In terms of upbringing, there are those who defend tooth and nail that the most complicated stage is the moment in which the little one begins to walk and talk, with special mention to those known as "terrible two years". However, caring for a newborn is not exactly easy either.
Although they are less demanding than a child who already knows how to demand his own requests or refuse what he does not like, a newborn poses a challenge for parents. Especially in the case of first-timers. Ignorance and uncertainty are an obstacle, especially when you have to interpret the baby's cry.
A baby can cry because it is hungry or sleepy, because it is time to change its diaper, because it feels bad, because it wants cuddles or because it is uncomfortable. Or they may be the result of gas or colic. These last two are very common in newborns and, although they are very different from each other, they are extremely complex to differentiate.
The gases appear due to digestion problems in the small infant. Since they don't know or can't expel them, their tummy hurts and that's why they cry. However, the cause of colic is not so clear, although there is no doubt that it causes a lot of pain and discomfort in the baby. There are those who point to an immaturity of the digestive system, while others attribute it to the accumulation of gases or an alteration of the intestinal flora. Even allergy or intolerance to milk protein is postulated as another possible reason.
There are some signs that we can look at to distinguish colic and gas. In the case of the latter, they are accompanied by constipation and the baby's gut is hard and swollen. In fact, it will complain when we touch it or press it. In addition, it is frequent that he tries to push without being able to poop.
On the other hand, in the case of colic, the baby can expel gases and defecate normally and his belly does not appear swollen or hard. The gases happen in a punctual and irregular way and are relieved after a few hours or a few days. On the other hand, colic tends to follow a more or less stable pattern and are more durable: they appear before four months of age and occur more than three times a week, more than three hours a day and for more than three months. If your baby's uncontrollable crying meets this standard, it's most likely colic.
In both cases, it is best to go to the pediatrician and detail as much as possible the baby's symptoms so that he can identify if it is gas or colic. The diagnosis will determine the necessary treatment and the most appropriate methods to alleviate his discomfort, such as changing his diet, putting him in certain positions, giving him massages, carrying him or using specific bottles for feedings.
