How to Treat Colic With Home Remedies

Studies show that 10 percent of all babies suffer from colic, a condition marked by 3 or more hours a day of crying for 3 days a week or more. It usually goes away by the time a baby reaches 3 months old. The specific cause of colic is still unknown, but the best way to treat colic is to deal with the symptoms.

Instructions

1. Massage your baby's belly and below her naval during feedings, to help work out the gas. Feed your baby in an upright position. Avoid overfeeding. Burp often during feedings, not just at the end. Burping him 5 or 6 times reduces the likelihood of gas.

2. Keep your baby upright for 20 minutes after each feeding to prevent colic pain.

3. Break the cycle of contractions by patting firmly on her back if you see her contract her body: pulling her knees towards her chest, straining her face and clenching her fists. Do this even if she is sleeping. This distracts her and works out the gas.

4. Swaddle your baby during or before colic fits. See "How to Swaddle a Baby" under related eHows.

5. Rock your baby to help him digest his food faster and more efficiently.

6. Apply light pressure to your baby's belly. You can lay her on her belly, or press your hand there while feeding or afterwards.

7. Give your baby a warm bath. Heat can soothe your baby.

Tips & Warnings

• You can put the baby in his crib for 15 minutes while he is crying inconsolably, so that you can walk away and take a break. Don't let his colic fatigue you.