3 ways to help your baby who has colic |
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Cramps are every parent's nightmare. Instead of a cute baby firmly asleep in bed (as you imagine the perfect situation), your house is filled with crying and hysterical parents.
It is estimated that 40% of babies have cramps, which usually begin in the 3rd week and end in the 4th month of life.
But there are no rules - some babies have cramps as early as when they are still in maternity hospital and cramps can last sometimes until the baby is 6 months old.
Unfortunately, orthodox medicine does not offer an answer to the question on the origin of cramps and how to treat them.
Cramps do not constitute a disease, but a symptom. Their cause is not known yet, but there are several theories about what could be causing them.
Alternative and traditional medicine say the following are possible causes of cramps:
- allergy or sensitivity to any food on mother's menu
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immature digestive and nervous system of the child
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gases
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GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
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swallowed air during feeding or crying
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emotional stress of the baby after birth
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parents' nervousness transmitted to the baby
Currently the theories about GERD and immature digestive and nervous system of the baby prevail, while the theory regarding mother’s dietary habits is now considered obsolete.
How to cure cramps
A pediatrician can only recommend SAB simplex drops. Their active ingredient is simethicone, which leads to the disintegration of foam. It is assumed that this ingredient prevents the formation of gases in the intestines.
Unfortunately, the product began selling without any scientific confirmation of its effectiveness. Three later clinical studies have not demonstrated simethicone's efficacy in preventing cramps.
In addition, the product contains a whole host of other ingredients, such as preservatives and artificial flavorings, which should not be given to babies.
The only product on the market against cramps has been proven ineffective? Are there any solutions for unhappy parents and crying babies?
The latest research
Recent research gives hope to parents. Three natural treatments can really help fight cramps - and they have been scientifically confirmed!
1. Probiotics
The probiotics seem to be the latest and most promising cure for gases. It was discovered that babies who suffer from colic have a lack of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the application of probiotics with cramps makes perfect sense.
During a 28-day study conducted at the University of Turn, Italy, scientists studied 90 babies with cramps. Half of the babies were given a few drops of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (100 million bacteria) every day, while the other half were taking simethicone drops.
The results were dramatic: in the first group there has been an improvement in 95% of cases. Babies were crying just 50 minutes a day, compared to the other group, in which the babies were crying 2.5 hours or more.
The product used in this study was probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus reuteri) produced by BioGaia. It is assumed that other types of probiotic bacteria can also be effective against cramps. The jury is still out on this as the research is continuing.
2. Gripe water (water against cramps)
Gripe water, or water against cramps, is the product made according to old recipes of our grandmothers. Water contains extracts of chamomile, fennel, lemon balm and other herbs to soothe and improve digestion. Until recently it was thought that the effectiveness of these plants is nothing more than superstition.
However, new research shows that they really work.
The first study used a mixture of chamomile, fennel and lemon balm, which reduced baby crying time for as much as 50%. The effects of this remedy lasted for another two weeks after the therapy was stopped.
In another study, babies were given 0.1% emulsion of fennel oil 4 times a day. The emulsion has reduced cramps by as much as 65%. During the first and second study, babies did not experience any side effects.
The most popular products in the world against cramps are Mommy's Bliss and ColicCalm. If you cannot obtain them, plain fennel tea for babies will also help (it is best to use organically-grown herbs, without added sweeteners).
Note: If you opt for water against cramps, avoid products that contain alcohol and baking soda.
3. Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathy has proven particularly effective in treating children's ailments. Homeopathy offers a full range of remedies for colic, such as Chamomilla, Colocynthis, Dioscorea, Magnesium muriatica and Magnesium Phosphorica.
The composition is determined by experienced homeopathic physician on the basis of the baby's symptoms. The most popular remedies against cramps are Colycinthis and Chamomilla.
What does Ayurveda say?
Ayurveda considers cramping to be a disorder of Vata dosha. Therefore it recommends massaging the baby's tummy in case of crmps with sesame oil, which is good for Vata dosha.
Other plants that reduce Vata-related problems are anise, cinnamon, cumin, fennel, ginger.
The results of some products are evident immediately, while others take a few weeks to take effect. Be persistent and do not give up - cramps can be treated!
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