Colic should go away by the time your baby is 4 months old. Until then, try these tips. They may give both of you some relief.
Feeding Tips
Is it the breastmilk or formula? Some parents worry that what they feed their baby or what they eat if they are breastfeeding can upset them. Generally it’s not a cause of colic, but it can cause irritation. If you think it might be the cause of your baby's crying, talk to their pediatrician. Mention any vitamin supplements or herbal remedies you are taking. You may even want to keep a diary of the foods you are eating that could be causing discomfort in your baby.
Help them swallow less air. Try a special bottle designed to reduce gas or a nipple with a smaller hole. Sit them up while they eat so they swallow less air. Remember to burp them during and after feedings.
Soothe your baby with Sound and Motion
Walk or rock. Motion helps calm babies. Walk around with your baby in a baby carrier (the kind you wear over your chest). The combined warmth and rhythm may lull them to sleep.
Hold and rock them or put them in a swing or stroller. The gentle movement may stop their tears.
If all else fails, secure them in their car seat and go for a ride. Just make sure you’re not so tired it’s unsafe to drive.
Use sound to calm your baby. Many babies respond well to the gentle hum of a machine, such as a:
Clothes dryer (But don’t be tempted to put your baby on top of a dryer -- not even in a carrier or car seat -- because they could fall.
Fan
Vacuum
White-noise from a machine or an app
Calm Your Baby’s Senses
Bright lights and sounds can overwhelm a colicky baby. Your baby may calm down if you:
Lay them on their back in a dark, quiet room.
Swaddle them snugly in a blanket.
Lay them across your lap and gently rub their back.
Try infant massage.
Put a warm water bottle on your baby's belly.
Have them suck on a pacifier.
Soak them in a warm bath.
What About Other Colic Remedies?
You may have heard that some home remedies can relieve colic. Most aren’t proven and they could hurt your baby. Always talk with your child’s paediatrician before trying something new. These are things you may have heard about.
Rice cereal in a bottle. This is a definite no-no. It's a big choking hazard, and it is not proven to work.
Herbal remedies such as chamomile, or gripe water. It’s best not to use these. The FDA doesn’t regulate over-the-counter remedies. You can’t be sure what they are made of, and ingredients aren’t always labelled. Some can have things in them that are very bad for your baby, like alcohol or opiates. Babies can also have allergic reactions to them. They’re also not proven to work.
Simethicone gas drops. These can be OK to try. But will they work? They may or may not help.
Colic isn't just hard on your baby. It can wear you out, too. When the pressure of trying to calm your crying baby gets to be too much, leave them with a sitter, family member, or trusted friend and get out of the house.
Even if you just go for a walk or grab lunch, take a break to relieve some stress. When no one is around to help, it's OK to leave your baby in the crib or playpen and go into another room briefly until you regroup.
No matter how frustrated you get, never hit or shake your baby. If you ever feel like you might hurt them, call your doctor right away and ask for help.
Also call your doctor if your baby:
Has diarrhoea, especially if you notice blood in it
Doesn’t eat or gain weight
Has a fever of 100.4 F or more
Vomits
Might be sick or injured
Seems less alert or more sleepy than usual
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