When crying can be trying

IT is not uncommon for newborn babies to go through periods when they appear irritable or cry for no reason.

But when a baby who is otherwise healthy cries for more than three hours per day, more than three days per week for at least three weeks, it is more than likely a condition defined as colic.

Colic is one of the most common feeding-related problems in young babies and there are a number of reasons why experts believe this occurs. These include immaturity of the digestive system, trapped wind, lactose intolerance and the balance of gut bacteria.

Dr Roslyn Tarrant, a clinical paediatric and research dietitian at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, recently presented at SMA’s nutrition study day on the topic of infant feeding difficulties. “20% of infants who experienced an illness during the first six weeks were potentially infant feeding-related including constipation, colic, lactose intolerance and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease,” she said, reporting on her Dublin-based study.

Colic often starts at two to three weeks of age and is worse during late afternoons and evenings. It normally goes away by three to six months of age with no long-term effects on your baby.

Some indications of a colicky baby include: screwed-up eyes; flushed face; legs pulled up to the chest; lots of crying; clenched fists. There is no foolproof cure for colic, however, there are several things parents can try.

Here are some tips that may help if you are struggling with a colicky baby:

* Wind baby frequently while feeding. Gently massaging your baby’s tummy may help to ease pain.

* Movement can be comforting — try walking or gently swaying with your baby. Going for a drive in the car can also be soothing too.

* Try some distraction techniques, such as singing, looking in a mirror with them and showing them toys.

* In some cases babies seem to find household noises such as the vacuum cleaner, washing machine or a hairdryer soothing.

* If breastfeeding, it may help to have a look at your diet — caffeine, spicy foods, garlic, dairy and foods that promote wind (e.g. cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and onions) have all been associated with colic.

* Don’t let your baby get too hungry between feeds. Feeding in smaller volumes more regularly may help.

Infantile colic is a common problem, and colicky crying babies can cause stress, frustration and anxiety for families. It is important to keep in mind that many parents have exactly the same issues with their babies and that it has no reflection on your parenting abilities.