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 Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Does infantile colic occur every day?

Episodes of infantile colic are unpredictable, yet if digestive system abnormalities occur frequently over a short period, they can lead to daily colic episodes with a variety of causes. For instance, babies tend to cry or swallow large amounts of air due to rapid feeding, leading to intestinal gas and stimulating the intestinal mucosal nerves, resulting in colic. Additionally, certain substances in breast milk or formula, such as excessive sugars or fats, can cause indigestion and excessive intestinal gas production, further stimulating colic. When such symptoms appear, parents should first rule out surgical issues like intestinal intussusception or obstruction. Colic episodes can be alleviated through abdominal massage and dietary adjustments.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Can infants with colic drink probiotics?

Infants with colic can consume probiotics because colic is largely due to the immature digestive system of the infant. If the abdomen is exposed to temperature changes, overfeeding occurs, or certain nutrients in the food are improperly combined, it can lead to intestinal gas and indigestion, triggering symptoms of colic. Oral probiotics can alleviate these symptoms and reduce the incidence of colic. Additionally, it is important to strengthen abdominal care for the baby to prevent exposure to cold, and abdominal massages can also help. Massage around the navel in a clockwise direction for 5-10 minutes to promote intestinal gas expulsion, which can also help relieve colic. To gradually alleviate infant colic, the above methods should be used. As for the choice of probiotics, it is still necessary to first identify the cause and then provide targeted quality treatment.

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Written by Wang Lin Zhong
Pediatrics
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What should I do if my baby has indigestion and intestinal colic?

Intestinal colic generally occurs in babies around six months old, when their gastrointestinal functions are not yet fully developed, and they begin to consume supplementary foods. Some foods may be hard to digest, leading to bloating and intestinal spasms. If a baby experiences bloating, they might show signs of intermittent crying and irritability. To help, you can perform gas-relief exercises and massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction to facilitate the expulsion of gas from the intestines. Additionally, taking probiotics orally can help regulate the intestinal flora. If the bloating is prominent, simethicone can be administered orally to absorb excess gas in the intestines and alleviate the pain of intestinal colic. Another method to ease discomfort is holding the baby in an “airplane” position. It's important in daily life to feed reasonably, opt for smaller, more frequent meals, and gradually increase the amount of supplementary foods. Also, ensure the baby’s abdomen is kept warm to prevent it from getting cold.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can a pacifier be used for intestinal colic?

First, we need to understand the causes of colic. It commonly occurs in infants when breastfeeding or formula feeding, due to ingesting large amounts of air. The air bubbles move within the intestines and cause abdominal pain. Furthermore, overfeeding can lead to excessive stomach expansion, which can also cause discomfort. Therefore, when feeding, it is important to ensure that the child does not inhale a large amount of air. Additionally, using a pacifier can lead to the intake of more air, thereby exacerbating colic. Thus, prevention is more important than treatment. Mothers should be careful not to let the baby inhale air while breastfeeding, as this is the most common cause of the condition.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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Baby colic usually occurs at night or during the day?

Baby colic usually occurs in the evening or around dusk. Symptoms of colic almost always appear during a specific time period, although some babies also experience crying episodes during the day or at night. Colic mostly affects babies under three months old and is a common occurrence during the growth process of a baby. When a baby experiences a colic episode, parents should hold the baby upright with the baby's head resting on their shoulder, gently patting the baby's back. This can help to expel excess gas in the stomach. Additionally, gently massaging the baby's abdomen or placing a warm water bottle on it can help relieve intestinal spasms.