Treatments For Colic That Parents Can Employ

February 21, 2022

Colic is a term used to describe a healthy well-fed infant who cries for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for more than three weeks. While the cause of colic is widely unknown, is commonly develops around two weeks old and goes away when the baby is three to four months old. Colic may be caused by gas, hormones, overstimulation, digestive pain and bloat, and a developing nervous system.

Adjust Baby’s Diet

Baby girl eating raw food

If a baby experiences crying jags after she eats, it could be a sign of food sensitivities. Talk to a doctor about changing the baby’s milk source. This may include switching from cow’s milk to soy based if using formula or eliminating dairy from the mother’s diet if breastfeeding. If the baby is eating solid foods, avoid overly gassy foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, beans, and cabbage. Change up rice cereal to oatmeal as oats provide more fiber, which is needed to help the baby stay regular.

Burp The Baby

Baby burping

A baby who cries excessively especially after feeding may need to be burped. Hold the baby gently over the shoulder with her tummy pressing against down. Rub her back or give her gentle pats to help get the gas out. A baby can also be burped by sitting her in a seated position on the parent's lap with her neck and head gently resting in one hand. Use the other hand to rub or pat the baby's back until she burps.

Massage

Mother massage baby

Adults are not the only ones who enjoy a relaxing massage. Research shows that babies who are massaged are less colicky and sleep better. Babies need to be cuddled and touched. Giving a colicky baby a massage is a good way to promote relaxation and comfort them with the power of skin-to-skin contact. Undress the baby and gently stroke her arms, legs, back, feet, and hands. For gassy babies, rub their belly in a clockwise motion or bicycle the baby’s legs to relieve pressure.

Baby Carriers

Mother and a smiling cute baby boy in a baby carrier

As babies need to be constantly held, putting one down is a sure way to induce a crying fit. This can interfere with daily activities like eating, drinking, or using the bathroom. Baby carriers are designed to free up parent’s arms by holding their baby on their chest or back. Most babies like to be carried because they want to feel the warmth and comfort of their parent. The soothing motion of gently rocking back and forth while mom or dad moves around may also help a colicky baby doze off.

Go For A Car Drive

Baby in car seat

Nothing puts a baby or child to sleep like a car ride. Even rocking a baby in her car seat can do the trick. Babies experience quite a bit of movement while they are in the womb. Car rides can mimic this motion in a soothing manner to help promote sleep. For extra comfort, tuck the baby into the car seat with a blanket, so she is warm and snug while enjoying the ride.

Use A Pacifier

Sleeping baby with pacifier

Parents might be hesitant to try a pacifier for their babies because they have heard stories about how hard it is to wean them when they are older. Babies have a strong sucking instinct, and a pacifier might be useful for promoting sleep and calmness. A 2005 study also showed that babies who sleep with pacifiers are at a decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure not to force a baby to use a pacifier if she does not want one.

Probiotics

Healthy Digestion Kids

Many babies cry because they are experiencing some sort of digestive upset including gas, constipation, and pain. Probiotics are the “good” bacteria found in the gut that may be able to help reduce pain and inflammation. They are also an excellent way to promote regularity, which can ease painful gas and constipation. Many health food stores carry baby probiotics. Talk with a doctor before purchase and do not feed more than four or five billion colony forming units each day as too many probiotics can cause intestinal upset.

Change Positions

Family in the bedroom

Most people tend to hold a crying or colicky baby face up, which is not very comforting. Try changing positions until the baby stops crying. Hold the baby face down with her head resting sideways on the parent's forearm. This position will apply gentle pressure to the baby’s abdomen and may alleviate gas pain, which is a common reason why many infants cry. Rocking the baby in this position may also help her calm down and fall asleep.

White Noise

While the baby was in her mother’s womb, she was constantly surrounded by white noise. Turning on white noise in her room may help her feel like she is back in the womb, which can help reduce crying. For a low-level, constant sound, try turning on the dishwasher, a vacuum, or a fan. Tuning into a static radio station may also help. White noise machines are available for purchase at most baby stores. Invest in one that also plays music to help develop cognitive function.

Swaddling

Swaddling a newborn

Swaddling is a term used to describe a method of wrapping an infant snugly in a very thin blanket. It is designed to relax and calm the baby by mimicking the warmth of the mother’s womb. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, swaddling can be an effective way to calm babies and promote sleep when done properly. Most swaddling methods include wrapped the babies arms and legs inside the blanket for a cozy fit.

MORE FROM HealthPrep