Colic is a generalized term used describe extremely fussy babies. Parents.com reports, "Symptoms include apparent abdominal pain, gassiness, a distended belly, irritability, and long, inconsolable bouts of crying, usually starting in the early evening and lasting for hours." Dealing with a colicky baby can be frustrating and heartbreaking. While the specific causes of colic are unknown, there are steps that you can take to soothe your baby.
Step 1
Stay calm. Your baby can be sensitive to stress--especially yours. The calmer you can be, the better off your baby will be. High stress can exacerbate your baby's colic, so remove your baby from stressful situations and do a quick check on where you are at emotionally.
Step 2
Give gas medication. Simethicone drops for babies are available in every pharmacy, and are administered with a dropper. Colic can be caused by digestive issues, bloating and gas.
Step 3
Swaddle your baby. Wrapping your baby snugly in a receiving blanket will offer a great deal of relief. It replicates the feeling of being in the womb. You can purchase blankets with Velcro tabs, specially made for wrapping and staying wrapped.
Step 4
Shush your baby. This is the sound of "shhhhhh-shhhh-shhhhh." Author Harvey Karp, M.D. says to loudly shush your next to your baby's ear when she is crying. This is very soothing for babies, as it replicates the sound of the womb.
Step 5
Swing your baby gently in your arms. This replicates the womb as well, which is very soothing to colicky babies. You can create motion for your baby in a number of ways, such as going for car rides or placing him in an infant swing.
Step 6
Offer the baby a pacifier. As taught in "The Happiest Baby On The Block," sucking effects the nervous system and triggers chemicals in their brain, inducing a calming reflex. Babies may vary individually in their need to suck, and some may not take the pacifier at all.
Things You'll Need
- Baby gas drops
- Receiving blanket
- Swing
- Pacifier
