One of the most stressful things new parents might have to deal with is a baby with colic. A baby is diagnosed with colic if he cries uncontrollably for more than three hours per day, more than three days a week. Colic often starts within the first three weeks after birth and can continue up to three to four months. While there are no "cures" for colic, there are several remedies which can help the baby (and parents) get some relief.
Gripe Water
Gripe water is a homeopathic remedy for colic and baby gas pains. It contains natural ingredients, such as chamomile, fennel, ginger, peppermint, lemon and aloe. It is used to calm the gas pains in your baby's stomach, giving him relief. Make sure that you only get gripe water that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as some gripe water products are not regulated and can be harmful to your baby.
Motion
Repetitive motion can be one of the best ways to calm your baby down and help him sleep. Simply rock your baby back and forth in a gentle motion. If you would like to take the burden off you for a bit, there are several swings sets that you can buy to provide the same effect. The vibration of the car may also be repetitive (and gentle) enough to relax your baby and help him get rest.
White Noise
You might think that noise is the one thing a baby does not need to help calm down and sleep, but white noise is extremely effective to help with colic symptoms. In the womb, your baby heard the flow of blood in the placenta constantly and is very used to the sound. You can purchase a white noise CD or MP3 from the Internet. A good one to try is one that has the sound of a vacuum cleaner as this most closely represents the sound your baby heard in the womb.
Swaddling
Many times, a baby just needs to be held. If your baby has colicky symptoms which is keeping him from sleeping, swaddle him in a cloth and hold his close. Often, the closeness will keep him warm and comfortable which will help put him to sleep.
Heat and Massage
There are plenty of books, such as " Loving Hand: The Traditional Art of Baby Massage," by Frederick Leboyer and "Infant Massage--Revised Edition: A Handbook for Loving Parents" by Vimala Schneider McClure, as well as classes that you can take on baby massage. Once learned, this technique can help relieve your baby of gas pains and help to relax his muscles. Also, you may wrap a lukewarm hot water bottle in a towel and place it on your baby's stomach. However, make sure that it is not too hot and maintain supervision at all times.
