For some babies, the first three months of life can be miserable due to colic. Although the exact cause of colic is unknown, it is believed it has a lot to do with trapped gas, which causes pain and discomfort. If you find you have a baby that cries a lot, especially at night, start a journal so you can keep track of the crying spells and any other symptoms.
For example, pay attention to the time of day, the length of the episode, the intensity, and anything that might have happened before or after the crying. Sometimes, the crying might be associated with something like a feeding schedule being off, meaning the baby is hungry whereas he or she is not getting enough food. However, it could also be that you have a colicky baby.
Before you panic, realize that millions of babies deal with colic. If breastfeeding, take special note of your diet, eliminating any foods known to cause gas, which would be passed on to the baby. If you are bottle-feeding, you might switch bottle type, reducing the amount of air being swallowed with each feeding. Frequent burping might also help, as well as placing your baby tummy down on your lap to cause slight pressure, thus aiding the baby in expelling gas.
It could also be that the crying spells are caused by the formula being used. Some babies have allergies so talk to your doctor about going to a low-allergy type formula. Then, while you want to make sure that your baby is feed enough, you also want to make sure that he or she is not overfed, which could cause discomfort and bloating, resulting in crying. Other things you might try for a crying baby is to reduce noise, light, and stimulation, providing him/her with a quieter, more soothing environment.
If you find that these methods do not stop the crying, you should contact your doctor. Although colic is a temporary problem, the weeks to months during which the baby cries can be devastatingly frustrating. Just remember that you should try things to comfort your child for only a few days. If you notice no change, call the pediatrician in that something else could be wrong other than colic. If you notice your child running a fever, having a flushed face, or not eating, do not wait to seek medical care.
Chances are your doctor will want to see the baby right away, again to eliminate serious problems. Once your child has a clean bill of health, the doctor can provide you with some alternatives to help with the colic. For instance, today there are a number of great medications available to help with the cramping, making for a happier baby. In addition, your doctor may have some other things that you can try at home. Obviously, the most important thing is not to allow the problem to continue. Of course, if you have concern from day one, do not hesitate for a second to call the pediatrician. Allow the professional to make the call on when and if your baby should be seen.