Colic Calm Dosage For Newborns: How Much Is Safe?

Colic is when a healthy baby cries for a long time for no obvious reason. It is most common during the first 6 weeks of life and usually goes away on its own by the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old. Colic is defined as when a baby's crying lasts for more than 3 hours a day, happens more than 3 days a week, and occurs for more than 3 weeks. While colic in babies is harmless, the condition can be frustrating for parents. So, how much Colic Calm should you give to a newborn?

Colic Calm dosage

Colic Calm is an over-the-counter medicine that can help relieve gas in newborn babies. It is a natural remedy that can be administered to babies with colic. Colic is when a baby cries for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and for more than three weeks. It is often accompanied by burping and other signs of gas, which may be because the baby is swallowing air when they cry.

The dosage of Colic Calm for newborns is typically 0.3 ml to 1 ml, depending on the baby's weight and age. It is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it if needed. It is important to follow the instructions on the package or as directed by a healthcare provider.

It is also crucial to shake the Colic Calm bottle well before each use and use the provided syringe for accurate dosing. The medicine can be administered directly into the baby's mouth or mixed with breast milk or formula.

It is important to note that Colic Calm should not be used as a substitute for proper feeding and comforting techniques. It should be used in conjunction with other soothing methods, such as skin-to-skin contact, rocking, swaddling, and offering a pacifier.

As with any medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before administering Colic Calm to a newborn. They can provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and advise on any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Colic symptoms

Colic is when a healthy baby cries for a long time for no obvious reason. Colic symptoms include:

• Intense crying that may seem like screaming or an expression of pain
• Crying for no apparent reason, unlike crying to express hunger or the need for a diaper change
• Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished
• Facial discolouring, such as skin flushing or blushing
• Body tension, such as pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or tense abdomen
• A hard, swollen abdomen
• Active grimacing or a "painful" look on their face
• Legs curled up over their tummy
• Face turning bright red or a deeper shade after long periods of crying
• Burping often or passing a lot of gas
• Loud tummy rumblings
• The baby cannot be consoled

Colic usually begins within the first few weeks after birth and peaks between 4 and 8 weeks of age. It is most common during the first 6 weeks of life and usually goes away on its own by the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old. In most cases, it is gone by the time a baby is 6 months old.

If your baby is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your child's healthcare provider for a thorough exam to rule out any other health problems.

Colic duration

Colic is defined as when a baby cries for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks. It usually begins within the first few weeks after birth, peaking between four and six weeks of age.

Colic is characterised by frequent, prolonged and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant. It is often frustrating for parents as the baby's distress occurs for no apparent reason and no amount of consoling brings relief. Episodes of colic usually occur in the evening, when parents are often tired themselves.

Colic typically resolves by the time a baby is three to four months old, although it can sometimes take a month longer.

While colic is harmless and passes quickly, it can be stressful for parents. It is important to reach out for help if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Colic causes

Colic is when a baby cries for a very long time for no obvious reason. It is most common during the first 6 weeks of life and usually goes away on its own by the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old. Colic is defined as when a baby’s crying lasts for more than 3 hours a day, happens more than 3 days a week, and occurs for more than 3 weeks.

Colic often begins suddenly, with loud and mostly nonstop crying. This constant, extreme crying can be very stressful and difficult for parents. Babies with colic are often fussy, gassy, and don't sleep well. But in most cases, they grow and gain weight normally.

Experts don’t know for sure what causes colic. There are a few theories about why it happens. Colic may occur when babies:

• Are sensitive and have trouble adjusting to the world. After birth, newborns must get used to lights, loud noises, and other new things around them. But babies have different personalities (temperaments). Some babies can handle these things well, while others don’t adapt as easily. Crying may be one way for a baby to show their feelings while getting used to the world.
• Are unable to calm themselves. Some babies seem very sensitive to stimulation. Their nervous system is still developing, so they can’t calm themselves (self-soothe). As babies get a little older, they are better able to control their nervous system, and colic goes away.

Other theories about what causes colic are less likely. These include:

• Being sensitive to gas. There isn’t much proof to support this. In fact, treating gas has no effect on colic. Health experts also don’t think that colicky babies make more gas than other infants.
• Having a milk allergy or intolerance. Having a milk allergy, or an intolerance to cow's milk protein, may cause belly pain. But often these also cause loose stools (diarrhea). A baby may have a milk allergy if they can't handle cow's milk and react to a change in formula. But there is no proof that changing to a non-milk formula has any effect on colic.
• A growing digestive system with muscles that often spasm.
• Hormones that cause belly pain or crankiness.
• Sensitivity to light or noise.
• Too much stimulation.
• A developing nervous system.
• An early form of childhood migraine.
• Fear, frustration, or excitement.
• Inability to self-soothe.

Colic remedies

Colic is when a healthy baby cries for a long time for no obvious reason. It is usually defined as when a baby's crying lasts for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and occurs for more than three weeks. Colic can be very stressful for parents and can lead to feelings of anger, guilt, and depression. It is important for parents to seek help and take breaks when they feel overwhelmed.

Comforting your baby

• Skin-to-skin contact: Many babies love skin-to-skin contact, and studies show that infants who are massaged seem to cry less and sleep better.
• Rocking: Try rocking your baby in a rocking chair or swaying from side to side while holding them.
• Swaddling: Wrap your baby snugly in a soft blanket. This can help them feel secure and comfortable.
• Walking: Take your baby for a walk in a stroller or carry them while you walk. The change of scenery and gentle motion may help to calm them down.
• White noise: Use a white noise machine or a fan to create a constant, low-level sound. This can be soothing for babies as it resembles the whooshing noises they heard in the womb.
• Pacifier: Offer a pacifier to your baby, as the sucking motion can be calming and may help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Car ride: The motion and noise of a car ride can be soothing for babies. However, do not drive if you are too tired.
• Warm bath: A warm bath can be relaxing for your baby and may help to calm them down.
• Reduced stimulation: Keep stimulation to a minimum. Use quiet voices, turn off electronics, and dim the lights to reduce visual stimulation.

Feeding practices

• Burping: Make sure to burp your baby frequently during and after feedings to release any trapped gas bubbles.
• Feeding position: If you are bottle-feeding, use a curved bottle to feed your baby in an upright position. This can help reduce the amount of air they swallow during feeding.
• Dietary changes: If your baby is formula-fed, try switching to a different brand or a non-milk-based formula for a week to see if that helps. If you are breastfeeding, try eliminating common food allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat from your diet.

Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It is important to be patient and try different techniques to find what works best for your baby.

Frequently asked questions