Advert. I’m happy to be working with Infacol to talk to you about Colic Awareness Month as it’s a subject I know quite a lot about as my colic is something my daughter had. Well, that’s not to say I’m happy that my daughter had colic; it was hard – really, really hard actually and it’s not something I would wish on anyone but if it’s something that you are going through with your child then I think it’s really important to know that you are not alone with this. There’s also a little giveaway at the end of this post for some gifts from Infacol that you might like too.
According to NHS Choices, colic is the name for excessive, frequent crying in a baby who otherwise appears to be healthy. It affects 1 in 5 babies and tends to begin when a baby is a few weeks old. Normally, it stops at 4 months of age but can go on until a baby is 6 months old. Other signs that a baby might be suffering from colic include when that baby clenches their fists, draws up their legs and goes red in the face. My daughter was diagnosed by our GP as having colic and reflux. My second child, I thought that maybe I knew what to do with babies but like most things it turned out I wouldn’t have a clue.
It’s hard work. Having a new baby is amazing but the sleep deprivation is hard. Harder still is having a baby that cries a lot and it’s horrible seeing your baby so upset. What one person thinks is ‘excessive crying’ might differ from another but as a parent I think you normally know if something seems not quite right. If you’re not sure if your child has colic, or you think they have, then do speak to your GP who will be able to give you a diagnosis and give you some advice.
One of the theories of what causes colic is that it’s trapped wind which is very uncomfortable for your baby’s sensitive gut. Infacol can be used from birth and the active ingredient in it is an anti-foaming agent called simeticone, which helps to break down these gas bubbles.
Now my daughter is five and the nights of staying up with her crying are long gone, actually she’s one of the strongest, most determined people I know. She got through it and so did we. If you can get any help from family or friends when your child has colic then it’s so important to do so, even if it’s just letting someone else have a baby cuddle for twenty minutes so you can go and get a shower. We didn’t really get much help from family so if you can’t then make sure you and your partner help each other out as much as you can. Anyone who can help you is much appreciated!
What I did learn, although it took me several years, was that I wasn’t weak for finding it so hard, I was strong for getting through such a hard period. Just as my daughter is strong. Parenting is a hard job, but it’s the most rewarding one too and as well as the hard bits there are lots of amazing bits too. Hang in there, the adventure is just beginning.
Giveaway
I’ve partnered with Infacol to giveaway the following prize to one reader:
- Infacol
- A plush elephant toy
- A muslin bubble-patterned burp cloth
- A bespoke sleep suit with elephant design
To enter just complete the Glem widget below and tell me one fantastic thing about being a parent.
Open to UK entrants aged over 18. Winners will be contacted by email after the giveaway ends. Entries will be checked to verify they have been done correctly and disqualified if not. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Prizes fulfilled directly by Satellite PR, Crafts on Sea is not responsible for distribution of the prize. Prize is one bottle of Infacol, one plush elephant toy, a muslin cloth and a sleepsuit. If the winner of the prize does not respond by email within 7 days of being contacted then a different winner will be chosen. Giveaway closes on 30th September.