How to Position a Baby for Colic Relief

Colic is periodic crying that seems to occur for no reason at all. Sometimes the baby is overstimulated from an exciting day or an increase in the energy in the house, such as having guests over. This article describes different positions for helping your baby get rid of colic.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. 
   Sway with your baby to stop colic.

   Go into a dark room, or outside into fresh air, and lean your baby over the backside of your arm. Sway back and forth at the hips or bounce. Pay attention to your baby's reactions and try each motion long enough to notice whether her crying gets better or worse.

2. 
   Bring your baby's knees up to expel gas.

   Hold your baby's back against your tummy and bring his knees up to his chest. Use your hands to hold his thighs and bicycle his legs to help expel gas that can cause discomfort.

3. 
   Try a new position.

   Place your baby face down on your legs and bounce her up and down a little. The repetitive motion may lull her to sleep. If you're wearing shorts, place a cloth diaper or burp rag over your knees so the baby's slobber or spit up doesn't run down your leg.

4. 
   Bounce your baby gently.

   Position your baby face down over your knees, cross-ways. Gently bouncing the baby can help to relieve colic.

5. 
   Let your baby sit up and look around.

   Sit your baby on your belly while standing. His weight is pressed over your arm and your arm is on the middle of his chest. Walking around with him in this position gives your baby a lot to look at.

6. 
   Hold your baby over your shoulder.

   Hold your baby up and lean her over your shoulder. Bounce, sway or talk softly to sooth discomfort or put her to sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• Switch positions often if your baby starts to get restless.
• If repositioning doesn't work, fill a sink with warm water and let your baby splash with her legs.
• Never shake a baby or use force to make him stop crying.