How to Hold a Colicky Baby

A colicky baby cries for more than three hours at a time at least four days per week. Colic is not treatable, nor is it a health risk, in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. Nevertheless, the crying, which approaches hysteria, is stressful for parents and caregivers. Try these "holds" to quiet a colicky baby.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Do the "colic curl." Hold the baby facing you and encircle your arms under his diaper. Press the baby's feet against your chest.

2. Hold the baby in a "reverse curl," facing away from you. Stand in front of a large mirror so the baby can witness her own drama.

3. Score with the "football hold." Rest the baby's head in the crook of your arm and drape his tummy area along your forearm. Grasp the diaper area with your hand. Press your wrist into the baby's tummy.

4. Walk around with the baby. Keep up continuous motion while holding the baby, some infants respond favorably.

5. Make eye contact. Babies love to know that they have your undivided attention.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel your patience waning ask for help or call someone for support.

Resources

• Overview of Causes and Treatments of Colic
• Info on Coping With a Colicky Baby

[farmwife]

on 4/7/2009 As a parent coming here due to a currently screaming baby for help I found step two to be very condescending and not at all humorous.Colic is a serious concern and to imply that babies should look in a mirror to see their own drama, as if visually focusing and use of logic were possible is ridiculous.I cannot believe a usually great website would post such asinine drivel from a supposed expert. This expert is a moron.