Baby Care: 10 Tips for Calming Colicky Babies
Most of us have experienced what seems like our baby's nonstop crying, but the parents of colicky babies are on the receiving end of a whole other level of frustrating fussiness.
Doctors define colic as crying that lasts more than three hours a day, three times a week. It can affect up to 20 percent of newborns and bring newbie parents to tears because there is no definitive cause. Luckily, a lot of us have been there, done that, and there are a few remedies that can bring your baby sweet relief.
Doctors define colic as crying that lasts more than three hours a day, three times a week. It can affect up to 20 percent of newborns and bring newbie parents to tears because there is no definitive cause. Luckily, a lot of us have been there, done that, and there are a few remedies that can bring your baby sweet relief.
Here are a few tips:
If you're breastfeeding, monitor what you're eating. Certain foods like dairy, caffeine and chocolate can cause colicky behavior. Also make sure your baby is latching on correctly and is getting enough to eat.
For bottle-fed babies, make sure the bottle is warmed to body temperature. Also consider giving your baby less food at each feeding, but more frequent feedings to keep their tummies full and happy.
Create a calm "womb-like" ambiance for your baby. When you were pregnant, your little one was always warm and cozy, so mimic that with subdued lighting, calming sounds and a snug swaddle.
Get a move on! Motion can work like magic on colicky babies whether you drive them around the block, stroll them through the park, or just walk them from room to room in your house.
Soothe them with your touch. Skin-to-skin contact can calm a fussy baby, so try some snuggle time.
Sweet-talk their tears away. Even if you're on the verge of crying yourself, speak to your baby in soothing tones—it will calm your little one and yourself.
Try giving your baby a warm bath or put a warm bottle on your baby's tummy. Make sure the temperature is not too hot!
If your baby has an insatiable need to suck (and your poor breasts need a break!), ask your doctor about the pros and cons of substituting with a pacifier.
Burp, burp and keep on burping your baby. Whether you breast- or bottle-feed, a good pat on your baby's back can work wonders.
Get help and hang in there! If you're feeling frazzled, ask for support so you don't get overwhelmed. And remember what everyone always says: This is just a phase of your baby's development that will pass, and before you know it, you'll be the one giving this baby care advice to other parents with colicky kids.
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