Uderstanding More On Colic In Babies

Help for a Colicky Baby

Colic

Your precious little one has been crying for hours and you are exhausted, what are you supposed to do? More than likely your baby is suffering from colic. Colic affects up to twenty percent of infants causing them to cry for extended periods of time, unfortunately at just about the time that all you want to do is get some sleep. Babies commonly pick up on the moods of their caregivers, the more upset you get, the more upset and inconsolable your baby gets.

There is no definite cause of colic, though there are many theories. What we are going to focus on though is how to quiet and calm your fussy one. There is no tried and true method, and you may have to use more than one method at a time to be effective. In households where there are two parents, each should take turns to give each of you a break.

• Try placing baby in a quiet room away from stimulating lights and noises.

• Keeping your baby in motion may help. This can be accomplished by walking, rocking with you in a rocking chair or in a baby carrier, motorized swings (for children with good head control), motorized gliders, or if you are not too tired go for a ride.

• Singing lullabies.

• Non-startling white noise like the dryer, the whirring of a motorized swing, or hairdryers soothe some babies.

• Some babies like to be snuggly swaddled to feel secure.

• Some babies prefer loose swaddling.

• If you are breastfeeding, watch out for foods that cause gas, and caffeine. Certain foods are shown to have an effect on babies that are nursing.

• If you are using formula, talk with your doctor about switching to a non-cow-milk-based formula. Sometimes this is helpful, sometimes it is not.

• Try increasing night time feedings.

• When feeding baby, hold them in an upright position to prevent air pockets causing heartburn and gas.

• Consider using a pacifier.

• Always burp baby often, especially after feedings, but also after time spent sucking on a pacifier as this can cause baby to suck in air and cause painful gas.

• Apply a warm towel or water bottle to baby’s tummy.

• Lay baby on their tummy across your legs and rub their back. This puts pressure on the tummy and may aid in moving gas.

• Talk to your baby’s doctor about using Simethicone. This is a safe de-foaming agent that reduces gas.

The important thing is do not give up and do not get frustrated. If you are taking care of your baby by yourself, ask a family member to help or a friend, so that you can get some rest. Your baby will most likely outgrow their colic and things can return to “normal”.

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