How to Treat Babies With Colic
Bringing a newborn home for the first time is difficult enough. Imagine if that baby screamed nonstop for three or more hours each day. That is what parents of colicky babies have to deal with on top of feedings, diapers and the sleepless nights. Colic is typically defined as nonstop crying for three hours or more hours, three or more days of the week. If this continues for two or more weeks, it is called colic. The most common age for a colicky baby is between two and three months. Some experts believe gas is responsible for colic. Others believe it is just the result of a baby unadjusted to the world. Whatever the cause or reason for colic, it can be extremely difficult for parents to handle. Not only do you want to help your baby with her discomfort, the crying can get on your last nerve. Treating a colicky baby has no particular science. What works for one baby may not work for another. The most important thing is to try anything and everything until your baby stops crying. Here are the best methods for treating colic in your baby.
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Instructions
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Hold your baby upright and burp her. Hold her against your chest and gently, but firmly, pat and rub her back. Many times colicky babies have a lot of gas. If it doesn't come out as a burp, it can create a horrible tummy ache hours later.
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Bounce or do baby squats. Hold your baby how he likes to be held. Then, spread your legs slightly more than shoulder width apart with your toes pointed out. Bend your legs and come back up. These are called baby squats and colicky babies love them. The up and down motion, or bouncing motion helps to calm and sooth.
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Swaddle your baby. If your baby has colic because she is unsettled in her new world, try a swaddle to remind her of being in the womb. Special swaddling blankets can be purchased at regular discount stores. They typically have Velcro flaps that make a tight swaddle quick and simple.
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Move his legs like he is walking. Lie your baby on his back. Sit in front of him and slowly move his legs like he is walking. This helps move food and air through the tummy and intestines. Babies that cannot roll over sometimes have a difficult time digesting food and getting it to move through their systems.
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Visit a chiropractor. Chiropractors believe that different parts of the spine correlate to every major organ and organ system in the body. A chiropractor that specializes in children and infants can check to see if your baby's spine needs a slight adjustment. This is not as scary as it sounds. Your baby typically lies on your lap while the doctor runs his finger up her spine until she flinches. Then, he uses 1 or 2 fingers to give light pressure to the area. It is entirely painless for parents and babies.
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Tips & Warnings
The majority of babies are almost completely over colicky spells by 12 weeks of age. A few babies will still be colicky at 6 months of age. Just keep in mind, there is an end in sight.
Be sure your to check if your baby is hungry, needs a new diaper, or is sleepy before trying to treat colic.
