Navigating colic and reflux

The arrival of new life is undoubtedly an exciting time, but it is fair to say that babies also come with their share of challenges, especially when it comes to colic and reflux. As a parent, it can be distressing to see your little one in discomfort and finding yourself feeling unable to soothe them effectively. Whilst in this post, we will delve into these common infant conditions, providing you with insights and tips on how to navigate through them, in the first instance it is always important to speak with your Health Visitor or GP about your baby’s symptoms to determine whether it is colic, reflux or something else going on. 

Decoding colic: what you need to know

Colic is a well-known problem, that many people have heard of even before becoming a parent. Affecting between 15-25% of all newborns, colic tends to appear from three weeks of age and can remain until your baby is between three to four months old.  It is defined as excessive crying and fussiness that occurs in an otherwise healthy baby.  Whilst all babies cry, a colicky baby will on average cry two to three times more than other babies and this crying is usually more persistent and forceful.  This condition often peaks in the evening hours, leaving both parents and babies exhausted. While the exact cause of colic remains unknown, it is believed to be related to a baby's immature digestive system or sensitivity to certain foods.

Tips for coping with colic:

There is no set way to treat colic, so the main goal is to soothe your baby.  Below are some ideas for you to try.  You may need to experiment with a few to find the ones that works best for your little one.

• Comfort measures: try soothing techniques like swaddling, carrying your baby in a baby sling, gentle bouncing on a yoga ball, trying different-sized bottle nipples if bottle feeding, giving your baby a warm bath, pushing them in their pram, gently rocking them, giving them a dummy or putting on some white noise to help calm your baby.

• Feeding adjustments: If you're breastfeeding, consider eliminating common allergens from your diet; common foods to watch out for include cauliflower, broccoli, cow’s milk, onions, chocolate and cabbage.  If you’re formula feeding, consult with your paediatrician about specialised formulas and consider holding your baby upright during their feeds, as this can help reduce or stop them from swallowing air.   Regardless of whether you are breast or bottle feeding your child, winding them before, during and after their feeds can help relieve any discomfort they are feeling.

• Stay calm: remember, colic is a phase that will pass. Take breaks, ask for help, and practice self-care to manage stress.  Respond to your baby calmly and if you need to take a moment, put your baby down somewhere they are safe and step out of the room for a few minutes to do something to help release the pressure you are feeling.

• Providing some space: even though it tends to go against our instincts, sometimes babies with colic seem to benefit from a period of crying.  So, if your baby doesn’t appear to be comforted by your efforts it can be helpful to let them cry and then try and comfort them again after 15 minutes. During this time, ensure that they are somewhere safe and know you are there.  Remember that for your child it may be that if you are trying too hard to stop their crying then you may be unintentionally overstimulating them and making it worse. 

• Join a baby group: it is likely you’ll find someone there in the same boat as you, which is often reassuring and comforting.

Understanding infant reflux

Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, is a common condition in babies where stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes spit-up. While most cases of reflux resolve on their own by the time a baby reaches their first birthday, it can still be upsetting for both parents and babies to deal with.   Symptoms include bringing their milk back up during and/or after feeds, persistent hiccups and coughing, fussiness, only taking small amounts of food or refusing, restlessness and vomiting.

Tips for Managing Reflux:

• Elevated sleeping position: placing your baby on a slight incline during sleep can help reduce reflux symptoms, but it is always best to only make such adjustments under the recommendation of a health professional, and always whilst ensuring you are following Safe Sleep Guidance (see the Lullaby Trust for excellent advice on this).  A pillow under your baby’s head should never be used as a means of raising their head, until your baby is 12 months or older.

• Smaller, frequent feedings: opt for smaller feedings more frequently to prevent overfeeding and reduce spit-up.  Keeping your baby upright for half an hour after a feed, is beneficial, and skin to skin time after a feed can be a useful way of soothing them.

• Burp your baby: ensure to burp your little one frequently during and after feedings to release trapped air.

Your child’s GP may recommend some medication to help reduce the amount of stomach acid your baby is producing and/or speed up the passing of food through the stomach.

Given that babies with colic and reflux tend to sleep less during the night and wake up more frequently, this can be exhausting and stressful for you as parents.  Do reach out for help if you can.  Perhaps ask a friend, your partner, or a relative if they can watch the baby for a bit, so you can have some time.

In conclusion, navigating through colic and reflux can be a challenging journey for parents, so it's essential to remember that you're not alone. Reach out to your Health Visitor or GP for support, connect with other parents facing similar challenges, and remember to take care of yourself amidst the demands of caring for your little one. With patience, understanding, and a bit of trial and error, you'll find ways to soothe your baby and this stage will pass.