Infant colic can be stressful and overwhelming for the entire family. Babies show a variety of symptoms including, persistent crying, difficulty sleeping, crying during or after feedings, and the appearance of discomfort or pain.
Luckily, there are many resources to help with understanding colic. It is very important for parents to remain patient, calm, and relaxed; your emotions can influence the emotional state of your baby. Here are some tips that can help provide relief for both you and your baby.
1. Changes in Diet. For mothers who are nursing, avoid gas-producing foods, processed foods, and caffeine. For formula fed babies, sometimes avoiding dairy formula or selecting formula that is easily digestible can help with colic.
2. Gripe Water by Colic Calm. This is an all natural product that soothes the irritations of babies caused by colic, gas, stomach pains, hiccups, and teething. It is a homeopathic blend of chamomile, fennel, caraway, peppermint, ginger, aloe, blackthorn, and vegetable charcoal.
Get Colic Calm at Mom and Baby Shop
3. Keep close contact. Carrying the baby using a sling or wrap can be warm, safe, and comforting. Babies tend to be soothed by the feeling of being in the womb.
4. Warm baths. Babies can benefit from relaxing baths just as adults do. Try adding a few drops of lavender to the water or for babies with sensitive skin, Aveeno has a Calming Comfort line of baby bath products.
5. Infant massage. This can be soothing for the baby, especially after a warm and relaxing bath. Try using lavender or chamomile massage oil and rub the baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion. If the baby is suffering from trapped gas, gently bring the knees to the abdomen and back down a few times. Rescue Remedy cream can also be used when massaging the baby’s tummy.
6. Swaddling. Keeping the baby snuggled up in a warm and cozy blanket can help the baby feel safe and secure.
7. Bach Flower remedies. This homeopathic blend of flower essences can bring calm and relaxation to both the baby and parents.
8. Infant probiotics. Some theories suggest that colic can be caused by a lack of “gut flora,” which are healthy microorganisms that assist in digestion. The lack of these microorganisms can lead to difficulty in milk sugar breakdown. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus may help.
9. Herbal Teas. Some researchers say that infants can have up to 4 oz of herbal tea a day. Chamomile, catnip, and ginger are great herbal teas for colic. Consult your pediatrician or research additional information before using.
10. Soothing Sounds. White noise, the sound of your voice, repetitive tunes, nature sounds, and lullabies can all be effective in soothing the baby.
Get breast feeding products at Mom and Baby Shop
Babies will respond differently to soothing remedies. Try and keep track of what works best for your baby and when it is most effective (for example, soothing sounds may be most effective before the baby goes to sleep or gripe water may be most effective in the early morning).
New moms 101: Ten tips for soothing infant colic
Luckily, there are many resources to help with understanding colic. It is very important for parents to remain patient, calm, and relaxed; your emotions can influence the emotional state of your baby. Here are some tips that can help provide relief for both you and your baby.
1. Changes in Diet. For mothers who are nursing, avoid gas-producing foods, processed foods, and caffeine. For formula fed babies, sometimes avoiding dairy formula or selecting formula that is easily digestible can help with colic.
2. Gripe Water by Colic Calm. This is an all natural product that soothes the irritations of babies caused by colic, gas, stomach pains, hiccups, and teething. It is a homeopathic blend of chamomile, fennel, caraway, peppermint, ginger, aloe, blackthorn, and vegetable charcoal.
Get Colic Calm at Mom and Baby Shop
3. Keep close contact. Carrying the baby using a sling or wrap can be warm, safe, and comforting. Babies tend to be soothed by the feeling of being in the womb.
4. Warm baths. Babies can benefit from relaxing baths just as adults do. Try adding a few drops of lavender to the water or for babies with sensitive skin, Aveeno has a Calming Comfort line of baby bath products.
5. Infant massage. This can be soothing for the baby, especially after a warm and relaxing bath. Try using lavender or chamomile massage oil and rub the baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion. If the baby is suffering from trapped gas, gently bring the knees to the abdomen and back down a few times. Rescue Remedy cream can also be used when massaging the baby’s tummy.
6. Swaddling. Keeping the baby snuggled up in a warm and cozy blanket can help the baby feel safe and secure.
7. Bach Flower remedies. This homeopathic blend of flower essences can bring calm and relaxation to both the baby and parents.
8. Infant probiotics. Some theories suggest that colic can be caused by a lack of “gut flora,” which are healthy microorganisms that assist in digestion. The lack of these microorganisms can lead to difficulty in milk sugar breakdown. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus may help.
9. Herbal Teas. Some researchers say that infants can have up to 4 oz of herbal tea a day. Chamomile, catnip, and ginger are great herbal teas for colic. Consult your pediatrician or research additional information before using.
10. Soothing Sounds. White noise, the sound of your voice, repetitive tunes, nature sounds, and lullabies can all be effective in soothing the baby.
Get breast feeding products at Mom and Baby Shop
Babies will respond differently to soothing remedies. Try and keep track of what works best for your baby and when it is most effective (for example, soothing sounds may be most effective before the baby goes to sleep or gripe water may be most effective in the early morning).
New moms 101: Ten tips for soothing infant colic
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