1. Figure Out if It's Colic
Some parents mistakenly think their child has colic when in reality the baby's just fussy. Most doctors use the rule of three to determine whether a baby's colicky or not. The baby needs to cry for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, over a 3 week or more period to be categorized as having colic. The doctor will also want to rule out any possible underlying causes of the crying. If the baby checks out as healthy and still continuously cries, then you likely have a colicky baby on your hands.
2. Colic: Still a Mystery
Researchers have looked into the causes of colic without any definite results. Current links to colic include anxiety, allergies to milk or formula, digestive problems and generalized discomfort. However, the baby may check out perfectly fine and still suffer from the fussiness associated with colic.
3. Wait It Out
For the most part, if you have a colicky baby on your hands, you need to just wait for him to grow out of it. After the baby reaches about 3 months of age, he should have fewer crying episode related to the colic. In the meantime, you can help soothe the baby. Try different positions as a way to relieve the gas caused by the crying fits. Laying the baby on his stomach while you watch over him can sometimes help. Soft music and rocking can also calm down a colicky infant. Some basic baby massage techniques which rub the belly area may also help.
4. No Miracle Cures
Most doctors will tell you to wait it out when you have a colicky baby. Research shows that medications designed to treat colic do little to improve symptoms. Some parents rely on gas relief drops to help with colic, but most people have found they don't relieve the infant's fussiness. Before you give your baby any kind of medication for colic, talk to your doctor about whether or not the product is safe.
5. Don't Forget About Mom and Dad
The baby's not the only one who suffers during the colicky period. If the colic symptoms last for months, the parents begin to feel the emotional stress of having to deal with an unhappy baby. Parents need to develop strong coping skills to handle the colicky baby. Each parent should have free time away from the baby and a strong support system to help care for the baby during colic episodes. Spending time outdoors and mild exercises can also help relieve parental stress. Connect with other parents of colic infants through an online support site like the Colic Support Group.
