Solution Facts
Before you consider some possible solutions for colic in newborns, it is first crucial to understand some facts about colic and its treatment. Here are some things you should know:
- You need to address your baby’s colic problem. It is not life threatening and may eventually resolve itself through time. Nonetheless, you cannot ignore it. The stress caused by bouts of colic to people in your home will not help you or your baby. You probably will not also be able to take the emotional toll of loud crying and the possible sleepless nights that may come as a consequence.
- The causes of colic in newborns are poorly understood. Hence, there are no absolute solutions to it. Some babies will grow calmer through some techniques while others may continue having crying bouts until they are over four months. This means not every solution will work for every baby.
- You need to see the pediatrician. He can help you find possible solutions that will work for you and your baby. More importantly though, a good pediatrician will also be able to rule out all other possible dangerous causes of prolonged crying. If the pediatrician does diagnose colic, you should inform him if you intend to let your baby drink any form of medication or oral solution whether synthetic or natural.
Possible Solutions
As long as the solutions you try using do not harm your baby, you and his pediatrician may attempt a little careful trial and error in finding the right solution. Here are some possible solutions to colic in newborns:
- The doctor may prescribe some medicine to help reduce the gas in your baby’s tummy. This is not a standard colic treatment procedure. Medication may or may not relieve colic and may even bring about some medication side effects.
- Colic may be eased through some strategies that can help your baby relax or feel comforted. There are so many unique ways to go about comforting a baby. Examples of these include cuddling, rocking, a warm bath, gentle massage and soft singing.
- The doctor may recommend some diet changes. Hypoallergenic milk or soy formula may be used instead of milk with lactose. It might also help if you make sure that your baby gets a good burp after every meal.
- Keeping yourself patient and calm may help your baby relax too. It is possible that colic in newborns may be promoted by maternal anxiety which the baby may sense.
If nothing works, do not despair. Colic may naturally disappear once your baby hits four months or more. You may just have to cope as best as you can until your baby passes the stage. It is still important though to periodically consult your baby’s pediatrician. You would want to be reassured that your baby has a case of colic and not a serious condition.
Colic Tip #1
Be Patient: Colic problems will lessen with age, so realize that things will get better in the future. In the mean time, try to stay calm, reassuring and loving. The best thing for your child is a well-rested parent.
Colic Tip #2
Feed Less But More Often: Whether breast feeding or bottle feeding, try feeding a baby with colic half as much as usual and twice as often. Little tummies can’t handle getting too much too fast and the breakdown of lactose can cause an increase in intestinal gas.
Colic Tip #3
Enlist Help: One if the best things you can do if you have a colicky baby is to give yourself a break and get away from it all. Get your spouse, parents, aunts, uncles or even a babysitter to lend a hand for a while so you can rest and recharge your batteries.