Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent colic. However, if you feel your baby’s distress is related to feeding, you may lessen the frequency of episodes by trying the following:
- When feeding, hold your baby upright to prevent them swallowing air. Burp often and especially after a feed.
- Give frequent feeds with smaller amounts.
- If breast-feeding, try to limit caffeine in your diet.
- Try to soothe your baby with motion such as vibration (for example by taking a trip out in the car) or with white noise (for example by placing your baby in a seat near a washing machine or vacuum cleaner).
- If you find that background noise works, then there are commercial products that can be bought and attached to the baby’s cot which cause the cot to vibrate and also make a white noise.
- Avoid over-stimulating a baby.
- Hold your child during a crying episode if this helps.
