22/06/2025
People use the word colic to mean different things, sometimes wind, sometimes unsettled behaviours and/or crying and difficult evenings.
Either way, colic drops aren't the answer I'm afraid. (Please don't come for me, I'm not making it up!)
Health professionals such as GPs, Health Visitors and Midwives shouldn't be recommending them. The NICE guidance, which is our National, Evidence based Guidelines say:
'Do not recommend the following management strategies, as there is insufficient good-quality evidence for their use:
• Simeticone (such as Infacol®) or lactase (such as Colief®) drops. '
I know some people swear it helps, but the reason is that the chemical we're putting into the stomach is actually causing the gas. When they then burp that up it allows us to feel like we've helped. So I get it. We're desperate to help our little ones.
So what do you do if you think your baby has colic, or is struggling with wind, or unsettled behaviours? It all starts with a thorough feeding assessment with a well trained professional. This is more than a two minute latch check. This is observation of at least one entire feed looking at multiple areas, a check of the baby, ideally an oral assessment, a full history of pregnancy, birth and feeding so far, and a lot more.
Often adjustments to feeding such as position and latch, frequency of feeds, and when to switch sides for example, can make an enormous difference. There also can be some help with understanding normal baby behaviours (for example a big developmental change around 2 to 3 weeks in, or wanting to be put back on the breast but being mistaken for trapped wind)
There are a load of other things that can help too, so please do get support rather than reach for drops.
A healthcare professional can refer you to the infant feeding team, or you can see a lactation consultant privately if you prefer and are able.
You can also get support from peer supporters and breastfeeding counsellors at support groups and the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
With the money you save, buy yourself a cake x
