A colic baby poses one of the most difficult problems a new parent has to cope with. Most parents are under pressure trying to deal with a new routine and coping with colic is an added burden you seem powerless to control. The only comfort that can be offered is, with 1 in 5 babies developing colic, many other parents are suffering too and that by the baby is four months old the colic normally disappears.
The normal symptoms of baby colic are continuous crying, flexing and extending the legs, clenching fists and often a distended tummy. Usually this occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, although it can happen at any time.
What causes baby colic? There are many possible causes, but before deciding which of the remedies to tried, it is essential to establish that your baby is actually suffering with colic and there is not another reason for crying. Colic in baby, however distressing, is not life threatening, but it is essential not to assume a crying baby has colic, so check with your doctor.
Once colic has been diagnosed by your doctor you should try to identify the cause. If you are breastfeeding and your baby is crying a lot, it is sensible to look closely at your own diet. Poor quality milk production could be making baby unhappy. When you feel tired dealing with a newborn, it is very easy to opt for a quick ready meal or snack, but try to eat healthily. There is also the possibility that baby may be intolerant to something in your diet, including dairy products, so make a note of what you are eating.
If baby is bottle fed your doctor may suggest a change of formula. There are also anti-colic feeding bottles on the market that may be useful. Do not overfeed baby, we all know that bloated feeling when we have overeaten and baby isn't any different.
There are simple remedies that may help to relieve a colic baby.
Many Moms have found that white noise is an effective remedy. White noise is basically a continual background noise that baby finds soothing. Babies in the womb are used to the rhythmic noise of their mother's body, but once born they are bombarded with the noise of the external world without the protection of the womb.
White noise does not tackle the actual colic but it can calm a distressed baby. You can provide background white noise in several ways. Run a vacuum cleaner, turn on the washing machine or take a car ride. A number of white noise CDs are available. My grand daughter was always calmed very effectively by a New Age CD made by a friend. The main thing is to provide a repetitious noise and who knows, it may help calm poor Mom as well!
Gripe water has long been a remedy for colic. Before you use any proprietary treatment, please check with your doctor that it is OK to use and that your baby is suffering from colic and there is not another reason for the distress.
Many parents of a colic baby find that a swaddling blanket helps to calm and comfort their baby and there are quite a number of blankets available online. A swaddling blanket also helps to ensure that baby sleeps on his/her back, reducing the risk of sudden infant death. One worry with swaddling is the risk of overheating. It is up to every parent to read all the evidence regarding SID.
Try hard not to get stressed. I know this is not easy but many experts believe that babies are sensitive to stress around them and react. It is a catch 22 situation, the more crying the greater the stress. If you are feeling tired, depressed and unable to cope because your baby is crying, do not bottle it up. Tell your doctor how you are feeling. You are not failing, it is a difficult time made worse by the fact that you have just given birth. Try to take turns with your partner in dealing with the crying. If you have friends or family nearby, ask them if they will take over, even for an hour just to give you a break.
Finally just remember that having to deal with a colic baby is not going to continue forever. In just a few weeks it will pass. Consult your doctor to ensure the distress is caused by colic and remember that although the crying may be upsetting, it is not life threatening.
