The word "colic" strikes fear into the hearts of many parents. A baby's seemingly endless, inconsolable screaming can make even the most experienced parent feel helpless and frustrated. Although colic typically goes away on its own by age 12 weeks, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems, getting to that point can seem like an uphill battle. Fortunately, parents have some options to help relieve baby colic.
Step 1
Change your approach in feeding. Feeding more frequently, but smaller amounts, may make digestion easier for your baby, according to AskDrSears.com. Always feed the baby in an upright position, and frequently burp to prevent air bubbles from becoming painful gas. In addition, if you suspect your baby is having difficulty because of a particular formula you are using, talk to your pediatrician about switching to another brand.
Step 2
Perform deep-breathing or relaxation exercises while you are taking care of your baby to try to stay as calm as possible. Babies can pick up on the emotions in a room, so if you are stressed or frustrated about the situation, it may exacerbate the distress of your colicky baby.
Step 3
Verify that all the baby's needs are met. Make sure she has been fed and properly burped, has a dry diaper, is not too hot or cold, and is not tired or overstimulated. If these needs are not fully met, colic distress may worsen.
Step 4
Wear a baby sling, or simply cuddle your child. The University of Michigan Health System website states that babies carried around in a sling may spend less time crying, while the Mayo Clinic suggests that simply holding and rocking your baby may do the trick.
Step 5
Massage the abdomen area. Because colic can be related to digestive issues, gently massaging this area may provide relief.
Step 6
Offer a pacifier. The sucking motion can calm and comfort a baby, so giving him a pacifier may help the baby settle down, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 7
Provide white noise. Loud white noise calms many babies, because it reminds them of the whooshing sound of the blood in the uterus. White-noise machines, fans, vacuums, hair dryers or even loud shushes in the baby's ear may help calm her.
Step 8
Swaddle your baby with a blanket. Tight swaddling can make her feel more secure and provide comfort, which may help calm her.
Step 9
Go for a ride. Sometimes the motion of a stroller or car ride will help calm a colicky baby, suggests FamilyDoctor.org.
Step 10
Let the baby have some alone time. Often, babies become overstimulated, and attempts to settle them may actually make them more upset. Allowing your baby to have five or 10 minutes by himself may be all he needs to calm himself down, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pediatrician about dietary changes you can make that may help relieve colic. Get support. If you are the only one trying to comfort your colicky baby, you will quickly burn out and may not be as effective. By allowing other people to help you and taking a break, you can come back refreshed and more capable of handling the task.
- If the colic ever seems particularly bad or you are worried your baby's crying may have a more sinister cause, talk to your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Sling
- Pacifier
- Item that makes white noise
- Swaddling blanket
- Stroller or car
