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Understanding PURPLE Crying: A Complete Guide for New Parents
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Welcoming a new baby into your home is a time of joy and wonder, but it can also introduce a series of challenges, particularly when your little one starts exhibiting signs of discomfort and distress for no apparent reason. This can be a perplexing and exhausting time for new parents. One common issue that could be at the heart of your baby's distress is baby colic. Understanding baby colic, its causes, and how to alleviate its symptoms can transform this stressful experience into a manageable one. But before understanding infant colic in detail, let's first understand what colic means, its causes, symptoms and how to manage them without being overwhelmed.
What Is Infant Colic?
Infant colic is a condition characterised by prolonged periods of inconsolable crying or fussiness in a healthy, well-fed baby. It typically begins within the first few weeks of birth and may last until the baby is 3 to 4 months old. While the exact cause of colic is not known, it is commonly linked to a mix of an immature digestive system, gastric issues, hormonal fluctuations, and overstimulation. Recognising baby colic is the first step towards providing relief for a baby and providing peace for them.
It is important to remember that colic is not a disease but a temporary phase that many infants go through. Parents who provide gentle care and follow proper feeding methods, along with using an anti-colic feeding bottle, can help their infants feel better during this uncomfortable period. The knowledge that colic symptoms will resolve on their own brings comfort to parents during their baby's first few months.
Common Causes of Colic
Medical experts have not identified the exact cause of colic, but they believe multiple factors contribute to this condition. The following factors are believed to contribute to this condition:
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Digestive System Immaturity: The digestive system of newborns remains under development, which results in stomach discomfort and indigestion.
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Gas: The process of feeding creates air pockets that become trapped inside the body, which produces discomfort that resembles colic symptoms.
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Hormonal Changes: The body's hormonal fluctuations lead to stomach pain and frequent crying in infants.
Signs and Symptoms of Colic
Parents who recognise colic symptoms in their babies will better understand when their infant experiences abnormal discomfort. The following are the symptoms that indicate colic in infants:
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Babies often cry the most during certain times of the day, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
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The baby tightens their fists while their back becomes arched and their abdominal muscles become rigid.
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The baby's face turns red when they cry.
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The baby remains unsoothable even after parents attempt different calming techniques.
Coping Strategies for Parents
A baby with colic needs gentle care and lots of patience. Some remedies that parents could try for soothing are:
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Share Responsibilities
The arrival of a newborn baby becomes extremely challenging when colic symptoms start to appear. The division of baby care duties between parents or caregivers allows one person to rest while the other attends to the infant. Brief periods of rest let parents to maintain their composure and stay energised.
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Take Care of Yourself
The health of parents requires equal attention as their infant's health. When parents maintain proper nutrition and hydration and get enough rest, they become more capable of handling their baby's needs with patience and energy. A brief period of exercise, together with a short rest or some peaceful time, creates significant benefits for mental health.
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Seek Help from Your Family Members and Close Friends
Parents who accept support from their close relatives and friends will experience less stress in their lives. The support of others who assist with meal preparation and household tasks, and baby care duties, gives parents essential time to relax.
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Practice Self-Compassion Should Be Practised
The process of caring for a baby during colic episodes creates significant emotional exhaustion for parents. Parents who remember that colic exists only temporarily and that they are giving their best effort will maintain their strength and positive outlook. When parents show themselves compassion, they experience less stres,s which leads to a peaceful atmosphere for their baby.
Your Little One's Must Haves
Soothing Remedies
While colic can be overwhelming for both babies and parents, there are several gentle techniques and comforting practices that may help ease a baby’s distress and make this phase more manageable.
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Rocking or swinging
Rhythmical motion can soothe the baby and help them relax. Parents can try rocking the baby in their arms, using a cradle, or even a baby swing, all while following safety precautions. The repeated movement provides reassurance and can ease restlessness. -
White noise
Use of sounds that replicate the womb’s environment, such as the gentle hum, a hush-shush, or white noise, is calming. It blocks distractions from any other noise in the room while providing a calm ambience. A lot of parents go to simple home noises for comforting, such as the soft sound of a fan or soft music. -
Warm baths
If the baby is uneasy and crying, he or she might not be able to get their own comfort, so a warm bath using a gentle body wash for the baby is very helpful for relaxation. The warmth of the water soothes the muscle tension and gives a pleasing sensory experience. After their bath, wrapping the baby in a soft hooded towel gives additional comfort and assures a secure feeling.-
Swaddling
Tightly wrapping newborns in swaddles can make a baby feel secure and safe. This restrains sudden and jerky movements that may frighten them while simultaneously calming them. New parents can learn new techniques and mind some tips for proper swaddling.
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Dietary and Feeding Considerations
Feeding plays a crucial role in managing colic. Here’s how:
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Frequent burping: Stopping during and after feeds to burp the baby helps release the trapped air inside. This reduces gas build-up and brings more comfort to the little one.
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Anti-colic bottles and nipples: These specially designed anti-colic bottles or nipples reduce air swallowing during feeding. A little difference can go a long way to preventing gas and fussing.
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Breastfeeding mothers: Sometimes, the food a mother eats doesn't go well with her baby's digestion. Avoiding meals that can create gas or disturb the baby, such as caffeine or some spices, may make it more comfortable for the baby.
Laad Pyaar Baby Feeding Bottle- The Better Option
Baby Forest’s Laad Pyaar Baby Feeding Bottle has been thoughtfully designed with the baby’s comfort and health in mind. This baby feeding bottle specifically addresses concerns like colic and gas. The nipple design is unique, thus preventing unnecessary intake of air during feeding, which is a major cause of gas formation. This gentle yet worthy consideration leads to easier digestion and a happy feeding result for little ones.
Benefits for Parents and Babies
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Easy to Clean: An ultra-wide neck design allows easy manual cleaning to maintain hygiene before every feed.
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Mimics Breastfeeding: The softer, natural shape of the bottle allows babies to latch comfortably and transition ideally, offering a grip that is somewhat similar to the feel of a breast.
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Prevents Colic & Fuss: The specially designed nipple reduces air intake during feeding, thus preventing gas buildup and discomfort.
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Heat Resistant: Safe for microwave, steriliser, dishwasher, or actually boiling in water at 180°C, giving great peace of mind to the parents.
When to Consult a Pediatrician?
While colic is generally a temporary phase, it's important to consult a pediatrician if:
- The crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- The baby is not gaining weight or has feeding difficulties.
- You're concerned about your baby's health and well-being for any reason.
Although infant colic can be a distressing condition for both infants and parents, it's important to remember that it is usually temporary and resolves on its own by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old. Understanding the various causes, recognizing the indications, and employing soothing measures can all help to ease your baby's discomfort. Always consult with your pediatrician to ensure that your approach to managing colic is safe and appropriate for your baby's specific needs. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and with time and patience, this challenging phase will pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I help my baby with colic?
Try soothing techniques like swaddling, rocking, and using white noise. Consider using anti-colic bottles for feeding and ensure the baby is burped properly after feeding. A warm bath or gentle tummy massage can also help.
How do I know if my baby has colic?
If your baby cries intensely for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for three weeks or more, and there's no obvious reason like hunger or a dirty diaper, they may have colic.
What is the main cause of colic in babies?
The exact cause is unknown, but potential factors include digestive system immaturity, gas, overstimulation, and an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.
Is colic painful for babies?
While colic isn't always due to pain, the intense crying and fussing can suggest that the baby is experiencing discomfort or distress.
Why is colic worse at night?
Colic can be worse at night due to the baby's natural circadian rhythms, which are not yet fully developed. Additionally, they may be more tired and overstimulated by the end of the day, exacerbating the symptoms.
