How to Treat Colic in Newborn Breastfed Babies

Colic is a condition that affects up to 25% of newborns and can cause a great deal of distress for both the baby and the parents. In this blog post, we will discuss what colic is, what causes it, and how you can treat it. We will also provide some tips for helping to prevent colic in breastfed babies.

How to Treat Colic in Newborn Breastfed Babies 

Warm Baths

One of the simplest and most effective treatments for colic is a warm bath. The warmth of the water can help to soothe and relax your baby, and the act of being in the water can help to relieve gas. You may also want to try adding a few drops of lavender oil to the bath, as this can further help to relax your baby.

Gripe Water

If you are looking for an over-the-counter remedy to help relieve your baby’s colic symptoms, gripe water may be a good option. Gripe water is a mixture of herbs and minerals that helps to ease stomach cramps and gas. It is safe for both infants and pregnant women, and it can be found at most pharmacies.

Massage Them

Another way to help relieve your baby’s colic symptoms is through massage. Massaging your baby can help to loosen up any trapped gas, and it can also be a soothing and calming activity for both of you. You can either use your hands or purchase a massager specifically designed for infants.

Probiotics

Recent research has shown that probiotics may be helpful in treating colic in breastfed babies. Probiotics are bacteria that can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing gas, bloating, and crying time. You can find probiotic supplements at most pharmacies or health food stores.

Sit Them Up

If your baby has colic, you may want to try sitting them up after feedings. This can help to prevent the milk from pooling in their stomach and causing gas and discomfort. You can use a special infant seat or just prop them up on some pillows. It is also important to make sure that they are not lying down flat for too long, as this can also lead to gas and discomfort.

Avoid Dairy

If you are breastfeeding and your baby has colic, you may want to avoid dairy products. Dairy can sometimes cause gas and bloating, which can aggravate your baby’s colic symptoms. If you think that dairy may be the culprit, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks and see if there is any improvement.

Burping

Make sure that you are regularly burping your baby during and after feedings. This will help to release any trapped gas and prevent it from causing discomfort. There are a few different ways to burp your baby, so experiment to see what works best for you. It is also important to hold your baby upright for at least 15-20 minutes after feedings to allow the gas to escape.

Create a Calm Atmosphere

When your baby is crying and nothing seems to be helping, it can be tempting to just let them cry it out. However, this can actually make the colic worse. Instead, try to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere for your baby. Turn off any bright lights or loud noises, and try to hold them close and rock them gently. This may not stop the crying immediately, but it can help to soothe and calm your baby.

Rock Your Baby

One of the best ways to soothe a crying baby is to rock them gently. This can help to calm and relax them, and it often works better than trying to talk or sing to them. If you don’t have time to sit down and rock your baby, you can also try using a rocking chair, cradle, or even a baby swing.

Feed Them Smaller Amounts More Often

If you are breastfeeding, try feeding your baby smaller amounts more often. This can help to prevent them from overeating and becoming uncomfortable. It may also be helpful to avoid letting them go too long between feedings, as this can also lead to gas and discomfort.

When Should You Consult A Doctor About Your Baby’s Colic Problem?

In most cases, colic resolves on its own within a few months. However, if your baby’s symptoms are severe or persist for more than three months, you may want to consult your doctor. There could be an underlying cause for the colic that needs to be addressed. Additionally, if your baby is not breastfeeding and is having problems with vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss, you should also consult your doctor.

The Breastfeeding Mother Should Also Be Cautious About Her Diet

If you are breastfeeding and your baby has colic, you should also be cautious about your diet. There are some foods that can cause gas and bloating, which can aggravate your baby’s symptoms ( Read here: Foods to Avoid During Breastfeeding to Prevent Colic). Foods to avoid include caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, and dairy products. If you think that one of these foods is the culprit, try eliminating it from your diet and see if there is any improvement.

You can also give your baby over-the-counter gas drops or gripe water to help relieve their symptoms. These products help to break down the bubbles in the gut, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing gas, colic, and crying. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before giving these products to your baby, as they can also have some side effects.