Tips to Relieve Your Babies Colic

Do you find that your baby is fussy throughout the day? Have you tried everything to comfort them but you can’t alleviate them? If this is the case, your infant may be experiencing discomfort due to colic.

What is Colic?

Colic is a quite common experience that many parents have to go through with their little ones. Roughly one in five babies will develop colic (usually by the second and fourth week after birth). Some symptoms include; crying uncontrollably, lifting their legs up, passing gas and their stomachs can often become bloated. Many parents have a heightened sense of stress when their infants go through colic episodes because they particularly happen between the hours of 6pm and 12am, when parents are undoubtedly exhausted from either work or taking care of their other children. The fussy periods most often don’t surpass three hours a day by six weeks and then should decline to one-two hours a day by three to four months old. It is important to note that as long as your baby is not fussy or crying for the entire day and has an adequate amount of rest, there is no reason for concern. If the crying does not stop or intensifies, please consult your child’s pediatrician.

What Causes Colic?

Unfortunately, there are no concrete answers as to why some babies experience colic. Usually, it simply means that they may be sensitive to the milk supply they are receiving whether that be formula or breast milk. If a baby is colicky on breast milk, it is important to note that it could have something to do with the mothers’ diet. Colic in babies that are fed formula can arise from a sensitivity in protein of the formula. Luckily, colic usually only lasts no longer than six months and as your baby grows, they will become stronger and more resistant to colic episodes. Be attentive to your child and aware that symptoms of colic can also be attributed to other medical issues like hernias or other types of illnesses.

Tips That May Work for Your Baby:

• Before anything,contact your child’s pediatrician to assure that what your baby is experiencing is in fact colic and not a more serious diagnosis. Then, ask them what they recommend.
• If you are breast feeding, you can try to change your diet by not eating foods that contain; milk, caffeine, onions, cabbage, or any other potentially irritating foods.
• If you are giving your baby formula, talk with their pediatrician about certain formulas that may be beneficial for colicky babies.
• Be mindful to not overfeed your baby, which could make them uncomfortable. Attempt to wait at least two hours for the following feeding.
• Walk your baby in a baby carrier to relax them. The sensation of slow movement and being close to your body, will help soothe your baby and let them know that you are there to comfort them.
• Keep sound throughout the home, turn on a vacuum in a nearby room, get some laundry done, or put a white-noise machine in their room. Rhythmic noises and sounds will help your baby sleep and also give you peace of mind that you don’t have to stop what you’re doing while they’re napping.
• Try a Pacifier. While some breastfed babies will actively refuse it, it will provide instant relief for others.
• Lay your baby tummy-downacross your knees and gently rub their back.The pressure against their belly may help comfort them.

Seek Help if Needed

If you feel like you are overwhelmed with stress from not being able to alleviate your babies’ colic episodes, talk to a family member or friend and ask them to watch your baby- even if it is to get out of the house for a few minutes. No matter how frustrated you become, please be patient with your baby and never shake them. Shaking an infant can cause their fragile bodies an extreme amount of stress and can result in; blindness, brain damage or even death. Talk to your doctor if you feel like you are having symptoms of depression and let them know that you are having trouble dealing with your emotions so you can receive the help you need.