Intestinal cramps

Most babies suffer from colic. This is not serious, but it can be annoying.

SYMPTOMS

Usually, the colic starts half an hour to an hour after you feed. Your baby may cry for a long time and inconsolably because of colic. Crying often starts out of the blue and your baby may kick his legs a lot and turn red in the face.

CAUSES

Usually, the colic is because the intestinal tract is still immature. As a result, the digestion of the food is not going so well. Air then enters the intestines, and this causes abdominal pain. It is also possible that your baby sucks in a lot of air when drinking and therefore develops abdominal pain. Fortunately, the intestines work better and better over time and the colic will go away on its own.

Sometimes you see that when you are breastfeeding, your baby reacts to something you have eaten, such as onions or peppers. Cramps can also be caused by a baby drinking too much or too little. In short, it is quite difficult to find out why your baby has a stomachache.

TIPS

To prevent colic, it is important to feed your baby calmly. Take your time and try to burp your baby after feeding. Sometimes it also helps to take a break in the diet.

Heat often helps with colic. You can bathe or take your baby into the shower if he has cramps. This also helps to relax. Placing a hot water bottle or heat pit bag against the baby also helps. Make sure it's not too hot! Sometimes it helps to place your baby on his stomach on your forearm or knee and gently massage his back. Babies often find it nice to be carried in the sling or baby carrier.

There are remedies for sale at the drugstore that claim to help with colic. However, there is no medical evidence that these agents really help. Be careful before giving this to your baby and always ask a doctor, the child health center, or your midwife first. Other home-garden-and-kitchen remedies, such as giving a baby fennel or rooibos tea, are also not recommended.

SOMETIMES MORE IS NEEDED

Sometimes intestinal cramps are caused by an allergy or constipation. If you're concerned because your baby cries a lot, or if you think your baby's colic is caused by something other than immature intestines, contact your doctor or the health center.