Before commencing with any treatment for infantile colic, it is important to first confirm the diagnosis by eliminating other causes of baby colic symptoms. A thorough case history and physical examination of the infant by a pediatrician should be conducted before the diagnosis of infantile colic is reached. Parents who opt to bypass a medical professional, diagnose the infant and commence with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medication may be risking the health and even life of the infant should the underlying cause be linked to a serious medical disorder.

continue reading Colicky Baby | Prevention, Treatment and Remedies

What is colic in infants?

Infantile colic, commonly referred to as baby colic, is a distressing condition that most often occurs in babies between 2 weeks to 4 months of age. The exact cause of baby colic is unknown although a myriad of contributing factors and possible causes have been identified. However, none can be attributed to every single case of baby colic.

Infantile colic can be defined as frequent episodes of inconsolable crying which lasts for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. In most cases, baby colic starts to settle around 3 months of age and very rarely does it extend beyond 6 months of age.

continue reading Baby Colic Symptoms and Causes

Although a baby cannot express the symptoms like nausea, stomach ache and cramps associated with excessive gastrointestinal gas, it is only logical to assume that the level of discomfort expressed by crying is related to these sensations. Gas problems in babies are not just a uncomfortable experience for the child but due to the neediness of an infant, especially a newborn baby, a gas problem can put undue stress on the parent.

continue reading Gassy Baby | Symptoms, Signs, Prevention and Treatment

Excess gastrointestinal gas in babies is a common phenomenon and in most cases, it is not a sign of a digestive problem. Gas buildup in the gut may present with signs like excessive belching, flatulence, abdominal distension (bloating) and crying. 

Baby Gas Problems – Causes

Gas accumulation or production within the gut of a baby occurs for the same reasons as in an adult – air swallowing, byproducts of chemical digestion and bacterial action. However, in babies the contributing factors resulting in excess gas being trapped or produced within the gut may be unique in that it may not be seen in other age groups. Swallowed air will be passed out as belches although some of the air could travel down the gut and mix with other gases to be passed out as flatus.

continue reading Baby Gas Problems – Causes in Newborns and Infants

Breastfeeding is an essential practice for at least the first few months of a baby’s life. While many women opt not to breastfeed either due to career obligations or for cosmetic reasons, some women are unable to breastfeed despite the willingness to do so. A number of problems with breastfeeding may either discourage a women or make breastfeeding impractical and this is more likely to arise in first time mothers. However many of these breastfeeding problems can be treated or resolved with proper advice and guidance as well as patience.

continue reading Common Breastfeeding Problems for Mother and Baby