Infant colic is spasmodic abdominal pain suffered by babies from the 2nd or 3rd week of life, which generally disappears between the ages of 3 and 6 months. Colic is common, affecting around 25% of infants. It can occur in both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, and in the vast majority of cases is a benign transient phenomenon.
What is infant colic?
Colic is any sharp pain that originates in the abdomen, regardless of the organ involved. There are as many different types of colic as there are abdominal organs, and each is named after the organ concerned. Infant colic refers to crying spells that most often occur after feeding or bottle-feeding. These attacks are disconcerting for parents because they occur suddenly and disappear on their own during the third or fourth month, as suddenly as they appeared. The cause of colic is difficult to determine.
What are the symptoms of infant colic?
After eating, the baby is calm and content, then suddenly starts to cry. The baby flexes his legs, squirms, turns red and seems to be in pain for no visible reason. He may feel bloated and have a hard stomach. These colic attacks occur more frequently in the late afternoon or early evening, and when the baby is lying down. The child is difficult to calm. He sometimes passes gas or stools, which seems to relieve him.
Some naturopathic advice to help relieve baby’s colic
Nutrition and colic
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing colic in infants. This applies both to the mother’s diet, particularly when she is breast-feeding, and to the baby’s food choices. A careful approach to nutrition can help reduce the symptoms of colic.
The importance of mother’s diet
In the case of breastfeeding, the mother’s diet can have a direct influence on the baby’s digestive well-being. Certain foods consumed by the mother can pass into the breast milk and potentially cause or aggravate colic in the baby.
Nutritional advice for mothers:
- Avoid Gas-Producing Foods: Certain foods known to cause gas, such as legumes, certain cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli), and dairy products, can be avoided to see if this has an effect on the baby’s colic.
- Reducing caffeine: Caffeine, found in coffee, tea and certain soft drinks, can also have an effect on the baby. It is advisable to limit its consumption.
- Alcohol and tobacco: It is advisable to avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption, as they can have harmful effects on the quality of breast milk and the baby’s well-being.
- Fibre-rich foods: A fibre-rich diet can be beneficial for the mother’s digestion, but it’s important to keep an eye on whether this affects the baby’s colic.
- Hydration: Good hydration is essential. Drinking enough water can help maintain good milk quality.
Choosing the right foods for baby
When babies start eating solid foods, usually around 6 months, the choice of food can play a role in managing colic.
Gradual introduction :
- Low-allergen foods: Start by introducing foods that are unlikely to cause allergies, such as whole-grain cereals, fruit and cooked vegetables.
- Observation: Monitor your baby’s reactions to each new food. If a food seems to aggravate colic, it should be temporarily removed from the diet.
- Consistency: Food should be well cooked and blended to a soft consistency that is easy for baby to digest.
- Meal frequency: Smaller, more frequent meals may be easier to digest for babies suffering from colic.
- Consult a paediatrician: Before introducing solid foods or if in doubt, it is always advisable to consult a paediatrician.
When using infant milk :
Always use the same milk, do not change milk without asking your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not overfeed your child:
Overfeeding will only increase your baby’s abdominal pain. Make sure you feed your baby in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
Similarly, always put your baby in an upright position at the end of the meal to allow him to burp.
Are there any natural treatments to relieve or prevent baby’s colic?
From birth:
You can give your baby a digestive drink, such as Calmosine(fennel, lime blossom and orange blossom).
Recommended dosage: 1 teaspoon before each meal, to be drunk neat. Once opened, keep the bottle in the fridge for 15 days.
Homeopathic medicines :
Homeopathy is often considered by parents looking for natural solutions to manage their infant’s colic. Among the various homeopathic options, Colocynthis 5CH and Lycopodium 5CH are frequently recommended.
Colocynthis 5CH
Colocynthis 5CH is a homeopathic remedy commonly used to treat symptoms associated with digestive disorders, such as abdominal cramps and gas, often seen in infants suffering from colic.
- Mechanism of action: Colocynthis works by soothing muscle spasms in the abdomen, which may relieve the pain caused by gas and bloating.
- Directions for use: The standard dose is two granules of Colocynthis 5CH morning and evening.
Lycopodium 5CH
Lycopodium 5CH is another homeopathic medicine renowned for its effectiveness in treating digestive disorders in infants. It is particularly suitable for symptoms such as abdominal distension and transit disorders.
- Mechanism of action: Lycopodium helps to regulate digestion and reduce excessive gas formation, thus relieving abdominal discomfort.
- Use: As with Colocynthis, the recommended dose is two granules of Lycopodium 5CH, morning and evening.
Dosage and administration of homeopathic remedies for babies
For babies, the general dosage of these homeopathic medicines is two granules of each remedy, morning and evening.
- Preparation: Dissolve the granules in a small amount of water before administering to the baby.
- Method of administration: Use a small spoon or pipette to give the remedy to your child, ensuring safe and easy administration.
- Considerations: It’s important not to touch the granules with your fingers to preserve their integrity.
Massage baby’s tummy with massage oil:
Infant colic can be a difficult time for both baby and parents. Fortunately, certain natural methods, such as gently massaging the tummy and carrying the baby in comfortable positions, have proved effective in soothing colicky babies.
Gentle tummy massage
Massaging the tummy with a suitable treatment oil is a gentle, natural method that can be particularly beneficial for babies suffering from colic. This technique helps to release blocked gas, aid digestion and relax the abdominal muscles, helping to reduce the baby’s discomfort.
Massage technique :
- Preparation: Make sure your hands are warm and soft. Use a baby-friendly massage oil to minimise friction.
- Circular movements: Using light, circular movements, gently massage your baby’s tummy. Start near the navel and gradually extend the circles.
- Gentle pressure: Apply gentle pressure, but avoid pushing too hard. Follow your baby’s reactions to make sure he or she is comfortable.
- Pace: Keep the pace slow and steady. Movements that are too fast or jerky can be uncomfortable for the baby.
- Duration: A 5-10 minute massage may be sufficient. However, the duration may vary depending on the baby’s receptiveness and comfort.
Carrying in comfortable positions
Carrying can also play a crucial role in soothing colic. Being carried helps the baby feel secure and comforted, while providing gentle pressure on the abdomen, which can help release gas.
Carrying techniques :
- Belly Carry: Carry baby facing you, with his head resting close to your heart. This position offers warmth, security and gentle pressure on the abdomen.
- Gentle movements: Gentle, rhythmic movements, such as rocking or walking slowly, can also help to calm baby.
- Use of a Carrying Sling: A carrying sling can help keep baby in a comfortable and secure position while distributing the weight evenly for the wearer.
- Frog” position: Make sure baby’s knees are slightly higher than his hips, in a position reminiscent of a frog. This position is not only comfortable but also beneficial for the development of baby’s hips.
- Breathing and Calm: Your own calm, even breathing can have a calming effect on baby, reinforcing the benefits of babywearing.
For recurrent colic, use probiotics:
The administration of probiotics has proved to be an effective strategy for relieving colic in infants, according to recent studies in the field of paediatric gastroenterology. These live micro-organisms, when consumed in appropriate quantities, can promote a healthy balance of intestinal flora, which is particularly beneficial for babies suffering from digestive disorders.
BioGaia Drops
BioGaia is a probiotic widely studied and recommended for its effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of colic. It contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis, known for its beneficial properties on intestinal health.
- Dosage: The recommended dose is 5 drops a day, administered in a single dose.
- Administration : The drops can be given directly into the baby’s mouth or mixed with a drink at room temperature.
Lactibiane Children Drops
Lactibiane Kids is another relevant probiotic, specially formulated for children. It contains several strains of beneficial bacteria that can help regulate an infant’s digestive system.
- Dosage: For Lactibiane Kids, the dosage is 1 dose of 0.5 ml, twice daily.
- Mechanism: Helps balance intestinal flora, which may be essential in the management of colic.
Paediakid Colicillus Baby
Paediakid Colicillus Baby offers a unique strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a bacterium known for its positive effects on the digestive system and its ability to relieve colic.
- Dosage: The recommended dose is 5 drops a day, taken as a single dose.
- Course of treatment: A course of treatment lasting 1 month is recommended, renewable as required.
Importance of probiotics in managing colic
Recent studies indicate that adding probiotics to the diet of infants can significantly reduce the duration and intensity of crying associated with colic. These micro-organisms help to stabilise the intestinal flora and improve digestion, thereby reducing inflammation and intestinal spasms.
Medical consultation
Although probiotics are generally considered safe and beneficial, it is essential to consult a paediatrician before starting treatment, in particular to ensure that there is no underlying abnormality causing the symptoms.
Sources
- Clinical Nutrition Experimental. Volume 31, June 2020, Pages 1-7 – Probiotics for infantile colic
