A baby with colic can be a stressful and worrisome thing for any parent. Colicky babies can cry for short periods of time or for hours on end meaning it can be very difficult for parents to cope with.
Babies generally develop colic in their forst few weeks and it usually disappears by their third or fourth month.
Babies who cry incessantly may be suffering from colic which means they have pains and cramps in their digestive systems.
Researchers of colic have recognised that there is no sure cause for the condition and have looked at lactose intolerance and allergies amongst other issues.
There are also similar rates of colic in breast-fed and bottle-fed babies.
Below are some great tips from midwife Margaret Merrigan-Feenan on coping with a colicky baby and soothing them.
Margaret Merrigan-Feenan’s tips for soothing colic:
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It is important to learn what most comforts your baby as what comforts one baby may not calm another and having this skill can help stop the fussy period from becoming so intense.
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Whether your baby is breast or bottle-fed, ensure they are fed when they appear hungry. A baby may cry and fuss from hunger if you try to time his feeds.
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If baby is not hungry, don’t try to continue feeding.
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Try burping your baby more often during feeding, holding him upright on your shoulder/lap or lie face down on your lap and gently pat or rub his back.
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In between feeds, your baby may be soothed by sucking on a soother/thumb.
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Try gently massaging his tummy with clockwise movements to help move along trapped wind or stool and sometimes a warm bath can be soothing.
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Walk with your baby or sit in a rocking chair.
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Put your baby in a carrier sling or in a baby vibrating chair or swing as the motion seems to have a soothing effect.
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Take care to prevent other baby irritations like nappy rash by using a protective barrier cream like Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment.
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Bring the baby for a walk or place in car seat and go for a drive.
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Play music or leave the radio on as some babies respond to sound or let them listen to “white noise” washing machine, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum cleaner.
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Sing to your baby which can also calm the parent.
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Some babies need decreased stimulation preferring calm and quiet.
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Take care of yourself, try to relax and take up offers of help from family and friends.
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It can help to talk to other parents who have experienced the same thing.
Note: Colic might not be the only cause of your baby’s discomfort. If your baby cries loudly all the time and cannot be comforted, you should seek the advice of a heath care professional before deciding he or she has colic.
