Most common between birth and 4 months. Usually resolves on its own after 4 months.
Symptoms (333):
333, crying for at least:
- 3 hours a day
- 3 days per week
- For at least 3 weeks
With no other significant explanation.
Other symptoms:
- Redface (may be harder to see on darker skin tones)
- Clench fists
- Draw knees up to stomach
- Arch back
- Excess gas
- Trouble pooing
Treatment:
- Simeticone (higher doses used for trapped wind Wind-eze)
- From birth
- Also helps with other symptoms such as wind and gas in the infant.
- Sugar and alcohol-free
Gripe water – herbal supplement
- 1 month+
- Do not give to infants under 1 month
Other advice:
- Colic is normal and babies normally grow out of it
- Massaging babies can help
- Breastfeeding – remove cow’s milk and other dairy (possible allergy)
What you can do to help soothe your baby:
- Hold, cuddle and gently rock baby
- Push them in their pram gently
- Warm bath
- White noise (eg: fan, radio, TV) can help
- Can feed baby as usual – best to keep baby upright after feeding for a while to avoid gas building up.
- Avoid putting pressure on spine or skull as this could harm the baby.
SPEAK TO GP IF:
- Persistent inconsolable crying (may be underlying condition)
- Baby not putting on weight with age
- Well over 4 months old and still persistent colic symptoms
- The colic is causing significant distress or disruption
CALL 999 OR GO TO A+E IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Baby has a very weak or high pitched cry
- Baby has a very unusual cry
Or if something feels “off” – especially with other symptoms such as a fever or significant behavioural changes. Seek immediate medical attention.
SOURCES AND IMAGES
[1] https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/mother-cute-little-crying-baby-233134342
[3] https://www.weldricks.co.uk/products/woodwards-gripe-water-150ml
Shobz Pharmacy 