What to do about infantile colic?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on February 16, 2025
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If a baby experiences colic, it can often be alleviated through the following methods. First, abdominal massage can be used; parents can hold the baby and massage around the navel with both hands to improve gastrointestinal function and reduce rapid intestinal movements. Additionally, applying heat to the abdomen, using a hot water bottle or a warm towel, can also be effective. If the baby has bloating, using a soap stick or enema to help the baby expel gas can also relieve symptoms of abdominal pain. If these measures do not alleviate the baby's pain and discomfort, then it is necessary to visit the hospital for a pediatrician to perform a physical examination and assist with related imaging studies for differential diagnosis.

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How to treat infantile colic?

If an infant suffers from colic, it is mostly considered to be physiological colic caused by intestinal gas accumulation. The treatment methods include holding the child upright or in an airplane hold, which can alleviate the symptoms of colic to varying degrees. Regularly massaging the child's abdomen in a clockwise direction and performing gas-relief exercises can also help ease the colic. For more severe cases of colic, if the aforementioned methods do not have a noticeable effect, simethicone can be administered to the child, generally achieving satisfactory results. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Infantile colic generally occurs at what time?

Infantile colic usually occurs in infants within the first three months of birth, and typically manifests at night. Some children may experience brief episodes of colic, but for others, the episodes can be relatively prolonged, possibly lasting several hours. When colic occurs, the infant may exhibit symptoms such as facial flushing, pale lips, abdominal distension, clenched fists, cold feet, and crying. Colic may subside after the infant passes gas or has a bowel movement. During a colic episode, parents should hold the child upright, allowing the child to lie on the adult's shoulder. The parent's hand should be hollow, gently patting the baby's back to help expel excess air from the stomach.

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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.

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Can drinking milk relieve baby's colic?

If the baby experiences colic, drinking milk not only fails to alleviate it, but can also easily increase the symptoms. It's best for the mother to give the baby an abdominal massage in a clockwise direction, and also choose some prone positions. It's best to opt for exclusive breastfeeding, as such situations are mostly caused by gastrointestinal overload. Therefore, administering probiotics to the baby can effectively provide relief and further observation can continue. When feeding the baby, it is important to choose a good feeding position and to burp the baby promptly after each feeding.

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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.