Managing colic involves soothing techniques, dietary adjustments and medical treatments. Colicaid drops provide quick relief by alleviating gas and discomfort, ensuring your baby feels calm and comfortable.
Infantile colic is a condition that is prevalent in infants and is defined by the excessive crying and fussing of the child. This condition is very uncomfortable for the baby and the parents as well. The reason for colic is not clearly known but it is thought to be due to discomfort in the digestive system, gas or an immature gut. Among the remedies that parents use, colicaid drops are one of the most effective ones. In this article, we will discuss various approaches to colic, and colicaid drops will be among the approaches discussed.
Understanding Colic
Colic is usually observed in babies at the age of two weeks to three to four months of age.
The main sign is prolonged crying that is for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for a period of not less than three consecutive weeks. Other signs may include:
- Bawling that appears to be more frequent in the later part of the day or in the evening.
- Fists, arching of the back and tense stomach muscles
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fussiness even after feeding
Potential Causes of Colic
Though the exact cause of colic remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to the condition:
- Digestive Issues: The digestive systems of infants are not fully developed, and this may result in the formation of gases and hence discomfort.
- Feeding Problems: Colic can be caused by overfeeding, underfeeding or feeding in the wrong manner, for example, feeding the baby with its head downward.
- Allergies or Sensitivities: Some babies may have an allergic reaction to proteins in formula or in the breast milk they are fed on.
- Overstimulation: Babies can get overstimulated by noise, light or activity and this is why they need to be taken care of.
Ways of Handling Colic
1. Comfort Measures
Comforting is one of the major strategies that can be used to address colic. This can include:
- Swaddling: Swaddling your baby in a blanket can make the child feel secure and comfortable.
- Rocking: Swinging the baby in a rocking chair or gently rocking him or her in your arms can help calm a colicky baby. You can hold them in your arms, in a rocking chair or in a baby swing.
- White Noise: It is recommended to play white noise or soft music to soothe the baby when he or she is overstimulated.
2. Feeding Adjustments
Making changes to feeding practices can alleviate colic symptoms:
- Burping: Make sure to help your baby burp after every 5-10 minutes of feeding and during breaks to help expel any gas that may have been swallowed.
- Feeding Position: Do not lay your baby down flat while feeding to avoid swallowing of air.
- Bottle Changes: If bottle feeding, then it is recommended to use a bottle that is specially made to help with gas and colic.
3. Dietary Changes
For breastfeeding mothers, dietary adjustments might help:
- Elimination Diet: Eliminating possible causes of allergies including dairy products, caffeine and spicy foods from the mother’s diet may help decrease colic in breastfed babies.
- Formula Switch: If formula feeding, then try changing the formula to a hypoallergenic or sensitive one.
4. Colicaid Drops
Colicaid drops are another readily available OTC remedy that is used to treat babies with colic. These drops usually have simethicone, an anti-foaming agent that aids in the release of gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach, hence easing the passage of gas and thus relieving the baby.
How to Use Colicaid Drops
- Dosage: Take the medicine in the dosage recommended by your paediatrician or as stated on the package’s label.
- Administration: Colicaid drops can be administered directly into the baby’s mouth using the dropper or diluted with a little milk or water.
- Frequency: The drops are usually given before feeding the baby or when the baby displays colic-like symptoms.
Benefits of Colicaid Drops
- Quick Relief: The Colicaid drops can help give quick relief from the gas and bloating, and the baby will be more comfortable.
- Safe and Effective: Colicaid drops are safe for use when prescribed by a doctor, and the side effects are few.
- Easy to Use: The drops are easy to administer, and this makes it easier for parents who are always busy to administer the medicine to their children.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While colic is usually harmless and resolves on its own, there are times when medical advice should be sought:
- Persistent Crying: If your baby is crying excessively and you have tried all the above methods, then you should seek the help of your paediatrician.
- Weight Loss: In case your baby is not gaining weight or is actually losing weight, consult a doctor.
- Other Symptoms: In case your baby has a fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or blood in the stool, you should consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Colic is a difficult phase that both the baby and the parents have to go through. Knowing the possible causes and the application of different measures, such as the use of colicaid drops, can assist in the prevention and reduction of colic. Colic is a common issue that usually goes away on its own; however, keeping your baby comfortable and consulting a doctor when needed can help you cope with this difficult time. Do not forget that colic is a temporary condition, and with proper care and understanding, this phase will soon be over.