dealing with a colic baby can be very stressful for new parents. It's hard to stomach the idea that there is simply nothing you can do. Suddenly, you feel like a scientist, scrambling for any new tactic or product that will soothe the colicky baby. Treating symptoms of colic depends upon the root problem, which is disputed and may vary from infant to infant. First of all, take note when your baby is shrieking. Is the baby crying mostly after a feeding? Try burping the baby or giving a light tummy and intestinal massage. If you are unsure of how to do this, then there are DVDs out on how to do it properly to facilitate effective waste movement.
Additionally, Colic Calm gripe water has been known to help ease colic pain in some babies. Colic gripe water provides the baby with a natural remedy composed of peppermint, fennel, aloe, lemon balm, ginger, chamomile and caraway. These homeopathic herbs have been used to treat digestive troubles for centuries and are perfectly safe for infants. If you suspect the baby may have trouble digesting lactose from the milk, then you can try a Lactase supplement, which is a natural substitution that will help the baby breakdown complex sugar. This has proven very effective as well.
If your baby is waking in the night and crying incessantly (as most babies do), then you can treat this colic in babies by adjusting some of the external components of the room. Try playing a CD at bedtime. Lullabies, baby heartbeats, waves or other monotonous, soothing sounds are best. Sometimes, even the sound of a washing machine can lull a colicky baby to sleep. Other babies respond well to movement, such as a car ride or an infant swing, as they are comforting and ease colic pain.
Fever and diarrhea are not normal side effects of colic in babies. You may want to check with a doctor if these symptoms occur. Also, your baby should not be resisting feedings or be unable to gain weight. Other trouble may include lactose intolerance or more serious digestive failure, to name a few. If your infant cries for more than three hours and for more than three days per week, then seek help.
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