Long-term consequences of colic: What does the research say?

Having a baby with colic can be a challenging and stressful experience for parents. Although colic passes, many people worry about whether this period can have long-term effects on the child's development and health, both physically and emotionally.

What is colic?

Colic is defined as intense and persistent crying in an otherwise healthy infant, often for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, over a period of three weeks or more. The cause of colic is still unclear, and there is no clear explanation as to why 1 in 4 children are affected by colic.

Parents' concerns

It is natural for parents to wonder whether the intense crying and agitation can affect the child's future health and development. Some of the most common concerns include:

• Emotional and behavioral problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Developmental delays
• Parent-child relationship
• Mental disorders

Research on long-term effects

Emotional and behavioral problems

Some studies have examined the connection between colic and later emotional or behavioral challenges. A meta-analysis published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood in 2011 suggested an increased risk of behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder in children who had colic as infants. However, it is important to note that these findings do not establish a direct causal relationship, and that many children with colic do not experience such problems later.

Sleep disturbances

Research suggests that children who have had colic may be more prone to sleep problems in early childhood. A study published in Pediatrics in 2018 found that infants with colic had a higher incidence of sleep disturbances at 6 months of age.

Developmental delays

When it comes to cognitive and motor development, most studies show that colic does not have a significant negative impact on the child's development. A study in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012 concluded that there was no significant difference in developmental milestones between children who had had colic and those who had not.

Parent-child relationship

The stress and frustration that comes with colic can affect the interaction between parent and child. This can potentially have an impact on attachment and emotional development. Support from family, friends and healthcare professionals is important to help parents through this challenging period.

How can Colic Button® help?

Colic Button® has been developed to help parents calm babies affected by colic through safe and natural sound therapy. By imitating the soothing sounds of the mother's stomach, Colic Button® can help stop the intense crying and thus reduce stress for both the child and the parents. This can have a positive effect on:

• Reduction of crying and restlessness.
• Help the child fall asleep and sleep better.
• Better parent-child interaction, by reducing stress and frustration.
• Increased well-being for the whole family, which can have positive long-term effects.

While some studies suggest a possible link between colic and certain long-term challenges, it is important to remember that most children who have had colic develop normally. Managing colic effectively and reducing stress during this period can be beneficial for the well-being of both the child and the family.

Advice for parents

• Seek support : Do not hesitate to ask for help from health professionals, family and friends.
• Take care of yourself : The parents' well-being is important for the child's development.
• Use effective tools : Products such as Colic Button® can be helpful in everyday life.
• Keep in perspective : Colic is usually a temporary condition that passes.
• Further investigation : See a doctor or health center if concerned.

Do you want to try Colic Button® ?

Colic can be a challenging time for both children and parents, but there are ways to ease the discomfort. By focusing on recent understanding of colic and that it may be more closely related to an underdeveloped nervous system than an underdeveloped intestinal system as has been believed for many years, but which research has not been able to prove, the Colic Button® offers an innovative solution that can everyday life easier for both you and your child.

If you want to try the Colic Button®, you can read more and buy it here