New parents quickly get used to the sound of their babies crying, fussing and even screaming. But some of those parents may wonder if it's healthy for their child to cry without stopping for more than three hours a day. Colic, the condition that causes these symptoms, can be unpleasant for parents and babies alike, but it doesn't mean a baby is unhealthy.
Up to 40 percent of infants develop colic, characterized by crying that lasts more than three hours a day for more than three days per week for three weeks, between the third and sixth week of the baby's life. The condition typically runs its course by 3 months of age. While the definite cause of colic is unknown, pediatricians have noted several possible triggers including accelerated or impartial digestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
To soothe your baby during a marathon cry, try a few calming tricks:
- Burp him or her.
- Draw a warm bath or swaddle the baby in a favorite blanket.
- Gently massage his or her stomach.
- Go for a car ride and let the car's vibrations do the work.
- Put on relaxing music and rock your baby to the rhythm.
- Stop trying to feed him or her if he or she is full.
| Mommy Time Out
Hearing your baby cry for hours on end can be difficult to listen to. Remember that taking time for yourself is a healthy method of dealing with your natural stress, not a guilty secret escape. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and fit in an hour for yourself by:
- Catching up on your reading
- Chatting with a friend over lunch
- Getting some fresh air on a run or walk
- Running an errand
|
This article, provided by My Health Publisher, can be viewed here.