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Real People (Sometimes Real
Names) Share Real Health and
Life Stories
Stop Baby Crying --Top Ten
Remedies for Colic
Related Links
Child Health
Child Constipation -Stop Your Baby'sConstipation
Stop Itchy Skin in Children
Sugar Content in Baby Foods-A Directory
February 14, 2009
By Allison Burgess, Contributing Columnist
One in four babies faces the unsolved mystery of colic in its
first months out of the womb. What exactly is "colic?". Not
just a few fitful spells, according to the American Pediatric
Society. Rather, colic occurs when a baby between 3 and 12
weeks of age cries uncontrollably for periods of 3 hours or
longer.
Although there are still no foolproof solutions for treating
colic, some of the following tips might help you and your
“colicky” little one work toward a more peaceful coexistence:
1. “Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.” That’s right.
Brush up on those old lullabies because your baby could be a
very appreciative audience. If it seems that your rusty vocal
chords are making Baby’s screaming even louder, grab the
CD player and try soft music or soothing nature sounds.
2. Hit the road, Baby. Get Baby as comfortable as possible in
the car seat and go for a slow, quiet drive. Car rides are one
of the surest ways to soothe a collicky baby.
3. Hind Milk. Give Baby the good stuff. If breastfeeding,
allow Baby to empty one breast before switching. This
assures that Baby will receive the mother’s hind milk (the
milk that contains the highest fat content). If formula-
feeding, try a low-allergy option. Remember to burp Baby
upright and often.
4. Do a Little Dance. Try holding, gently swaying, or rocking
Baby. Add a constant, subtle “Shhh…” whisper in Baby’s
ear. Arms getting tired? Perhaps a vibrating crib could be the
answer.
5. Get Busy on that Pile of Laundry. A droning background
noise (i.e. the clothes dryer) might cool down Baby’s cries.
6. Get Out the Rubber Duckies. A warm, bath can soothe
your baby almost immediately. Coo your baby as you slowly
pour warm water from a cup. Studies show that the stomach
is the key. Concentrate there, pouring soothing warm water
to tickle your baby's belly. The visual distraction of the
bobbing yellow duckies also can help to calm your baby.
7. Change Baby's Diet. If breastfeeding, mix up your diet to
see if any changes can be detected. Doctors commonly
recommend holding off on all dairy products for a one week
trial. If zero dairy products in your diet doesn’t seem to
make a difference in Baby’s crying, take away another
element the following week. Other suspected offenders
include citrus fruits, caffeine, beans, and/or spicy foods.
8. Limit Visitors. Of course they want to see your precious
new addition, but extra bodies will populate Baby’s
environment, increase anxiety, and create unwanted noise.
9. Rock. Rock your baby in a rocking chair or on your lap. A
steady, rhythmic rocking can calm Baby's nerves.
10. Take Five! (Or Ten!). Whether it means leaving Baby
alone in the crib or handing him/her over into other trusted
arms, you need to take a break. Babies sometimes take their
cues from you. If you're anxious, it's more likely that they
will be too. The expected feelings of helplessness and
frustration will not help Baby’s situation. So, just cool
down, and try again.
Dealing with colic is one of the most stressful things a new
mother experiences. It's a very trying time for the infant,
parents, and anyone else with significant exposure to Baby.
But remember that it will not last forever. Many cases clear
up by the time Baby is 3 months old, and 90% of “colicky”
babies do not experience symptoms past 9 months of age.
Baby should not experience any lasting effects, and by the
team he/she is a toddler, it will be a thing of the past, and
the real fun can start!
Find out more ways to improve your baby's health:
Conditions-Child Health / Child Constipation-Natural
Remedies / Stop Itchy Skin in Your Child /Sugar Content in
Baby Foods-A Complete Directory
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