What should babies with colic not eat?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on November 01, 2024
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Infantile colic, and what not to eat, depends on the cause of the colic. First, it is necessary to understand that infant colic is due to the immature development of the gastrointestinal function in infants. If some foods are not fully digested and absorbed, it can lead to increased accumulation of gas in the gut, thereby stimulating the nerves of the intestinal mucosa and causing colic. For such infants, it is best to avoid spicy, stimulating, and indigestible foods in the diet, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, etc. These foods are not easily digested and tend to produce gas. Additionally, it is important to avoid overeating, which can overburden the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms of indigestion. Therefore, for symptoms of colic, the main approach is to control the diet, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid overeating, which can worsen the burden on the stomach and intestines and exacerbate the symptoms.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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How long does infant colic last?

Intestinal colic is a very common disease and symptom in children, generally affecting 10%-20% of them. It usually occurs two to four weeks after birth, peaks between four to six weeks, and generally improves by four to six months. Once intestinal colic occurs, children will repeatedly cry, so prevention is essential. After each feeding, make sure to burp the child for ten minutes and massage the abdomen clockwise between feedings to prevent gas buildup and alleviate the symptoms of intestinal colic. If a child does suffer from intestinal colic, it is crucial to apply a warm compress to their stomach and massage the abdomen clockwise to relieve the condition.

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Symptoms timing of infantile colic

Infant colic is generally more common at night. Most children are prone to this condition at around one to two months or two to three months of age. Sometimes, they suddenly cry out loud while sleeping at night. In such cases, feeding the child often does not help. Some babies may exhibit severe bloating and a very red face, continuing to cry inconsolably. When colic occurs, parents can use warm compresses to relieve the child's discomfort. You can apply a warm towel to the child's abdomen, hold the baby in an "airplane" hold, or massage the child around the navel, clockwise for ten minutes at a time, to provide relief. If the child still experiences intestinal pain and cries excessively without passing gas, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly.

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Written by Liu Li
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Intestinal colic, airplane embrace several times a day

Intestinal colic is generally caused by intestinal function or obstruction, causing extremely severe pain during attacks, and the timing of the pain is irregular, making it very tough for children. Children are usually very weak after an episode of intestinal colic, so it is recommended for parents to adopt comfortable holding methods for the baby. The airplane hold is a commonly used method, but the frequency of using the airplane hold should also be controlled. For children with intestinal colic, decisions should be made based on the frequency of the child's episodes, and adjustments can be made accordingly based on these episodes.

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How to relieve the symptoms of intestinal colic in infants

When infants experience colic, it is generally due to excessive gas accumulation in the intestines, as infants cannot expel gas on their own. Therefore, when colic occurs, you can let the child be in a prone position to facilitate gas expulsion. Parents can also assist the child in doing exercises like lying on their back, sitting up, or performing "bicycle kicks" in the air to promote intestinal peristalsis. Additionally, clockwise abdominal massages and appropriate application of heat can help in expelling gas. When there is a change in bowel habits, you can also advise the child to take probiotics to regulate intestinal flora, which aids in gas expulsion and bowel movement. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician, according to the actual situation.)

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Can you breastfeed during intestinal colic?

If an infant experiences colic, during an episode, the child will exhibit localized pain causing crying and irritability, generally making it difficult to feed. Firstly, it is necessary to alleviate the symptoms of colic. This can be done by choosing to massage the abdomen clockwise to promote intestinal gas expulsion. Additionally, it is appropriate to orally administer probiotics or simethicone to aid intestinal motility. Applying heat to the infant’s abdomen and ensuring it is kept warm are also beneficial. As colic episodes usually involve severe crying, using the "airplane hold" can help alleviate localized symptoms. Once the child's symptoms subside, feeding can then be resumed, ensuring the quality of feeding is not compromised by pain, which could otherwise lead to insufficient feeding and consequently cause the next hunger episode to occur sooner.