Soothing Colic Naturally

All babies cry. It is how they communicate their needs: to be fed, changed, cuddled, and so on. But sometimes babies cry a lot and for no apparent reason. Excessive crying in a healthy baby is known as colic and is quite common. While stressful for parents, colic in newborns is harmless and usually goes away on its own. There are, however, some natural ways you can soothe a colicky baby. Read on to discover more about colic and ways to provide relief.

What is colic?

Colic is defined as excessive crying in a healthy baby that lasts for more than 3 hours, happens more than 3 days per week, and lasts for more than 3 weeks. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 1 in 4 newborns may experience colic. Colicky babies are often gassy and fussy and do not sleep well. Understandably, this can cause stress and anxiety for parents. However, colic typically goes away on its own at 3 to 4 months of age.

What are some common symptoms of colic?

The most common symptom is excessive crying. Many colicky babies tend to start crying at the same time every day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. However, colicky crying sounds a bit different. It is often louder and higher pitched. Babies might also clench their fists, pull up their legs, arch their backs, or have a tense belly. If you think your baby may be suffering from colic, talk to your pediatrician.

What causes colic?

Doctors are not entirely sure what causes colic. Some professionals believe colic may be due to an underdeveloped digestive system, gas or abdominal pain, intolerance to certain foods, not enough healthy bacteria in the gut, too much or too little feeding, not enough burping, or even family stress. Either way, caring for a colicky baby can be challenging and energy zapping. Luckily, there are a few natural ways to soothe colicky babies.

7 Tips to soothe colicky babies naturally

1. Feeding

If you are nursing, monitor what you eat. Everything you eat is passed down to your baby through breastfeeding. Foods that may affect your little one include caffeine, milk products, onions, cabbage, and chocolate. Talk to your pediatrician about eliminating foods one at a time to see if this has an impact. If you are feeding baby formula, talk to your pediatrician about switching to a different brand, as babies can be sensitive to certain proteins in formula. It is also important not to overfeed your baby, as this could cause discomfort.

2. Motion

Take baby on a walk in a stroller or hold them in your arms or a baby carrier. The body contact and motion provide comfort and help soothe them. You can also try car rides.

3. Rocking

Sit in a rocking chair or hold baby in your arms as you sway side to side. Playing soft music or singing lullabies can also help.

4. Swaddle

Wrapping baby in a receiving blanket provides comfort and warmth so they feel secure. This can calm them down.

5. Gentle massage or bicycle legs

Rubbing your babies back or gently massaging their tummy in a clockwise motion can help release trapped gas. You can also lay baby on their back and move their legs in a bicycle motion.

6.  Rhythmic noise

Turning on a white noise machine, fan, or a recording of soothing sounds, such as the ocean waves, can provide soothing background noise and help to distract baby.

7. Heat

Just like in adults with an upset stomach or belly cramps, heat can provide tremendous comfort to your little one. Magic Bag’s brand-new Kai and Milo Warmy compresses for newborns are filled with rice, can be heated in the microwave, and have ultra-soft covers for direct skin contact with newborns. Not to mention that they are ridiculously cute!

Fortunately, colic is a harmless and short-lived condition. However, this does not make it any easier for parents. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out about your crying baby, reach out to family or friends and ask them to watch baby while you take a break. Your well-being is important, so remember to take care of yourself as well.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10823-colic

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colic

https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/best-colic-remedies

https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/colic_and_crying