This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast debunks common misconceptions related to colic and why babies cry so much. Dr. Alicia R. Pekarsky, MD, FAAP, ABP Certified in Child Abuse & General Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University, discusses the reasons why babies cry and how parents can manage it. Dr. Pekarsky explains that crying can be due to hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, or an immature nervous system.
She also delves into colic, characterized by prolonged crying in otherwise healthy infants, and offers strategies for soothing a crying baby, such as swaddling, using white noise, and taking breaks to manage parental stress. Dr. Pekarsky emphasizes the importance of understanding that crying is a normal part of infant development and provides resources for further information on pediatric care.
What is Merck Manuals Medical Myths?
The Merck Manuals pits myths against medical degrees. Should you put butter on a burn? Drink coffee to sober up? Feed a cold and starve a fever? On this podcast, physicians from around the country set the record straight and help you make more informed decisions about your health. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.