If your baby is crying more than usual and it’s not because they’re hungry, wet, or dirty, they may be experiencing colic. Colic can be very frustrating for both parents and babies. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and how to treat colic in newborn babies.
Key Notes
- Colic is very common
- As a parent you should be aware of the various colic symptoms
- Swaddle your baby
- Gently massage your baby
- Contact your baby's pediatrician if the colic symptoms don't lessen
What Is Colic?
Colic is a state where the baby cries for hours every day in an infant who is well-fed and otherwise healthy. Colic usually begins when an infant is around 2 weeks old and reaches its peak at 6 to 8 weeks old. It generally goes away by the time the baby is 4 to 5 months old.
Signs and Symptoms of Colic
The main symptom of colic is inconsolable crying. It may seem like your baby is screaming or shrieking and nothing you do will make him or her stop. Other signs and symptoms of colic include:
- Facial expressions, such as grimacing or drawing up of the legs, that indicate pain
- Clenching of the fists
- Intense gasping or breath-holding
- Arching of the back
- A tummy that feels hard to the touch
- Passing more stools than usual
- Acting frantic and inconsolable
How to Deal With Colic in Newborn Babies
There are many things you can do to try and soothe a colicky baby. Let’s take a look at some of the treatments for Colic in newborn babies.
Sing To Your Baby
It has been scientifically proven that singing to your baby can help soothe them and ease their colic symptoms. The act of you singing vibrates their whole body, which has a calming effect on them. You don’t have to be a great singer, just sing from the heart and your little one will appreciate it.
Swaddle Your Baby
Swaddling your baby can help to soothe them and make them feel more secure. Try wrapping them in a light blanket or cloth and holding them close to your body. It is thought that the pressure of being swaddled can help to ease the colic pain. So, give it a try!
Put A Warm Towel On Your Baby’s Stomach
One of the most effective ways to soothe a colicky baby is to place a warm towel on their stomach. The heat can help to relax the muscles and ease the pain.
It is important to make sure the towel is not too hot, as you don’t want to risk burning your baby. Test it out on your own skin first to make sure it is a comfortable temperature.
Place Your Baby on Their Belly
Another way to provide relief for a colicky baby is to place them on their stomach. This can help to ease the gas and pain that they are feeling.
Make sure to supervise your baby while they are in this position, as you don’t want them to roll over and hurt themselves. You can also place a warm towel on their back to help soothe them.
Give Them A Pacifier
If your baby is crying and you think they may be suffering from colic, one of the best things you can do is give them a pacifier. This will help to soothe them and provide some relief from the discomfort that they are feeling.
You may need to experiment with different types of pacifiers to find one that your baby likes, but once you find one that works, it can be a lifesaver during those long nights.
Gently Massage Your Baby
One way to soothe a colicky baby is to gently massage them. Use your fingertips to stroke their back, legs, and tummy in a clockwise direction.
This can help relieve gas and promote relaxation. Be sure to be gentle as a newborn’s skin is delicate. You can also use a warm compress on their stomach, which can also help to ease discomfort.
Burp Your Baby
Another way to help a colicky baby is to make sure they are burping often. When babies drink milk, they swallow air along with it. This air can build up in their stomach and cause pain. Burping helps to release that air and can provide relief.
To burp your baby, hold them upright against your shoulder and gently pat their back. You may need to do this several times during a feeding.
Use White Noise To Soothe Your Baby
If your baby is suffering from colic, white noise can be very soothing. There are many white noise machines on the market specifically designed for babies, or you can simply download a white noise app on your phone.
Experiment with different sounds and volumes until you find what works for your baby. You may even want to try playing white noise all day long in the background to help prevent colic flare-ups.
The Breastfeeding Mothers Should Be Very Careful About What They Drink and Eat
Foods that cause gas in breastfeeding mothers may also cause colic in their newborn babies. Some foods that are known to cause gas include beans, cabbage, broccoli, carbonated beverages, and dairy products.
If you think that you might be eating or drinking something that is causing your baby’s colic, try eliminating that substance from your diet for a few days to see if there is a difference. Read also here: 14 Foods to Avoid During Breastfeeding to Prevent Colic.
Conclusion
If your baby is suffering from colic, there are a few things you can do to provide relief. Swaddling, placing a warm towel on their stomach, and giving them a pacifier can all help to soothe them.
You may also want to try gently massaging your baby or playing white noise in the background. Try these tips and see if they help your baby find some relief from their colic.
