How to Take Care of a Colicky Baby

There is nothing more challenging then having a newborn who is colicky especially if you are a new parent. Hope these types will bring you some peace.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• A baby carrier
• Stamina
• Sleep

1. If you have a newborn to 3 month old who has been fed, changed and has slept but still will not stop crying and nothing is medically wrong, you probably have a colicky baby. First call your child's pediatrician to make sure that the baby is ok and nothing is medically wrong with her. Make an appointment at which time the Dr. can also give you some tips on what to do.

2. The most important thing to do is to be patient. If you are stressed you will stress your baby out even more. Lot's of women feel like breaking down during this time and lots do. You are not alone. Find some support, someone to talk to, someone to take the baby for an hour and give you a break, and someone who has been there before who can give you some tips. When the baby just won't stop crying keep as calm as possible and try to remember she is just colicky and this stage will be over soon. Although it seems like forever, this stage will only last for about 3 months.

3. Try different things to try to help your baby. If you think your baby has gas, give her some infant gas drops as directed by the pediatrician. Mylicon drops work well. Try burping her often. You can glide your hand a bit firmly from her left shoulder blade down her left side continuously to get rid of some gas. Try to lay her on her back and gently push her legs to her stomach and then stretch them or have her bicycle her legs to get rid of some gas. Try gently pressing on the space between her naval and her pamper line. Rub her tummy or back.

4. If you are breastfeeding pay attention to what you are eating. Some foods such as broccoli, beans and milk can irritate babies stomachs. Also stay away from caffeine, chocolate and soda which will keep the baby up and give her gas. Keep a journal for a few days and see when the baby seems to get colicky. Could it be after you have eaten dairy foods or something else? Once you think you've figured it out, avoid those foods until you have weaned your baby from the breast.

5. If you are bottle feeding, switch to a formula which is easier to digest. Enfamil has a formula that comes in a purple container that is for fussy and gassy babies.

6. Try bouncing your baby lightly on your knee, she may even fall asleep that way. Be sure to support her head and don't let it bounce around.

7. Go for a walk. Strap your baby to your chest using a baby carrier and walk around the house. Better yet go outside. If the baby is awake seeing new scenery may make her forget the reason that she is crying and give you some peace even if its only for 10 minutes. Also the warmth of your body and the sound of your heartbeat is soothing to baby.

8. Make sure you take care of yourself. How can you care for a colicky baby if you are starving and exhausted? Make sure you eat well and get as much rest as possible. Sleep when the baby sleeps so you will be rested enough to take care of her when she starts crying again.

9. Prepare yourself. Most babies, for unknown reasons, are colicky in the evening. Get all your errands done before that time and know what to expect.

10. Swaddle your baby. Wrapping her nice and tight and rocking and singing to her may calm her down. You may find yourself singing the same song 15 times in a row then again in your sleep (smile) but it could work!

11. Get some time to yourself alone. Everyone needs guilt-free "me" time. As a new mother it is hard enough to try to get some of that time without having a baby who is colicky. See if daddy, grandmom, aunty or someone will watch the baby for an hour or two so that you can take a shower, eat dinner, go for a walk, take a hot relaxing bath or just throw your self on the couch and forget about everything while watching a good movie. Make sure you leave your baby with someone who you trust and who loves the baby. Also someone who has experience with newborns and who has lots of patience. If it is hard for you to deal with your baby at this time and you are her mother, imagine how it can be for someone who is not.

12. Have patience once again. This time will be all but a memory. You can get through this! Try your best to show love and gentleness to your baby because she needs you. She can not help how she feels and knows no other way to express how she feels. Your baby will be better in no time and so will you. Good luck!

[winningsmile988]

on 2/17/2009 thanks for your advice.