WHY DOES MY BABY CRY A LOT, PASS MUCH GAS AND KEEP STRETCHING?

 

Many parents get worried when their babies cry excessively. Excessive crying in babies could be due to several things. For example, wet diapers, pain from an insect bite or injury, unwellness, hunger, thirst, etc.

Sometimes, babies cry and pass out a lot of gas while stretching. They may even refuse breast milk. And parents are often left worried, not knowing what to do. These babies most likely have infantile colic, a disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract or the gut.

What causes infantile colic?

The exact cause is largely unknown. Colonic fermentation, which is the breakdown of carbohydrates into fatty acids and other metabolites in the large intestine by anaerobic bacteria has been proposed as a cause. During this fermentation process, gases are produced. Excess gas in the infant's immature gut can cause much discomfort. Colic is also thought to be associated with excessive swallowing of air when the baby is feeding. Some studies also suggest that psychosocial stress during pregnancy and exposure of the baby to cigarette smoke can increase the risk of infantile colic. Early introduction of solid feeds, allergy to cow’s milk, no or incomplete burping after meals, overfeeding, and gastroesophageal reflux have also been associated with infantile colic.

 

Characteristics of Infantile Colic

Colic affects male and female babies equally. It usually starts in the first month of life, peaks around 6 weeks, and resolves by 4 months of life. Crying can occur throughout the day but mostly peaks in the evenings. These babies are usually normal on examination and will be growing well. Infantile colic is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means, the baby must be assessed thoroughly by a clinician to rule out other sinister causes of irritability or excessive crying before the diagnosis of infantile colic can be made.

What can be done to reduce the risk of colic?

Breastfed babies have a lower incidence of colic because of healthy bacteria (probiotics) in the breast milk. These bacteria improve gut health and suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, some of which can cause excessive fermentation and colic. The risk of colic, though not eliminated, is reduced in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies. Therefore, exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months of life can reduce the incidence of colic. 

Ensure correct attachment of the baby to the breast during breastfeeding to avoid excessive swallowing of air during breastfeeding. Much of the dark skin surrounding the nipple of the breast (the areola), should be in the baby's mouth.

After feeding, pat the baby’s back gently for the baby to burp to get rid of excess gas in the gut.

What to do when the baby is crying

Colic generally doesn’t require any treatment. Parents must understand that this is a phase in the infant’s life. It will pass. During episodes, carry the baby and pat the back gently to get any gas in the gut out. Where cow milk allergy or reflux is suspected, your baby’s paediatrician will advise you on what to do.

 

What must you not do?

Do not give the baby an enema

Do not give herbal preparations to the baby.

Gripe water has not been proven to be beneficial, so do not give it.

 

Infantile colic is common in babies and is mostly not harmful. However, do not decide on your own at home that your child has infantile colic. A clinician must assess the baby to rule out sinister causes of excessive crying. Remember that, if it is infantile colic, it will eventually resolve without any intervention at age 3 to 4 months. 

Dr(Med) Gloria Amponsah-Kodua

Paediatrician Specialist

Special thanks to Dr(Med) Akosua Omenaa Boateng