Decoding a baby's cries can prove challenging for parents, especially first timers. When a baby has colic, he cries for many hours during the day, which can drain parents and make them feel as if they are doing things all wrong. According to Kids Health, up to 40 percent of infants suffer from colic during their first three months of life. After that it generally begins to go away. Colic is not your fault and is not considered an illness by many doctors. There is no magic cure for a baby with colic, but there are many treatments that can be done at home to help your colicky baby feel better.
Step 1
Write down your baby's sleep, eating and crying habits. This will provide you with some clues as to when the crying starts and what helps soothe your baby at those times.
Step 2
Feed your baby in an upright position. This will make her more comfortable after a meal and can help reduce the amount of colicky crying that you must endure. Make sure you aren't overfeeding, because this can make colic worse. Bottle fed infants may feel better if you switch to a different type of formula, but discuss this with her pediatrician first.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor about your own diet if you are breastfeeding. Some of the things you eat and transfer to your baby via breast milk can exacerbate crying due to colic. Some common culprits include dairy products, spicy foods, onions, beans, cabbage and caffeine. Cutting these items out might provide relief for your colicky baby.
Step 4
Hold your baby and move around with him. Walking, rocking or swinging a colicky baby can often alleviate symptoms and keep him from crying for so long. You can also place your baby in a baby swing or stroller if you need a break from holding him. Rocking in a rocking chair can also provide positive results. A ride in the car in a safe infant seat also reduces crying in many colicky babies. Trial and error will help you find out what works best for you and your baby.
Step 5
Play music or white noise. CD's or a white noise machine can be soothing for a colicky baby. A running clothes or hair dryer can produce the same comforting effects.
Step 6
Apply warmth or a soft massage. Place a warm washcloth on your baby's tummy or put her in a warm bath. This can soothe her tummy and help her stop crying. Lightly rubbing her tummy or back also provides relief and allows you to hold her close at the same time.
Tips and Warnings
- If colic persists past a baby's third month, contact his pediatrician because there may be some other health concern that needs to be addressed.
Things You'll Need
- Music
- Rocking chair
- Baby swing
- White noise machine
