How probiotics can help manage a baby with colic
Hours of crying, clenched fists, flailing legs, and an unhappy red face no matter what you do. Sound familiar? The arrival of a newborn is a joyous occasion, but when you have a colicky newborn, what should be a precious time can quickly become overwhelming.
The comforting news? You aren’t alone. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, around 20% of infants will develop colic. Characterised by excessive crying, pain, and fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant, colic usually appears at around two to four weeks old. Having a colicky baby that won’t stop crying isn’t only distressing for the child, it can also have a marked impact on the mental health of the caregiver.
Although there isn’t a cure for colic, there are some remedies that have shown promise in recent years. Chief among these is the use of certain probiotic strains. Below we unpack everything you need to know about colic, how to identify it, the latest treatment research, and other methods that may help soothe your child.
Understanding colic
Colic is a term used to describe frequent, prolonged periods of intense crying in healthy infants. During a colic episode, in addition to crying babies also tend to be hard to console, fussy, gassy, and have trouble sleeping. Research is yet to uncover a definitive cause for colic, but it is likely that it has more than one source. Many of these are completely out of the control of caregivers, like adjusting to life outside the womb and an inability to self soothe. However, other causes like gas and an imbalance in gut bacteria do have potential solutions, giving parents some hope.
Recently, studies have pointed towards the gut microbiota as a factor in colicky babies. There are several factors that contribute to this imbalance, mode of birth being one. Some studies have shown that although often necessary, babies born via c-section tend to have less beneficial bacteria compared to natural birth. In these studies, high levels of Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, and Klebsiella have been found in babies with colic, while Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels have been found to be low. This imbalance in bacteria, formally known as dysbiosis, could be a possible cause of abnormal gut motility and increased gas production, and as a result, stomach pain.
What is the difference between gas and colic?
Although gas may be a factor in colic, there are distinct differences between the two. Chief among these is the predictability of colic symptoms. While symptoms of gas like irritability, being bloated, and having stomach pain may be shared with colic, bouts of gas are usually unpredictable. Colic on the other hand, tends to be predictable, with crying episodes occurring around the same time each day. Babies with colic are also typically harder to soothe and have difficulty sleeping.
How long does colic last?
Another key difference between colic and gas is the duration. Gas is unpredictable and can occur at any time. When it comes to colic, episodes tend to be longer and more predictable. In fact, colic is defined by this predictability, called the 3-3-3 rule. This rule states that colic crying lasts for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, and for longer than three weeks in an infant that is otherwise healthy and well-fed.
Do probiotics help with colic?
Although there is no proven cure for colic, research has found that there are certain treatments that can help soothe a colicky baby. Certain probiotic strains have recently been shown to significantly decrease crying time in babies with colic. The Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 strains have received specific attention and shown great promise, reducing crying time by 54% in 1-month-old babies and 47% in 3-month-old babies.
Choosing the right probiotic for your baby
When it comes to selecting a probiotic for a colicky baby, it is crucial to understand that not all probiotic strains are created equal. Look for a probiotic safe for infants that contains the correct Limosilactobacillus reuteri Protectis strain of probiotics. Reuterina Drops are one such option. Clinically proven to help treat colic and other childhood conditions, Reuterina Drops have been clinically validated in over 250 clinical trials, ensuring they are safe for infant tummies.
What else can you do?
On top of supplementing beneficial bacteria, there are a few other methods that may help reduce pain and provide your baby with relief.
Colic massage
Colic massageMassage can help to stimulate your baby’s digestive system, potentially reducing the symptoms of colic. Colic massages are a three-step process that involves five to ten minutes of running your fingers over your baby’s belly from chest to groin, bicycle kicks, and a clockwise circular massage on their belly. This combination helps to stimulate digestion, release gas, and even help with constipation.
Change up feeding practices
Changes in feeding practices may also provide some relief. Bottle-feed your baby upright and frequently burp during and after a feeding. A curved bottle will help with vertical feeding, while anti-colic valves may reduce air intake.
Practice some parent selfcare
Having a colicky baby that won’t stop crying can cause extreme stress and anxiety for parents who are constantly trying to comfort their child. Parents often also suffer from severe exhaustion, feelings of helplessness, or even anger. It is important to ensure you take care of yourself by taking breaks, seeking the support of others, and expressing your feelings.
Colic can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience for both parents and infants. While the exact cause of colic might still be a mystery, using probiotics can offer relief and a glimmer of hope. Reuterina is here to support parents and little tummies with clinically proven efficiency in treating colic in babies. Trust Reuterina Drops for a happy baby and spend time enjoying those precious moments together.
