Ways To Help Soothe Your Baby’s Colic Symptoms
“My baby has been crying inconsolably for 2 hours now. I am not sure what else to do. How can I help soothe her?”
This is the one question parents usually ask themselves when they find their baby crying and screaming inconsolably. Colic is characterized as being a frequent, prolonged, and intense crying or fussiness episode occurring in a healthy infant, and usually peaks when the infant is about 6 weeks old and declines around the 3 to 4 months mark. Colic can be very frustrating for parents, especially first-time parents when they do not know why their baby is in distress for no apparent reason and no amount of consoling seems to bring any relief to the baby.
COLIC is actually a symptom and NOT a disease! People usually use colic as a diagnosis to explain a newborns fussiness or excessive crying. When in reality, there is no known reason why they are crying inconsolably. It can be 1 reason or a combination of reasons why your baby has colic. But whatever the cause, it is important to understand that it is not a disease. Instead, consider it a symptom of an underlying condition.
Here are some tips to help soothe your baby during those intense crying hours:
Dim the lights and create a relaxing environment with little to no stimulation for your baby.
Burping can usually help since the intense crying builds up gas which can further increase pain for your baby.
Play white noise or soft music.
Follow the 5 S’s such as sucking, swing, swaddle, shushing, and side/stomach position hold.
Move their legs in a bicycle position to relieve pressure or gas.
Gripe water can help some babies but there is no evidence backing this up nor is it FDA regulated. Please consult your pediatrician before using this with your baby.
Rocking or bouncing your baby can also help as it brings back the sensation of being in the womb for them.
Tummy time or applying pressure on the tummy can help some babies.
If you find yourself using all of these methods but still are unable to soothe your baby then please ask your pediatrician on other ways to help with a colicky baby. Sometimes time is all you need and it will pass. Be patient. You got this!!!
Hours and hours of daily crying doesn’t hurt the baby as much as it hurts the parents. Listening to a baby scream and cry is heartbreaking, upsetting, and can be anxiety-provoking for some parents. Therefore it can certainly take a mental and physical toll on you.
Here are some tips for you to help cope with a colicky baby:
SWITCH OFF: If a parent can switch off with someone else, either another parent or caretaker, then it can help. Maybe create a code word for you and your partner so you know when it is time for the other to take over.
TAKE A BREAK: If you are solo parenting or your spouse is at work then it is okay to take a break. It is safer for you and your baby if you just place them down in the crib/bassinet. It is okay to have them cry for a few minutes while you step away and recharge.
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Sometimes it helps when you share your struggles and experiences with either your spouse, family members, friends, or even mom groups online.
SEEK HELP: Seeing a therapist is also beneficial if you are to the point where it is affecting your mental sanity. It happens. It is perfectly okay. Accept it and seek help.
Keep in mind that this is a phase and it shall pass. Stay strong. You are doing the best you can.
And remember, you are the best parent for your child.
If you think your baby has colic, please call your child’s pediatrician for a detailed evaluation.
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xoxo,
Unnati
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