Infant colic

Ah, the first months of your baby's life! What a joy to watch your little one grow and flourish every day. But with a newborn comes… infant colic! And that is a whole different story! They wriggle, they cry, and they are in pain. It is truly heart-wrenching for you as parents to see your baby in such a state. Here are a few explanations to help you better understand the phenomenon, along with some modest advice!

Infant colic: what is it?

Everyone talks about it, yet nobody really knows what to do — or even what it truly is! Infant colic manifests as crying, screaming, and a baby writhing in all directions. It is estimated that approximately 97% of infants experience a colic episode between 5 pm and 11 pm, fairly regularly — lasting at least 3 hours, every single day. Infant colic can be recognised by certain physical signs:

• The baby clenches their fists and goes red in the face;
• They arch their back and become stiff;
• Their tummy feels harder than usual and appears painful;
• Episodes are often accompanied by wind.

What are the causes?

This is certainly one of the questions most frequently put to paediatricians! Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. Only 5% of colic episodes have a clear diagnosis identifying the cause. For the rest, several possible explanations are put forward:

• Immature digestive system
• Poor digestion
• Immature neurological system

How can infant colic be soothed?

First of all, remind yourself that this is temporary. These can be difficult moments for your baby, as well as for you and your family. Tiredness, stress, confusion, and a feeling of helplessness… You will need to arm yourself with patience and love! Here are a few small tips to help you get through infant colic:

• Nurturing

Cuddle, kiss, and reassure your baby. Do not hesitate to carry them in a sling to keep them close to you during these moments.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfed babies are less prone to colic episodes. So if you are considering breastfeeding, this should strengthen your resolve!

• A massage

Calm'bidou massage oil can help soothe your little one's discomfort.

• Homoeopathy

Do not hesitate to consult a homoeopathic doctor on this subject. A few granules can help to calm your baby.

Adapting the baby's environment:

In addition to tender gestures and care, it is crucial to create a soothing environment to reduce colic episodes. Opt for a calm atmosphere with dimmed lighting and avoid overly loud noises, which can overstimulate your infant. White noise, such as the sound of a fan or recordings of a heartbeat, can also help to calm your baby by recreating the soothing environment of the womb. Consider establishing a bedtime routine so that your child gradually begins to associate certain times of day with relaxation and sleep.

Monitoring diet and potential allergies:
Although the cause of colic often remains unknown, certain dietary factors are worth exploring. If you are breastfeeding, it may be helpful to keep an eye on your own diet — particularly your consumption of dairy products, caffeine, or spicy foods, which could affect your baby's digestion. If your baby is bottle-fed, discussing a possible change of infant formula with your paediatrician could also be a solution. In rare cases, colic may be a sign of lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to a specific protein, requiring a more thorough assessment by a healthcare professional.

Patience and gentleness — the keys to getting through colic:
Infant colic, whilst exhausting for parents and uncomfortable for the baby, is a temporary stage in their development. By staying attentive to your little one's needs and putting a few soothing strategies in place, you will help your baby through this difficult period. Above all, do not be discouraged: every episode will pass. If you feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to ask for help from those around you or from a healthcare professional. With time, patience, and a great deal of love, colic will soon be a thing of the past, making way for more peaceful moments with your baby.