Colic is a common condition that affects many infants, typically presenting as episodes of intense, unexplained crying that can last for hours. It often begins within a few weeks after birth and usually resolves when the baby is three to four months old. While the West states the exact cause of colic is unknown, for us non-western people, we know babies didn’t have colic 50 years ago or before bottles were ordinary. It is mainly because non-western people have always performed baby massages even as soon as one week after a baby is born to relieve the child from the journey of delivery. It is widely believed to be related to gastrointestinal discomfort, most notably trapped gas. This discomfort can cause significant distress for both the baby and the parents, leading many to seek out various remedies, some of which are marketed as solutions to colic.

However, it’s important to note that many products advertised as “colic relief” are, in fact, little more than gimmicks. In many cases, the root issue is simply trapped gas, which can be addressed with natural, cost-free methods rather than relying on potentially ineffective items that could harm young infants. The misconception that colic requires specialized products has led to a market flooded with items that may not provide any real benefit. Instead, understanding and addressing the underlying issue—trapped gas—can often bring much-needed relief.

Techniques to Relieve Gas in Infants

Parents can take simple yet effective steps to relieve gas in their infants. Two techniques that have proven to be particularly helpful are:

Bicycle Legs: Gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion can help stimulate their intestines and encourage the release of trapped gas. Lay your baby on their back and carefully move their legs in a circular motion as if pedalling a bicycle. This technique helps with gas and can be a soothing activity for your baby.

Tummy Time: Placing your baby on their stomach for short periods while awake and supervised can also help alleviate gas. The pressure on their abdomen can assist in moving gas through the digestive system, providing relief. Tummy time has the added benefit of strengthening your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles.

CounterClock Massages: Lay your baby on its back and, with firm pressure, begin from your baby’s belly button and move counter clockwise (to the left), gently pressing against the stomach area. After 2 minutes, rotate clockwise, applying the same pressure. Doing this before bicycle legs can prepare the baby and remove more gas.

Why Boys and Bottle-Fed Babies Are More Affected

Interestingly, studies suggest that boys are more likely to suffer from colic than girls, though the reasons for this are not entirely clear. Some theories propose that boys might be more sensitive to gastrointestinal discomfort or have slightly different developmental timelines, making them more prone to colic during the early months.

Additionally, bottle-fed babies tend to experience colic more frequently than breastfed babies. This is primarily due to the increased air bottle-fed babies swallow during feedings. The design of some bottles can lead to more air intake, which can become trapped in the baby’s digestive system, leading to discomfort and crying episodes. Parents who bottle-feed can reduce this risk by ensuring the baby’s bottle is angled correctly to minimize air intake and by choosing bottles designed to reduce air bubbles.

In conclusion, while colic can be a challenging experience for both infants and parents, understanding the root causes and using simple, effective techniques can make a significant difference. Parents can better support their baby’s comfort and well-being by focusing on relieving trapped gas and being aware of the factors that may increase the likelihood of colic.