The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, calls colic a regularly occurring fussy period where your infant is resistant to techniques that usually seem to comfort her. The AAP says 20 percent of babies develop it, usually between the second and fourth weeks. Colic consists of inconsolable crying that persists and even intensifies over a period of one to three hours. Some infants also scream, kick or flex their legs and pass gas. Iron supplements can produce side effects that contribute to colic.
Significance
Adults and older children who take iron supplements often complain of side effects, such as upset stomach, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. A baby can't tell you what she's feeling, so she expresses her discomfort through crying. Techniques like rocking, swaddling or offering a pacifier don't soothe her because they don't relieve her discomfort.
Diagnosis
If your baby becomes colicky shortly after she starts iron supplements, call her doctor and ask for advice. If you can't tell whether she's more colicky than normal, try keeping a log for a few days. Record the time when you give your baby iron supplements, when she starts acting colicky and when she stops. Also note her symptoms, paying particular attention to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as spitting up, diarrhea, passing gas and bloating. If the colic seems to follow within one hour of the iron supplement or if she exhibits prominent gastrointestinal symptoms, call your doctor.
Management
If your doctor decides your baby's colic is related to iron supplements, there are a few things she may try. First, she may suggest patience. Both colic and iron supplement intolerance usually improve over time. Second, she may switch your baby to an iron supplement composed of ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate. These are more expensive, but they may be easier for your baby to tolerate. Third, she may suggest you give a lower dose more frequently. If none of these options are successful, your doctor may consider more aggressive measures such as intravenous or subcutaneous iron injections.
Alternatives
Iron supplements are not the only cause of colic. Mothers of breastfed infants should try eliminating irritants, such as milk products, caffeine, onions and cabbage from their own diets. For formula-fed infants, ask your pediatrician about protein hydrolysate formulas which contain protein that may be easier for your baby to digest. Overfeeding can also contribute to colic. The AAP suggests allowing two to two and a half hours from the start of one feeding to the next. Lay your baby belly-down across your knees and gently rub her back. If iron supplements are causing gas, this may help her get rid of it.
Warnings
Do not discontinue iron supplements without consulting your child's doctor. Colic can be hard on parents and caregivers. If you find yourself becoming angry or impatient with your baby, ask a friend or family member to look after your baby for a few hours so you can get out of the house.
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