Soothing A Colic Baby

Colic - All babies cry, however babies that cry for more than a few hours a day for more than a couple of days in any given week will likely have colic, which means not much sleep for already sleep deprived parents. Babies with colic will often be out of control with their crying, in spite of being well fed with the breast or baby bottle. Although colic is a harmless condition it can be quite distressing for parents or your babysitter.

Roughly 20% of babies get colic, and it does not discriminate between gender, first born children and those born later. Generally speaking, colic can occur at around two to four weeks of age and can last for three months, or longer in some cases.

The cause of colic is still a big mystery in the medical world; however, there are ways to help your baby down if she is going through an episode of colic. In the past colic was thought to be related to the digestive system - painful abdominal gas may contribute to colic, but there is little evidence to prove it's due to gastrointestinal problems.

There are many possible causes of colic, but a pretty common one is a combination of the baby's overall temperament and a nervous system that is still very young. The baby's disposition might make her highly especially sensitive to the environment around her and your baby could possibly react to normal stimulation by crying.

The most problematic symptom of colic is crying for long periods of time, that is what keeps us awake and makes us anxious. Even though crying can occur quite randomly, it is usually worse at night. Babies may tilt their heads, lift their legs up to their tummy, become flushed in the face and pass wind. Some babies may refuse to eat or even have difficulty falling and staying asleep – this is very common.

Normally, colic is not a serious condition. Research shows that babies with colic continue to eat and gain weight normally, despite the crying. The main problem with the condition is the stress and anxiety it creates within the home. Parents and other family members may find it difficult to cope with the constant crying, so it's important to have support and to take a break now and then.

If your baby has colic she will not need to see a doctor or paediatrician. However, any parent who is concerned about their baby's crying and colic may want to get advice from a healthcare professional to make sure there is no serious problem. Before you see your baby’s paediatrician, you should try a process of elimination for things that may be making your baby cry; hunger, tiredness, lack of contact, temperature or pain.

If your baby has colic or is susceptible to colic you could consider the following:

• Try a different formula

• If your baby is using baby bottles you should take a long hard look at the baby bottles and teats you are using. Poorly designed teats/nipples and baby bottles may increase the risk of colic for your baby

• Breastfed babies should continue with breast milk, changing this may make colic worse for your baby

• Mothers who are breastfeeding may take the following foods out of their diet - cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, parsnips, onions, or beans, garlic, apricots, melon, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol. By reintroducing foods gradually, you may be able to identify which food, if any, is causing the problem.

• If you are breastfeeding you could try eliminating cow’s milk from your diet as your baby may find processing lactose troubling

• If your baby seems to have a lot of wind, make sure he or she is burped frequently.

Anti-Colic Soothing Techniques:

• Try and avoid using a pram after feeds. Instead, go for a walk with her in a sling or at least so that she is upright

• Swaddle her firmly

• If she has a favourite swing, try using it

• Go for a drive. A word of warning though, do not let her get used to this method otherwise your petrol bill will go through the roof trying to soothe her

• Try a dummy. However, be mindful that this will inhibit her vocal expressions

• Soothe her by having a shower together

There is not one ‘holy grail’ of a cure for colic in terms of prescription medication. However, we at BPA Free Baby Bottles Online recommend a more holistic approach to colic incorporating our soothing techniques. The best holistic medicine on the market, by a long way, is Brauer Colic Relief. Here is a little description for Brauer Colic Relief from our online store “Brauer Colic Relief is for babies who suffer from colic, and for parents for that matter. Brauer Colic Relief is a natural and homeopathic blend of herbs that is really effective and will ultimately able your baby to settle at night and give parents some much needed sleep”

The only real sure to colic is patience, compassion and understanding. Sleep whenever and wherever you can – every second counts.