Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Infantile Colic: Causes, Symptoms & Tips

Infantile colic refers to episodes of intense, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy babies during the first months of life. It is harmless but can be very stressful for parents.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Infantile colic"

Infantile colic refers to episodes of intense, unexplained crying in otherwise healthy babies during the first months of life. It is harmless but can be very stressful for parents.

What is Infantile Colic?

Infantile colic, commonly known as three-month colic, describes episodes of intense, prolonged crying in otherwise healthy and well-fed infants. It typically begins in the first few weeks of life and resolves on its own by three to four months of age. According to the widely used Wessel criteria, colic is defined as crying for more than three hours per day, more than three days per week, for more than three weeks in a row.

Causes

The exact causes of infantile colic are not yet fully understood. Several factors are thought to contribute:

Immature digestive system: The infant gut is still developing, which can lead to gas build-up and cramping.
Swallowed air: Babies may swallow air during feeding, causing bloating and discomfort.
Gut microbiome imbalance: An imbalance in the intestinal bacteria (dysbiosis) has been proposed as a potential contributing factor.
Food sensitivities: In some cases, cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance may play a role.
Neurological development: Overstimulation of the immature nervous system is another proposed explanation.
Parental stress: Stress in caregivers may amplify the infant's distress in some cases.

Symptoms

Common signs of infantile colic include:

Sudden, intense, and prolonged crying, often in the late afternoon or evening
Drawing the legs up toward the abdomen (a sign of abdominal pain)
Flushed face and a tense, hard abdomen during crying episodes
Difficulty being soothed or comforted
Excessive gas and frequent burping

Important: Between crying episodes, the baby is usually calm, feeds well, and gains weight normally. If this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted promptly.

Diagnosis

There is no specific diagnostic test for infantile colic. The diagnosis is made clinically by a pediatrician based on the infant's history and a thorough physical examination. Other potential causes of excessive crying – such as infections, hernias, ear infections, or food allergies – must first be ruled out. The infant's weight gain and overall well-being are also assessed.

Treatment and Tips for Parents

There is no universally effective treatment for infantile colic. However, the following measures may help to ease symptoms:

General Measures

Physical contact: Holding, rocking, and carrying the baby can have a calming effect.
Warmth: A warm bath or a warm (not hot) water bottle placed on the abdomen may provide relief.
Abdominal massage: Gentle, clockwise circular massage of the abdomen can help release trapped gas.
White noise: Soft background noise or gentle music may soothe the infant.
Pacifier: Non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier can help calm the baby.

Nutrition

Breastfed infants: The breastfeeding mother may try eliminating gas-producing foods (e.g., cabbage, onions) or dairy products from her diet on a trial basis.
Formula-fed infants: Hydrolyzed or hypoallergenic formulas may be tried if cow's milk protein allergy is suspected.
Feeding technique: Ensuring a proper latch or bottle position can help reduce air ingestion.

Probiotics

Some studies suggest that the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri may reduce crying time in breastfed infants with colic. However, the evidence remains limited and medical consultation is recommended before use.

Medications

Simethicone drops (anti-gas agents) are commonly used, although scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Herbal remedies such as fennel or caraway preparations may also be tried. Medical advice should always be sought before administering any medication to an infant.

When to See a Doctor?

Parents should seek medical attention promptly if:

the baby has a fever or appears unwell
the baby is not gaining weight or is feeding poorly
blood is present in the stool or the baby is vomiting
parents feel overwhelmed – it is important to ask for and accept help

References

Wolke D, Bilgin A, Samara M. Systematic review and meta-analysis: fussing and crying durations and prevalence of colic in infants. Journal of Pediatrics. 2017;185:55-61.
Savino F et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2010;126(3):e526-e533.
Heine RG. Infantile colic: a poorly understood condition. The Medical Journal of Australia. 2013;199(8):532-533.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category