Colic can be very distressing for both parents and infants alike and while the symptoms will generally disappear within 3-4 months, there are steps parents can take to reduce symptoms in the meantime.
The following tips can be helpful in dealing with a colicky baby:
- Sit your baby upright during a feeding as this will help prevent him from swallowing air.
- Give your baby natural medications which uses caraway oil to soothe baby’s tummy and allows the stomach to naturally move any trapped wind and bloating.
- Hold your baby during a crying episode or try wrapping him snugly in a blanket to offer comfort.
- Avoid drinking too much tea, coffee or other drinks that contain caffeine if you are breastfeeding.
- Wind your baby after every feed. To do this, sit your baby upright or hold them against your shoulder, making sure to support their neck and head. Gently rub their back and tummy until they burp.
- Try using a ‘fast flow teat’ if bottle feeding as smaller teats can cause babies to swallow air along with their feed.
- Avoid over stimulating your baby; if your baby isn’t hungry, tired, too hot or cold or in need of a nappy change then it can help to leave him in his cot for a short while.
- Some babies are comforted by white or background noise such as the sound of a washing machine or vacuum cleaner.
- Gently rubbing your baby’s back or stomach or giving him a warm bath can also help.
