09/14/2021
Colic Relief Tips for Parents
What Causes Colic?
Unfortunately, there is no definite explanation for why this happens. Most often, colic means simply that the child is unusually sensitive to stimulation or cannot "self-console" or regulate his nervous system. As she matures, this inability to self-console—marked by constant crying—will improve. Sometimes, in breastfeeding babies, colic is a sign of sensitivity to a food in the mother's diet. Colicky behavior also may signal a medical problem, such as a hernia or some type of illness.
Although You Simply May Have to Wait It Out, Several Things Might Be Worth Trying:
1. First, of course, consult your pediatrician to make sure that the crying is not related to any serious medical condition that may require treatment. Then ask him which of the following would be most helpful.
2. If you're nursing, you can try to eliminate milk products, caffeine, onions, cabbage, and any other potentially irritating foods from your own diet.
3. If you're feeding formula to your baby, talk with your pediatrician about a protein hydrolysate formula. If food sensitivity is causing the discomfort, the colic should decrease within a few days of these changes.
4. Do not overfeed your baby, which could make her uncomfortable. In general, try to wait at least two to two and a half hours from the start of one feeding to the start of the next one.
5. Walk your baby in a baby carrier to soothe her. The motion and body contact will reassure her, even if her discomfort persists.
6. Rock her, run the vacuum in the next room, or place her where she can hear the clothes dryer, a fan or a white-noise machine. Steady rhythmic motion and a calming sound may help her fall asleep. However, be sure to never place your child on top of the washer/dryer.
7. Introduce a pacifier. While some breastfed babies will actively refuse it, it will provide instant relief for others.
8. Lay your baby tummy-down across your knees and gently rub her back. The pressure against her belly may help comfort her.
9. Swaddle her in a large, thin blanket so that she feels secure and warm.
---- Reposted from https://www.healthychildren.org/