Caring for a newborn is a journey filled with joy, but it can also bring challenges, especially when your baby experiences discomfort. One of the most common issues parents face is infant colic or trapped wind, which often leads to long periods of crying and distress for both the baby and the caregivers. Finding a reliable solution is a priority for many families.
Infacol is a widely used product designed specifically to help relieve the symptoms of colic and griping pain. It works by helping your baby release trapped gas more easily. However, knowing exactly how to use it correctly is essential for achieving the best results and ensuring your baby stays comfortable.
This guide provides a straightforward explanation of what Infacol is, how it works, and the step-by-step process for administering it safely. By following these practical steps, you can help soothe your baby’s digestive system and bring more peace to your daily routine.
Understanding Infant Colic and Trapped Wind
Before using any treatment, it is helpful to understand what you are treating. Colic is generally defined as repeated episodes of excessive, frequent crying in a baby who otherwise appears healthy. While the exact cause of colic isn’t fully understood, it is often linked to the baby’s developing digestive system and the presence of trapped gas bubbles in the gut.
Trapped wind occurs when small bubbles of gas get stuck in the baby’s stomach or intestines. This can happen if a baby swallows too much air during feeding or crying. These tiny bubbles can cause pressure and discomfort, leading to the sharp pains often associated with colic. Your baby might pull their legs up to their chest, turn red in the face, or clench their fists when they are feeling this type of pain.
What is Infacol and How Does It Work?
Infacol contains an active ingredient called simethicone. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent that acts physically rather than chemically. It does not get absorbed into the baby’s bloodstream; instead, it stays within the digestive tract to perform its function.
The primary role of simethicone is to join all the tiny, trapped gas bubbles in the baby’s stomach together into much larger bubbles. These larger bubbles are significantly easier for the baby to pass, either by burping (winding) or through flatulence. By making the gas easier to expel, the pressure in the stomach is reduced, which helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with colic.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Infacol
Using Infacol is designed to be simple and convenient for parents, even during late-night feedings. Follow these steps to ensure you are administering the drops correctly:
1. Prepare the Bottle
Before each use, make sure to shake the bottle well. This ensures that the active ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the liquid, providing a consistent dose every time.
2. Draw Up the Dose
Infacol comes with an integrated plastic dropper. Squeeze the rubber bulb of the dropper to draw up the liquid. A standard dose is one full dropper (0.5ml). The dropper is designed to measure this amount accurately when filled to the top.
3. Administer Before Feeding
The best time to give Infacol is immediately before a feed. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, administering the drops first allows the simethicone to be present in the stomach as the milk arrives. This helps it start working on any air swallowed during the feeding process right away.
4. Place the Liquid on the Back of the Tongue
Gently place the tip of the dropper into your baby’s mouth and aim for the back of the tongue. Squeeze the bulb to release the liquid. Most babies find the orange flavor pleasant, which makes the process easier.
5. Clean the Dropper
After use, wipe the dropper with a clean tissue or rinse it according to the package instructions before placing it back into the bottle. Ensure the cap is tightened securely to prevent leaks.
Establishing a Routine for Best Results
One of the most important things to remember about Infacol is that it is a cumulative treatment. Unlike some medications that provide instant relief, simethicone often needs to build up in the baby’s system to be most effective. This means that consistency is the key to success.
- Give it before every feed: To maintain the effectiveness, you should use the drops before every single feeding, including those in the middle of the night.
- Allow time to work: It may take several days of regular use before you notice a significant improvement in your baby’s symptoms. Most parents see a difference after three to four days.
- Do not skip doses: Skipping doses can interrupt the build-up of the treatment, potentially causing the colic symptoms to return.
When to Increase the Dosage
If your baby’s colic symptoms do not improve after several days of consistent use, the dosage can sometimes be increased. The standard dose is 0.5ml (one full dropper), but this can be increased to 1ml (two full droppers) if necessary.
However, it is always recommended to consult with a health visitor, pharmacist, or doctor before increasing the dosage. They can provide professional guidance based on your baby’s specific needs and weight to ensure it is the right course of action.
Safety and Side Effects
Infacol is generally considered very safe for newborns and can be used from birth onwards. Because simethicone is not absorbed by the body, side effects are extremely rare. It simply passes through the digestive system and is excreted naturally.
However, you should always be aware of potential allergic reactions, though they are uncommon. If you notice any unusual rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulties after giving the drops, stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice. Additionally, if your baby has a known sensitivity to any of the ingredients listed on the packaging, you should avoid using the product.
Additional Tips for Relieving Colic
While Infacol is a powerful tool for managing trapped wind, combining it with other soothing techniques can provide even better results for your baby. Here are a few practical tips to help manage colic symptoms:
- Practice effective winding: Ensure you are burping your baby frequently during and after feeds. Try different positions, such as holding them upright over your shoulder or sitting them on your lap while supporting their chin.
- Baby massage: Gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction can help move gas through the digestive tract. The “I Love You” massage technique is a popular choice for many parents.
- Warm baths: A warm bath can help relax the baby’s abdominal muscles, providing temporary relief from the cramping associated with colic.
- Check the bottle nipple: If you are bottle-feeding, ensure the nipple size is appropriate for your baby’s age. If the flow is too fast or too slow, the baby may swallow more air than necessary.
- The “Football Hold”: Laying your baby face-down along your forearm (with their head in your hand and legs straddling your elbow) can apply gentle pressure to the tummy, which many babies find soothing.
Conclusion
Dealing with an unsettled baby can be one of the most stressful parts of early parenthood. Using Infacol drops is a simple and effective way to address the physical discomfort of trapped wind and colic. By administering the drops consistently before every feed and following the proper dosage instructions, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and reduce the frequency of crying episodes.
Remember that every baby is different, and while many find relief quickly, it may take a few days for the treatment to reach full effectiveness. If you have concerns about your baby’s health or if the crying persists despite treatment, always reach out to a healthcare professional for further guidance. To learn more about caring for your newborn, explore our other articles on infant health and soothing techniques.