How To Calm Babies With Colic
Colic babies sometimes cry for hours, days, weeks, or months.
They arch their backs, blush, clench their fists and pull their knees close to their stomach because the pain they may feel at that point is very strong.
Although not all babies have gas, gas is a common problem, especially for young babies. Parents also suffer because they feel helpless and there is nothing they can do to stop their child’s inconsolable crying.
Babies born to full term can develop colic as early as two weeks after birth , while premature babies can often take longer, namely until they are three or four months old.
Many parents despair when they see their babies suffer and cannot do anything about it.
They believe that the symptoms of colic will eventually pass, but they must give love and affection to their baby until the time comes.
Letting your baby cry because “there is nothing you can do about it” is not an option. Babies need their parents’ warmth and tenderness when going through tough times.
Tips to Soothe Colic Babies
There is no simple trick that works for every baby in the world because gas pain is different for every baby. Even so, there are a number of tips you can try to give your baby relief.
Although the pain won’t go away completely, your presence will calm your little one down and make them feel more comfortable. Your tender touch will help contain the crying.
Here are some pieces of advice:
- Most colic babies calm down after being weighed in a swing, cradle, or on their parents’ lap for some time.
- Carrying is also known to provide relief for colic babies. Your own calming movements will make the baby feel more relaxed.
- Your baby may feel more comfortable if you hold them tight or wrap them in a warm blanket.
- Some parents have found that the baby calms down on a car ride thanks to the vibrations it can feel in its tummy.
- Gently massaging your little baby’s stomach can also help. Massage the area of the colon in a clockwise direction. This can help relieve your baby’s pain.
- Monotonous noises or music can sometimes help soothe colic babies. You can also sing a gentle song, such as a lullaby, to your baby.
- It is important that your baby drinks slowly and tummies after each meal.
- If your baby has colic after feeding him formula, you should try another brand.
- It is important that you hold your baby in a seated or bent position while feeding.
When is it time for medical help?
Babies older than two weeks often suffer from gas. You may feel insecure and not know how to react if your baby is constantly crying and inconsolable.
If so, it may be a good idea to call your pediatrician or bring the baby to the clinic.
You should definitely take your baby to the doctor if they have any of the following symptoms:
- When your baby is losing weight or gaining more weight than usual
- When your baby doesn’t want to be touched or held
- When your baby does not want to be breastfed or bottle-fed
- If your baby doesn’t calm down, even for a few minutes
- When your baby’s crying is unusual and appears to be caused by real pain
- When your little one is having trouble breathing
- If your baby has diarrhea or blood in the stool
- If they sleep more or are more irritable than usual
- When your baby eats less than normal
- Vomit
- fever
