Question
A newborn who is about to be a month old has been crying frequently for no apparent reason, starting soon after eating and sleeping. What is ‘colic’ mentioned online, and what methods can be used to alleviate this situation?
Answer
Newborn colic is a temporary growth and development phenomenon characterized by difficult-to-soothe crying behavior, lasting for more than three hours a day, occurring at least three days a week, and continuing for over three weeks. This condition usually begins two weeks after birth, peaks at six to seven weeks, and naturally disappears between three to four months. It may be related to the newborn’s gastrointestinal motility disorders or imbalances in the gut flora. When colic occurs, parents can gently massage the newborn’s abdomen in a clockwise direction around the navel to relieve the pain.