Colic is a term used to describe crying that seems to be unrelated to any causes. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that a baby may be colicky if she cries at the same time every day, for more than 3 hours a day. While colic is uncomfortable for both the baby and caregivers, the condition typically passes as the baby's new systems kick in. Most colic lasts for a couple months. Meanwhile, there are a number of steps you can take to find an infant colic cure.
Step 1
Hold the baby when he cries. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that cuddling is a colic cure for many babies, especially when they are swaddled tightly in a soft blanket, and moved and rocked. Put baby in a swing while still wrapped when you get tired.
Step 2
Play lullabies and classical music CDs designed to mimic the sounds the baby heard in the womb. The music soothes the crying baby. Researchers at Colic Calm report that other sounds that can help to cure the colic temporarily include putting the baby in a car seat on top of the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, or buckling her into the car and going for a drive.
Step 3
Switch from formula to a soy product to see if the colic is an allergic reaction. Experiment with your diet if you're nursing to see if a change can cure the colic. Skip dairy, caffeinated products like coffee and chocolate, and gas-producing foods like cauliflower, beans, onions, cabbage and peppers.
Step 4
Lightly massage the baby's tummy to help release trapped gas. Researchers at Colic Calm report that adding lavender to bathwater prior to a massage adds to the viability of the rubbing and further soothes colicky babies.
Step 5
Give your crying baby a pacifier. For many babies, the sucking is calming. Even nursing mothers can provide the continual sucking by offering baby a pacifier.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor about adding probiotics to your baby's diet. While the research is not definitive, doctors at the Mayo Clinic report many mothers have had success in curing colic with the "good" bacteria supplements.
- Check out the ingredients in any gripe water you purchase. Many products contain additive and preservatives that can irritate your baby's digestive system even more.
Things You'll Need
- Classical CDs
- Soy formula
- Lavender oil
- Pacifier
- Probiotics
