Hi, I am a writer at Cradlewise, and I am working on a newsletter for 'colic in babies'. I need doctor quotes on the following:

1. What is the cause of colic in babies

2. What are the signs and how is it different from fussiness? How is colic treated?

3. How can parents cope when colic becomes overwhelming?

Question

Hi, I am a writer at Cradlewise, and I am working on a newsletter for 'colic in babies'. I need doctor quotes on the following:

1. What is the cause of colic in babies

2. What are the signs and how is it different from fussiness? How is colic treated?

3. How can parents cope when colic becomes overwhelming?

Seyed Hassan Fakher · Accepted Answer

1. Colic is still not fully understood; however, evidence points to a combination of gut microbiota imbalance, gastrointestinal immaturity, food sensitivities, and psychosocial factors that could cause it. The strongest evidence in clinical research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) may be the main factor. Colicky infants often have less diverse gut bacteria, with lower levels of beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and higher levels of gas-producing bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella, leading to increased gas, gut inflammation, and discomfort. It is important to mention that a complex interplay of gut microbiota imbalance, gastrointestinal immaturity, food sensitivities, inflammation, and psychosocial factors causes colic in babies, and no single cause explains all cases.

2.Colic is defined by the "rule of threes": crying for more than 3 hours per day, at least 3 days per week, for over 3 weeks, in an otherwise healthy infant. Babies may be fussy at times, but colic represents a more extreme and disruptive pattern of crying. Crying Duration in Colic is longer than fussiness nd is usually more than 3 hours with higher Intensity and pitch, and is resistant to soothing. Colic is associated with behaviors like Clenched fists, facial flushing, and leg flexion, while fossiness is less physical.
The first line management for colic is reassurance and education for parents, emphasizing that colic is self-limiting and benign. Dietary Interventions, like hypoallergenic or extensively hydrolyzed formula, may help formula-fed infants. Maternal elimination of cow's milk and dairy may be considered for mothers breastfeeding their colicky infant, too. Some strong evidence suggests the use of probiotics for breastfeeding infants. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is the most studied probiotic and has strong evidence for reducing crying time in breastfed infants with colic.

3.Parents coping with colic should prioritize emotional support, practical soothing methods, and professional guidance. Education and shared caregiving can help reduce stress, improve confidence, and protect family well-being during this challenging period.

Thank you 
Dr. Seyed Hassan Fakher MD  Preventive Health & Sports Medicine 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassan-fakher-md-322615244/
https://www.invigormedical.com/contributor/dr-seyed-hassan-fakher-md/ 
Dr.fakher@invigormedical.com
Invigor Medical

Mike Qu · Answer

Colic is still a bit of a mystery, but most experts think it's tied to a baby's immature digestive system and sensitivity to stimulation. The signs usually go beyond normal fussiness—colicky babies cry for more than three hours a day, several days a week, often at the same time in the evening. Treatment isn't about a cure so much as soothing: gentle rocking, white noise, or trying smaller, more frequent feeds can help. For parents, it's important to remember you're not doing anything wrong. Take breaks, ask for help, and know the crying will pass as your baby grows.

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