Between 0 and 3 months of age, colic is one of the most common problems in newborns and, although it is not serious, it can be embarrassing and disrupt toddlers' sleep.
Identifying colic in infants
In the first few weeks of life, babies may swallow air when they are breastfeeding or drinking from a bottle. Air in the digestive system causes discomfort and pain.
To identify gas in babies, pay attention to these symptoms:
- After a meal, they are restless, wiggling their legs and crying
- Their tummy is a little hard and swollen
- Occasionally they pass gas
It's normal that when they try a new food, their body needs a few days to adjust, which is one of the reasons for colic. Breastfeeding moms should watch their diet and limit foods that are known to "give gas" (artichokes, cabbage, Jerusalem artichokes, etc.). Changing milk or switching from breast to bottle can cause colic in babies.
Can we prevent colic in babies?
Even if it doesn't go away completely, you can reduce the discomfort. When it's feeding time, you can use these simple tips:
- Try not to let your baby swallow too much air. If you're breastfeeding, it's a good idea to put part of the areola in his mouth, not just the nipple. If your baby drinks from a bottle, make sure the nipple is full (by holding the bottle upright).
- Keep baby sitting or semi-seated, as the upright position helps digestion.
- Try to feed your baby slowly, with breaks so that your baby can rest and expel air gradually.
- Use a special "anti-colic" pacifier. Ask your pharmacist about the best options.
- Before putting your baby to bed, make sure he or she has passed gas. You can help by rocking your baby on his tummy on your arm.
What if colic is disrupting baby's sleep?
If you've followed these tips but the discomfort persists, these routines will also help improve your baby's well-being and make it easier to pass gas:
- Lay your baby on his or her back and lift his or her legs slightly toward your chest, applying gentle pressure to the belly.
- Try the bicycle technique: Place your baby on his back on a flat surface and gently move his legs as if he were pedaling a bicycle.
- Slowly massage his belly up and down in a clockwise direction.
- Place your hands on his belly to warm him up or use a warm towel.
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Use a slope to help baby's digestion
Recliners are great allies because they provide the perfect incline for your baby and keep him safe while he sleeps. As with all baby accessories, choose a recliner made from natural materials with no added chemical treatments and OEKO-TEX® certified.
Kadolis offers slopes in different sizes to fit every size of bed, crib size, classic bed size and evolving bed size. They have a removable machine-washable cover to ensure maximum hygiene and a healthy environment in the baby's room.
Remember that as your baby grows, his digestive system develops and he will tolerate food better and better. If colic is very severe and painful, see your pediatrician.
Our readers' comments
Hi, my baby is 4 and a half months old and the gas does not let him sleep peacefully, he is exclusive formula APLV, he takes alfamino, at night especially he gets gassy when he takes the bottle and when we go to bed he keeps stirring. I do all the measures for this, I give him the milk upright, I make him pause in between, I make him burp in between, I have him half an hour to 40 minutes upright after the feeding, but he still has gas, after a feeding sometimes he expels up to 7 burps and he still has gas;(
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