The reason why babies cry has been identified

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEÜ) Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Diseases faculty member Prof. Dr. Cumhur Aydemir advised mothers to avoid overfeeding their babies under the assumption that they are not full, as it can increase colic complaints.

Aydemir told AA reporters that in healthy babies, a state of prolonged and intense crying or restlessness occurring at frequent intervals is defined as "colic."

Stating that they encounter colic symptoms in one out of every four babies in the first months of life, Aydemir noted that not every crying baby has colic and that there are specific criteria for this diagnosis.

Aydemir noted that they define colic as crying that usually occurs more than three days a week, lasts longer than three hours a day, and cannot be stopped by the mother breastfeeding or picking the baby up.

'TRAUMA CAN LEAD TO CRYING SPELLS'

Pointing out that the process is difficult and exhausting, Aydemir said, "It is very important that there is no underlying cause in patients we call colic. Some serious illnesses, infections, some allergic diseases, serious intestinal problems, conditions like ear infections, or sometimes even trauma can lead to crying spells in babies. First, we need to rule these out."

Aydemir explained that during this period, they recommend that families try to calm the baby with behavioral methods such as picking the baby up, swaddling, lying them on their side, playing sounds known as "white noise," or taking them for a ride in a car or stroller.

Emphasizing that there are also some herbal methods, but that caution should be exercised with them, Aydemir stated that inappropriate use of these can lead to serious problems in babies.

'VOMITING AND CRYING SPELLS MAY OCCUR'

Aydemir said that vomiting spells should be taken seriously, and that when a child with reflux is given extra formula, they may encounter more frequent vomiting and crying spells.

Explaining that they encounter some incorrect feeding practices in the vast majority of colic babies in Turkey, Aydemir continued:

"In practice, the most common situation we encounter is families giving the child extra formula based on their own observation or the observation of those around them that 'the baby is not full.' In fact, we know that when a well-fed baby is given extra formula, gas complaints and crying spells increase. Therefore, overfeeding also makes the baby cry a lot.

Underfeeding or not being able to feed enough can also increase crying complaints. Therefore, regulating feeding behavior is very important. Especially the use of excessive formula can increase gas complaints. It is important to avoid this and not to use medication unnecessarily."

'ALLERGIC DISEASES MAY BE SEEN'

Stating that some colic babies may have food allergies and that these patients need to be distinguished, Aydemir said, "Colic is a temporary condition, but it can lead to some problems in some babies in the long term. In our colic patients, more allergic diseases can be seen in the future. They can appear as slightly hyperactive babies.

We know that problems like migraines are more common in the long term in colic patients. Therefore, although it is a temporary condition, we know that some diseases, especially allergic diseases and reflux, continue for a longer time in these babies in the future."