some home remedies for colic

The baby’s birth is the most amazing feeling, a day parents never forget. We not only try to give each and every comfort to our child, but also make efforts for keeping the physical being of the baby at its best.
Apart from all the comforting and soothing measures, some babies become quite uncomfortable at around 3-4 weeks from their birth and cry uncontrollably for long hours of the day and usually at the same time daily. The main cause of this is ‘colic’. It can be at its peak at around the 6th week and can continue for about 4 months. The reason for babies suffering from colic is still unknown. According to experts, colic doesn’t have any long term effects and the baby will feed normally.

It is important for parents to remember that if it is colic, it is very common which eventually reduces and has nothing to do with bad parenting. What’s important for parents is to be patient and find out the comforting remedy for baby. It is to be noted that every time a baby cries or is cranky, it doesn’t mean that he has colic.

A baby with colic will show the following symptoms:

Intense crying – The baby will cry uncontrollably for no reason and usually for a long duration. This tends to occur at the same time every day generally in the afternoon or evening.

Baby’s body posture – While crying, the baby’s fist will be clenched, knees drawn up and the back will be arched.

Sleeping – Baby’s sleep is highly affected and is irregular due to crying.

Feeding – It may be interrupted and irregular but the amount of food the baby is taking will not be affected.

Gas – While crying, baby passes a lot of gas.

There are not many treatments for colic. However, there are things that parents can do when dealing with colic.

There are a few home remedies that can help in comforting a colicky baby –

Warm towel – Keeping a warm towel on baby’s abdomen can help with the easy passage of gas. It also reduces heartburn.

Burping – Make sure to burp the baby after every feed as it helps to take the air out of the baby’s tummy.

Hypoallergenic diet – Some evidence suggests that a hypoallergenic diet for the mother i.e. no dairy, eggs, wheat, or nuts might improve the conditions.

Baby swing – Keeping the baby in motion gives them relief. Try to swing the baby or rock it in your arms for comfort.

Cuddling – some babies feel relief when cuddled or held close to mom’s body.

Noise – Sudden noises divert the baby and thus, may stop crying.

Singing lullabies – Many a times, babies love listening to soft music or their mother’s voice. Try to sing or play some soft music for your baby.

Pacifier – Sometimes sucking helps in giving relief to the baby. providing a pacifier may help.

Gentle massage – Massaging the baby softly with warm oil helps to take the gas out of the body and relieve the baby.

Swaddling – Wrapping the baby in soft cloth or blanket gives the baby a feeling of security and may have the soothing feeling they had in their mum’s tummy.

Probiotics – Studies have shown that infants with colic have different intestinal microflora than infants who don’t have colic. Probiotics have helped reduce colic symptoms in some of these babies. Ask your doctor to recommend a probiotic for your baby.

Changing position – Some babies like to be in an upright position during the pain while some like to be cuddled or lying down on its tummy. Try to figure out the position that can help calm the baby.

Handling a colicky baby is a very hard time for parents but it goes away after the 4th month or may take a little longer for few. It’s important to be patient and try the remedy that can help sooth your baby.