Dirty diapers, constant crying, sleepless nights - all parents are familiar with both the joys and challenges that a new addition to the family can bring. Yet it can come as a shock to some - particularly newborn parents - when the baby does not stop crying for hours or even days at a time. We fear the worst: does my child have colic?

What is colic?

Colic refers to the persistent and incontrollable crying that an otherwise healthy infant undergoes, starting from two weeks after birth and possibly lasting to the fourth month. Babies with colic often have crying 'sessions'(usually at the same intervals during the day, such as in the mornings and evenings) that can last up to three hours. The colic stage very rarely persists after the fifth month, and many infants are reported undergo this stage. 10-15% of all infants get severe colic, whereas mild colic is more common at 40%. But do not fret: all colic cases, both mild and severe, are only temporary.

Causes

Although professionals are not certain as to the exact causes of colic, some evidence suggests that the disorder is related to digestive problems. Some professionals claim that colic is caused as a result of the baby's intestines working too hard, resulting in painful cramps. Other doctors argue that the disorder is based on slow bowel moves which result in gas being trapped in the intestines, which can be very painful and leads to inflammation. Many osteopaths and other medical professionals still dispute the causes of colic, but where research has been conducted, it has emerged that there is no known definitive source.

General Symptoms

You might ask, 'how do I know whether my child has colic?' There are various common symptoms that can help you identify the disorder: The infant cries incessantly and very loudly for two or three hours non-stop, without being comforted, and is persistently doing so for days Restlessness and visible discomfort The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists Some babies release a lot of wind, or appear to be in pain while passing gas

Treatment & Prevention

There are several simple things you can do to make your child more at ease. Osteopaths propose the following techniques: Massage your child's belly in slow, circular movements Strap the baby to your stomach in a sling. Your body heat, movement, and sound of your heartbeat should make them feel more at ease.

If the problem persists, it is important that you take your child to an osteopathic clinic for extra attention and examination. Here medical professionals can help identify and address any tensions in your baby's body.

Seeing your child in pain is any parent's worst nightmare, especially when you do not know what to do about it. Now you can hopefully rest assured: with today's modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only temporary, a good night's sleep is in order for both you and your baby.