Whether you’re a new parent or an experienced one, dealing with colic can be tricky. Being unable to comfort your baby can leave you feeling frustrated and defeated. But fear not, we’re here to break down a few key reasons behind the development of colic and what you can do to treat it naturally.
Let’s dive in!
What is colic?
Colic is a very common condition – in fact, it’s one of the main reasons why parents bring their newborn to the doctor. So, you’re definitely not alone in this! Essentially, colic is inconsolable crying without a cause. Think intense, prolonged crying that comes with clenched fists, an arched back, knees pulled up to the belly, and the stretching of stiff limbs.
This condition can emerge in babies after they are 2 weeks old, reaching its peak at 6 to 8 weeks old and resolving at around 3 to 4 months of age. A general rule that can be helpful for parents when it comes to identifying colic is the “Rule of Threes”. Colic is likely the culprit if your baby is crying for:
- 3 hours or more per day
- 3 days a week
- 3 weeks or more
How did my baby develop colic?
Although the main cause of colic is not known, we do know that it may be rooted in digestive issues. Your baby’s digestive system is still developing during those first few months of life. This means that digestive troubles from an imbalance in gut flora or food sensitivities can often be a main contributor to colic.
The link between colic and gut health
Your baby’s gut microbiome begins to develop the moment they are born. And it continues to change as they grow, eat different foods, and encounter various environments. You can help reinforce their gut microbiome with probiotics. Yes, the same friendly bacteria found in kimchi, kombucha, and kefir, and yes, your baby can experience the same benefits of these friendly bacteria even before they’re able to eat solids!
What do probiotics do for babies? From keeping bad bacteria at bay, to strengthening our immune response, and even reducing colic rooted in digestive issues, probiotics are the superheroes the gut needs to thrive.
A gut flora imbalance can happen in babies for a number of reasons. Whether it’s a result of the foods mommy eats and passes through breast milk, or from the surrounding environment, supplementing with probiotic drops can help restore balance by introducing good bacteria.
You can support baby’s gut health and help strengthen their community of gut microbes with Baby Probiotic + D3 Drops. This formula is designed to reduce colic symptoms in breastfed babies, while also maintaining healthy immune function. It features Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis to help ease digestive pains caused by an imbalance in intestinal flora and has added vitamin D3 for strong immunity. You can easily give your baby probiotic drops by putting them directly on their tongue or adding a drop to your breast before feeding.
Colic and food intolerances
Taking that extra step and understanding your baby’s food sensitivities in addition to supporting their gut health can help you get to the bottom of their colic. Look for signs such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, or a skin rash. These can indicate that your baby is sensitive to a specific food.
When breastfeeding, try eliminating foods like dairy, caffeine, cruciferous vegetables (i.e. cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli), wheat, corn, and spicy foods. These foods affect your breastmilk, which in turn can cause digestive upset in your baby. Dairy, wheat and corn are common food allergens and often culprits of colic, if the root cause is dietary. On the other hand, cruciferous vegetables can add gas-forming compounds to the breast milk, which can lead to painful bloating and trapped gas in your baby’s digestive system. Steering clear of caffeine and spicy foods is also a good strategy as they can act as irritants on your baby’s delicate system.
Coping with colic as a parent can be difficult. We get it, it’s no fun to see your baby struggle and feel helpless. But understanding how colic develops can help you and your baby sail a little smoother through this temporary phase. Here’s to more giggles, and less crying!
The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions about your medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or wait to seek advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
Want to learn more about all the wonderful benefits that probiotics have to offer? Head over here.
