A baby who cries frequently for no apparent reason may be suffering from colic. The American Academy of Family Physicians says babies with colic cry more than three hours a day for at least three days a week for a period of more than three weeks. This condition typically starts a few weeks after birth and begins to improve when the baby is three months old. This short period of time can feel like an eternity to parents.
Motion
Motion comforts many colicky babies. Riding in a car, stroller or baby swing may calm a crying baby. The University of Michigan Health System also suggests that carrying the baby around the house in a sling may also ease the symptoms of colic. Rocking works for many babies.
Bundle
Bundling a baby up tightly in a blanket may help relieve fussiness from colic. Parents who have trouble using a regular blanket to swaddle an infant can purchase special swaddling blankets with buttons, zippers or elastic to make the process easier. In addition to using blankets to bundle the baby, cuddling the baby often helps.
Feeding
Many parents attempt to establish a set feeding schedule for their baby and are reluctant to feed the baby more than once every couple hours. However, on AskDrSears.com, Dr. Bill Sears suggests that allowing the baby to "snack" and eat more frequently may help ease colic symptoms. Babies who eat more frequently typically eat smaller amounts, which may be easier on their digestive tracts. This can reduce or eliminate the abdominal discomfort that may be responsible for the colic. Parents should also take care to properly burp the baby after each feeding because trapped air bubbles can also lead to colicky behavior. For babies who have a particularly hard time with feeding, parents should consult a pediatrician to rule out medical conditions like reflux or allergies and to discuss if changing formula (or changing the mother's diet, if breastfeeding) may help.
Sucking
Babies have the instinctive need to suck and providing them an opportunity to do so when they are upset may help soothe them. Although this sucking can occur during feedings, babies who have difficulty with feedings may need an alternative source of sucking. The Mayo Clinic suggests offering the baby a pacifier can help calm her. However, parents should consult a pediatrician beforehand, especially if breastfeeding, as some believe offering a pacifier too early may result in nipple confusion and lead to problems with feeding.
Noise
Many colicky babies are often comforted by white noise. This noise can be created by things like fans, hairdryers, washing machines, static from a radio or television, and special white noise machines. However, sometimes even shushing in the baby's ear will work. Using white noise in addition to another colic remedy, like a pacifier or swaddle blanket, may increase its effectiveness.
