ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF THE INFANT WITH COLIC

ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF THE INFANT WITH COLIC: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS ASHLEY HESSLING, RN, BSN

INTRODUCTION • Colic is the cause of 10 to 40 percent of all pediatrician visits within the first 4 months of life • It can be very exhausting and stressful for parents and caregivers • It can disrupt the normal family dynamic • May cause interruption in parent-infant bonding • May increase risk for post-partum depression and parental exhaustion

SO YOU THINK YOUR BABY HAS COLIC…. • Rule of threes: – Infant is younger than 3 months of age, cries for 3 hours or more a day, 3 days or more per week • Always seems hungry, but becomes fussy during feedings • Increased gas • Inconsolable or comforted for a short time • Seems tense and tight, legs stiff, fists clenched

EXAMPLE OF A COLICKY BABY • https: //www. youtube. com/watch ? v=_AUt. YTa. YMr. E

PHYSICAL EXAM • Measurements and Vital signs – Making sure your baby is following their growth curve – Making sure there is no sign of infection • Fully body exam – Abdomen • Inspection of the belly • Tenderness • Bowel Sounds • Bowel Movements

TIPS FOR PARENTS • Consult with your pediatrician to ensure there is not other underlying medical causes for colic • For nursing mom’s, eliminate milk products, caffeine, nuts, soy, wheat, onions, cabbage or other potentially irritating foods from your diet • Avoid overfeeding your baby • Walk your baby in a stroller or carrier to try to soothe him or her • Rock them, run the vacuum, run a fan or soothing music • Try a pacifier • Place your baby on their tummy for tummy time and rub their back • Swaddle your baby • Have a friend or family member step in to take over when you are feeling exhausted! If you start to become frustrated, leave the house for awhile the child is being cared for by another adult!