Soothing A Baby With Colic

Colic is something that many babies suffer with during the early stages of life. Typically from just a few weeks old, a baby with colic tends to begin crying unconscionably for often hours at a time. This for many new parents can be distressing, especially as there are few signs of what is causing your baby's discomfort. But this time doesn't last forever, usually subsiding by 4-6 months old. However there are a few tips that have been pasted on from experienced parents and practitioners that can help soothe your baby during their discomfort, ensuring that they stay as calm as possible and lessen the worry that comes from persistent crying.

What Causes Colic?

Many different things can cause your baby to suffer with colic, but one of the main reasons that is identified is trapped or painful wind. To help identify if this is the main issue, look out for your baby's movements, if they are arching their back or holding their legs up to their chest, they may be trying to dislodge the trapped wind that is extremely painful. Colic can also be a sign of a stomach upset or sensitivity to certain proteins in formula or breast milk or simply because your baby is receiving less interaction and needing more physical contact. Although these are the common causes, they aren't the definitive reason that your baby is crying or fussing so much. The key thing to remember when looking after a baby with colic is that it isn't harmful to your baby although it can seem distressing.

How To Soothe A Baby Suffering With Colic

There are many different methods that parents suggest help soothe your baby when they are suffering with colic. One of the main ways that you can help reassure your baby is to hold them and rock them gently, sometimes babies just need to be made aware that you are there to comfort them, when even they are confused by the issue. This soothing approach can also be helped by recreating the comforting sounds and sensation that your baby had in the womb. Try swaddling your baby or using a device that recreates the sound of the womb. This will help reduce too much stimuli that can upset your baby.

Image: Infantino Cocoon Swaddle Wraps - Pack of 2

Another helpful tip is to prevent them from swallowing too much air during feeding, by holding them upright during feeds and burping them regularly. This will dislodge any wind which can cause a painful tummy. There are also anti-colic bottles available that help reduce the amount of air swallowed by your baby.

Image: MAM Anti Colic Bottle Starter Kit

Baby massage has also been suggested to help calm your baby. After a warm bath, gently rub your baby's tummy to help soothe any issues in the abdomen.

If you are continued to be worried about your baby's crying, make sure you see your GP as soon as possible to rule out any other issues. Your GP may also be able to prescribe drops that help soothe a painful digestive system.

Sources:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Colic/Pages/Introduction.aspx

https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a77/colic