COLIC

Question 1

COLIC:
What is colic?

Answer 1

Colic is excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby and is defined as being present when babies cry for at least three hours a day for three days a week, for at least 3 weeks. Unknown causes

Question 1

COLIC:
What are signs of colic?

Answer 1

• the baby will often start crying suddenly; the cry is high-pitched and nothing the parent does seems to help
  -the crying begins at the same time each day, often in the afternoon or evening
• the baby might draw their legs up when they cry, and their tummy might look
  swollen
• the baby might clench their hands
  -the baby’s face flushes
  -the crying can last for minutes or hours
  -the crying often calms down when the baby is exhausted or when they have passed wind or a stool

Question 2

COLIC:
What are danger symptoms?

Answer 2

Post-natal depression- often associated with anxiety of parents

NEWS score accessed -alertness, responsiveness etc

Question 3

COLIC:
What are practical tips to deal with colic?

Answer 3

Hold baby in upright position, to help any wind pass
if breastfeeding, avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, chocolate, or dairy products.
If bottle fed, ensure teat hole is appropriate size
Take a break and ask family or friends to look after baby for a while
Baby massage
avoid overstimulation by not jiggling, lifting and patting a baby less than 3 months old too much

Question 4

COLIC;
What are treatment options?

Answer 4

simeticone
gripe water
hydrolysate formula milk