How to calm your colicky baby

 

What is colic?

You know when a newborn baby starts crying for no obvious reason, while he is rested fed, and changed and yet decides to cry nonstop? It is not a disease or a health issue, it is a common condition that many infants go through. Usually, a baby is diagnosed as colicky when he continues to cry for longer periods the total can go up to three hours a day, and if these crying episodes occur several times a week and goes on for more than three weeks.

What causes colic in babies?

There isn’t one specific reason why an infant becomes colicky and continues to cry for long periods. However, the following reasons could contribute to the baby's colic.

- Gas

In some cases, they cry in pain because of digestion issues like gas, or constipation.

- Milk allergy

Many babies suffer from newborn colic because of stomach pain caused by a milk allergy. If the baby is taking formula milk that contains cow’s milk, and he is allergic to it his reaction is to cry continuously of pain.

- Adjustment

The baby has been well sheltered inside the mother’s womb and now he is out in the world in a new environment with so many variables, this makes some infants nervous and scared. And because they are still adjusting their only way of expressing their feelings is through crying, hence the colicky behavior.

Baby colic symptoms

• Intense continues crying without a clear reason
• Having a ridged belly.
• Curled legs and tightened fists.
• Red face while crying.
• Excessive burping and gas passing.

How do you prevent colic in babies?

• If you are using formula and suspect that your little one might have baby colic, switch to a milk-free formula.
• Use baby bottles that prevent gas in babies.
• Burp your baby after each feeding to avoid indigestion and gas.
• Swaddle your baby, as swaddling helps the baby stay calm and easily adjust to his new environment.
• Avoid overstimulation, your baby has been used to the routine and quietness of life in the womb. Avoid overstimulating him with the excessive noises and lights of the outside world.
• Wear your baby, holding newborns in a sling provides excellent skin-to-skin contact and helps the baby easily adjust to his new world.

How is a colicky baby treated?

If your pediatrician confirmed that your baby doesn’t need any medical treatment such as colic drops or other medication, then it’s up to you to treat the baby's colic at home.

Here are the best ways to calm a colicky baby

1 - Warm bath

2 - Baby massage

3 - Swaddling

4 - Holding the baby in a sling or baby carrier

5 - Using a white noise machine

6 - Lay the baby across your while you gently rub his back

7 - Use a pacifier

8 - Gently rock your baby

9 - Sing to your baby soothing lullabies

Also read: Calming the New Mom Fears