How to Create a Schedule for a Colicky Baby

Colic is marked by prolonged periods of crying during which a baby can't be soothed. Colicky infants respond well to schedules and getting them into a regular routine can help to relieve their symptoms.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine what time of day your baby seems the most colicky and determine if something in particular triggers the condition. If you are breastfeeding, something you are eating that may be giving the baby gas. Note if the baby gets agitated when new people come into the room or is she disturbed by the telephone or other loud noises.

2. Plan your routine around the colicky time after you've determined when it's the most severe. Look for things that soothe the fastest. If your baby enjoys his bath time and relaxes in water, plan bath time for the time when the colic has been appearing.

3. Prepare an extra bottle or be ready to nurse just before the baby's colicky time. Once the crying begins, often babies aren't easy to nurse or feed.

4. Run errands during times when baby is happy. Do your best to be at home in familiar comfortable surroundings before the baby starts fussing.

5. Stay as calm as possible. Babies are very sensitive to their mother's stress level and sometimes that can make colic worse. Being prepared for colicky times will help you stay calm and relaxed.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that colic won't last forever. Get help if you need it, and find adequate rest for yourself, preferably somewhere out of range of the baby's crying. Getting frustrated and fatigued won't help the situation, so find someone to relieve you so you can take a nap.
• Try different positions to make baby comfortable. Lay him on his tummy while rubbing his back or let him swing in a baby swing for short periods. Change his position if he continues crying.
• Never mistake constant crying for colic. Take your baby to the doctor if you are unable to soothe him after a long period. Rule out any other condition that may be present.