1. Mysterious Malady
A colicky baby makes being a parent even more exhausting. Colic is diagnosed when a baby screams for more than three hours a day with no known cause. It typically disappears on its own by about three months of age. Colicky babies are healthy, and it's thought that they are simply more sensitive and need more attention than other babies. Other theories state that some babies have more trouble adjusting to life outside the womb. Trying to recreate that warm, close environment does help to calm some colicky babies.
2. Tummy Troubles
It's thought that for some babies, swallowing a lot of air while crying leads to an upset stomach, which makes them cry more. Putting a warm, but not too hot, water bottle on your baby's tummy may alleviate some pain and help to settle them down. You can also try rubbing your baby's tummy, or laying them facedown on your lap. Use caution that the baby's mouth and nose are free so they can breathe easily.
3. Swaddle and Pacify
Swaddling is a technique of wrapping an infant tightly in a blanket. After being confined to the small space of the mother's womb for nine months, some babies are stressed by suddenly being able to move so freely. Swaddling mimics the tight feeling they had in the womb, and settles some babies. Infants also have a need to suck, some babies more than others. So one thing you can try to calm a colicky baby is to try and get him to take a pacifier. Some babies might find their thumbs at an early age too.
4. Wear That Baby Proudly
No matter what your mom or grandmother might be telling you, you can't spoil a baby by holding him too much. In fact, it may be just what a colicky baby needs. There are many styles of baby slings designed to keep baby close to you while leaving your hands free so that you can do other things. Another tactic is to hold your baby's ear very close to your mouth and say, "Shh." It's thought that this mimics the sound that the baby hears in the womb, and calms them.
5. Baby in Motion
Rocking your baby either in a rocking chair or a motorized swing sometimes not only relaxes the baby but puts him right to sleep. Or go for a drive in the car; sometimes the vibration of the motor and the road noise lulls them to sleep. Take you and your baby for a brisk walk with the stroller. Not only will it be good exercise for you, but also may be just what baby needs to settle down and go to sleep.
