Understanding Colic and Tips to Relieve Colic in Babies
Colic is one of the huge challenges some parents of young babies face. Some babies don't have it, some have it mild, and others have severe colic, which can take a toll on the whole family.
So what is colic, and why does it happen to babies?
Colic is a condition which produces gases in babies' gastrointestinal tract that is very sore to them. It usually doesn't last beyond four months old, and if it affects a baby, it happens around 4 to 6 weeks of their age.
There isn't a definite reason as to why it happens. Some doctors believe it comes from the baby's diet, while others believe it's from what the mother eats or what's in the formula. Either way, it isn't anyone's fault and, unfortunately, affects many families.
Symptoms:
One of the common symptoms is an inconsolable cry for hours, irritability and gassiness. You would also notice that it is obvious during the early evening; some parents even call it a "witching hour" time.
Tips on relieving colic:
Limit the amount of gas swallowed during feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Get tips from a breastfeeding consultant or midwife on eliminating unnecessary gases during breastfeeding. Feed from a special bottle which reduces gas.
Burp after every single feed. Make no less than three attempts. Even the first two gave good results. There are always sneaky gases left, even after big burps.
Get creative with how you burp your little one. Try various positions. For example, position the baby so their tummy rests on your forearm, hold their head with the other hand, and walk around gently rocking.
Try sound to calm the baby. Anything from vacuum to white noise to a dryer. There are great apps with white noise these days.
Swaddle the baby snugly.
Massage your baby. There are lots of online material on how to deliver infant massage to relieve colic.
A warm bath can calm and settle your baby.
Adjust your and your baby's diet. If you breastfeed your baby, try adjusting your diet and eliminating caffeine, dairy, broccoli, cabbage, onion, garlic, and spicy foods. If your baby takes the formula, seek a different and more tummy-friendly product like soy-based or hypoallergenic formula. We suggest talking to a paediatrician or your doctor before making any decisions.
Gripe Water. It's been used for years and is known to help relieve colic in babies. Use organic formulas like Childlife Essentials to avoid unnecessary processed ingredients.
Babies are different, and what works for one may not work for another. While trying the above tips, the main tip we give to parents is not to panic. You should stick to trying each method for at least five minutes, if not longer. When we have an unsettled baby, we tend to panic and try various things to settle them as soon as possible. But remember that you should try each settling method for a longer period of time to see the results, and try not to jump from one to another straight away.
Look after yourself.
Calm yourself and take a break.
Colic isn't just tough on the baby but is really challenging for the parents. During such stressful situations, remember to keep breathing. Try to ease the stress with deep breathing, and if that fails, a nice cup of camomile tea can hopefully give you a few minutes of a well-deserved break.
Trust in your abilities.
Believe in yourself and that you're doing everything possible to help the baby. You're the best person to comfort them, and this uncomfortable moment of their life shall pass with your wonderful help and care.
Ask for help
When you feel like you've tried everything and the pressure is too much, ask for help. Whether it's your partner, parents, friends or a trusted babysitter - don't be afraid to ask for help. They can provide a precious break during which you can enjoy having a nap, a nice hot bath or get out of the house to change the scenery. Sometimes regrouping is all it takes to provide more strength.