Understanding Colic In Babies | with Michele Grosvenor

Colic can be very distressing for both you as a parent and your baby. It typically occurs within the first few months of your baby’s life, often peaking around the 6-week mark.

It is characterised by periods of inconsolable crying, obvious physical discomfort and the inability to settle easily. While the exact cause of colic remains unclear, below are some of the factors to consider.

• Gastrointestinal immaturity - this is one of the primary reasons for colic. Your baby can have trouble processing and digesting breast milk or formula which can lead to a gas build up and gastric discomfort.
  
  
• Food sensitivities – your baby may be sensitive to certain elements in your breast milk or their formula which can trigger colicky symptoms after they consume them.
  
  
• Excessive gas – your baby may swallow extra air when they are breast or bottle-feeding which results in trapped gas in their digestive tract which can cause discomfort.

• Immature nervous system – your baby’s nervous system is still developing, and they may have difficulty self-soothing and regulating their responses to their new environment. This can lead to a more heightened sensitivity and increased crying which can look like colic but is them just adjusting to their new surroundings.

So, what are some natural treatment options you can do? There are many simple things you can do at home to help manage your baby’s colic, some of these are;

• Dietary Adjustments –f you are breastfeeding, initially trialling an elimination diet of some of the common allergens such as cow’s dairy, soy, and/or certain cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage may help. If you are formula-feeding your baby, then experimenting with other hypoallergenic or other animal-based formulas like goat’s milk-based ones may help.
  
  
• Probiotics – targeted probiotics have been shown to help reduce colic as they can help balance gut bacteria and aid in the digestion of certain proteins. There are many baby probiotic preparations on the market, so I suggest getting some advice on the right one for your baby.
  
  
• Herbal Teas – herbal teas made from chamomile and/or fennel can be soothing for your baby. Chamomile has calming properties, while fennel can help alleviate gas and digestive discomfort. These teas can be given directly to your baby in small amounts, rubbed on their abdomen or consumed by yourself if you are breastfeeding so it is available in your breast milk.
  
  
• Massage & Gentle Movement - massaging your baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction, using a little organic olive or coconut oil, can aid digestion and reduce discomfort. Other movements like gentle rocking, holding your baby faced down over your legs and gently patting their back or carrying them in a sling can also help to encourage the movement of excessive gas through their body.
  
  
• Environmental Modifications – and lastly creating a calm and soothing environment can help reduce colic episodes in your baby. Dimming your lights, playing soft music, and minimising exposure to loud noises or overstimulation can all contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere for them and you!

Colic usually resolves around the 3–4-month mark and can be a challenging time for everyone. Understanding its potential causes and implementing some simple treatment options can significantly improve everyone’s overall well-being.

If you are looking for some one-on-one support for you or your child, book a consult with Michele here.

Michele is a naturopathic clinician and certified GAPS practitioner with a special interest in digestive and children's health.