Colic = Gas and wind in a baby

Infantile colic refers to trapped gas and winds in a baby and the bloating and pain that this causes.

In the early stages, symptoms include cramping, moaning, groaning, straining and crying. If not treated correctly, symptoms tend to worsen! Colic usually goes away at around 4-6 months.

Why does gas and wind build up or get trapped?

• Trapped gas in an immature digestive tract

• Not burping completely - leaving that "deep one" behind

• Excessive swallowing of air when feeding - latching issues

• Overfeeding or comfort feeding

• Formula that does not agree with baby

• Allergen to cows milk

• Enzyme not present to digest milk

• Tongue or lip tie can cause extra gas to be swallowed

Colic symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Colic is common in infants, occurring in up to one in five babies. Many more babies have milder but still noticeable symptoms of cramping and crying. It usually starts when a baby is a few weeks old, peaks at about 6-10 weeks of age, and usually stops by the time they are 4 months of age, although can continue until six months. The introduction of solid foods usually helps these cases.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gas and Wind, generally means Colic in Babies

• Cramping, moaning and groaning, even when sleeping

• Crying for no apparent reason

• Fussiness or irritability even when not crying

• Crying occurs more often in the afternoon and evening

• Going red in the face from all the straining

• Clenched fists, knees tucked up to their tummy, or arching their back

• In severe cases - prolonged periods of intense crying or screaming

• Rumbling tummy and a lot of wind

Most Common Causes of Colic

• Abdominal pain due to trapped gas or indigestion

• Usually quite random and a function of an immature digestive tract

• This can occur due to overfeeding, underfeeding, or infrequent burping

Less Common Causes

• An imbalance in the digestive tract’s bacterial community

• Food allergies e.g. cows’ milk allergy

• Lactose intolerances e.g. milk protein

• Reflux secondary to trapped winds and gas

• Parental or family stress or anxiety

Complications

Although colic does not cause health problems for a baby, it is painful and uncomfortable for the baby and can be a major burden to families. Colic is associated with exhaustion, stress, and depression in parents and is a risk factor for shaken baby syndrome. Colic is also a cause of stopping breastfeeding early, disturbed sleep (insomnia) and feelings of guilt and helplessness in parents.

Treating the cause of colic

• Good burping techniques

• Helping intestinal gas to release (farts)

• If this doesn't work, start thinking about less common causes

Soothing strategies for a baby with colic include:

• Using a pacifier

• Colic remedies like Gripe water, Colic-calm, Bennet's and many others. May bring short term relief

• Holding, swaddling or cuddling the baby

• Distraction and movement - Walking around, gently rocking, etc

• Playing gentle, low-volume audio in the background (e.g. heartbeats, soothing sounds, white noise)

• Limiting visual stimulation - go a lie in dark room with baby on their tummy on your chest

The two best ways parents can help treat colic

1. Deep and active burping techniques for difficult to burp babies.

2. Exercises that unlock pockets of trapped gas.

Visit our How We Help page for more info about how we can teach you the most effective ways to quickly help ease the pain and cramps. The best way to cure colic fast is also the natural way!