Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
Do not use any rectal colic or wind device for your baby, including for colic, gas-related discomfort or constipation.
Stop using these products immediately and dispose of any unused devices. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency does not recommend their use because there is insufficient clinical evidence to demonstrate effectiveness, and the potential risks associated with these products are unknown.
Concerns relate to:
- possibility of causing inflammation/bleeding/pain to your infant during or following the insertion of the tube into the rectum
- possibility of introducing infection into the rectum
- mask medical conditions which mimic colic symptoms, such as Cow’s milk protein allergies, reflux, and rare bowel conditions
Rectal catheters (gas and colic relievers) are single use, hollow, plastic tubes with a stopper that are inserted into the infant’s rectum (bottom) and are commonly used by parents and caregivers to attempt to provide relief from gas-related discomfort.
If your baby is experiencing wind or colic difficulties please contact a healthcare professional for advice and support. You can contact your Public Health Nurse (health visiting team) via the contact number within your red book or ChatHealth.
Leicester City: 07520615381
Leicestershire and Rutland: 0752061382
Or contact your GP/NHS 111.
You can also contact the Healthy Together Helpline by calling 0300 300 3001. Calls are answered from 9am – 4.30pm on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. Calls are charged at the same rate as calling a standard landline number.
Further assessment and support can then be offered.
What is colic?
Infant colic is normal for newborn babies, it relates to periods of time when babies cry but there is no obvious cause, and usually gets better when the baby is 3-4 months old.
Coping with a colicky baby
Ask for help/support from other parents, family or friends.
Call the Cry-sis helpline on 0800 448 0737 (9am to 10pm, 7 days a week).
Contact your health visiting team, call NHS 111 or see a GP.
Useful links
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust is responsible for the writing, publishing and updating of the content on this page.
