We’ve all heard those nightmarish stories of exhausted mums who have babies that cry all day and all night. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 1/5 of all babies will develop“colic” –a broad term used to describe an otherwise healthy baby who cries or fusses uncontrollably, and who cannot be comforted for more than 3 hours a day.
Some blame genetics, others blame diet. Either way, parents are often left desperately seeking answers to solve this all too common problem.
What Causes Colic?
It’s believed that 10 to 15% of babies suffer from colic due to digestive issues, such as an upset tummy, gas and even acid reflux. Other medical professionals believe that colic is often a result of the built-up anxiety and tension in a parent or caregiver who is having to“deal”with the crying and the fussing for an extended period of time.
Ultimately, no one is quite sure what causes colic, though it has long been suspected that the food a mum consumes could play a part.
What Foods May Cause Colic
Here’s some good news: this incredibly frustrating and upsetting phase of your baby’s life may be more controllable than many parents have been led to believe. While still in the early phases, studies have begun to make some links between a mum’s diet and the development of colic–although babies who are formula fed can also just as well become“colicky”.
Being that there are no concrete studies yet, the medical community is often in disagreement over which foods can cause colic. But mums can start to experiment on their own and see if her diet does have an effect on her baby’s behavior.
Some foods that mums can start eliminating or reducing are:
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Acidic food and drink (processed foods, sodas, alcoholic beverages)
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Spicy foods
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Caffeinated drinks
If the elimination of these foods doesn’t show any positive results, then it’s worth considering that your baby may be having a painful allergic reaction to one of the many common food allergens. Begin eliminating foods like:
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Dairy products
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Soy products
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Eggs
If you both breastfeed and formula feed your baby, try different formulas as well. Opt for formulas that don’t contain soy or dairy and see if that helps soothe your bub.
Further reading:
http://www.babycenter.com.au/a77/colic-in-babies
http://www.happiestbaby.com/unlocking-the-colic-mystery/