How to cure colic is a question that many parents ask when their baby cries inconsolably for hours.
Colic is a common condition that affects up to 40% of infants in their first three months of life. It is not a disease, but a pattern of excessive crying that usually occurs in the late afternoon or evening. The exact cause of colic is unknown, but some possible factors include gas, reflux, immature digestive system, overstimulation, or temperament.
If you are dealing with a colicky baby, you may feel frustrated, helpless, and exhausted. You may wonder if there is anything you can do to soothe your baby and ease their discomfort.
The good news is that there are some natural and effective remedies that can help you and your baby cope with colic. In this article, we will share with you seven of them, along with some tips on how to prevent and manage colic.
If you experience abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or often farting, it is an early sign of colic symptoms.
Colic is an abdominal pain that interferes with the functioning of the digestive tract, such as the stomach, bowel, or urinary tract. Colic can be a condition that is not very comfortable or very serious. For babies, colic usually is a circumstance that is not too serious, but could make parents confused.
Colic in infants is a condition in which babies feel pain or abdominal pain because of air or gas in the stomach which interferes with digestion. Colic is not a symptom of a serious disease and common in infants between 2 weeks to 4 months. How to cure colic in infants is actually not complicated, but requires patience and extra attention from the mother.
Infantile colic is a complex and poorly understood condition that affects many babies and their parents. There are many possible factors and mechanisms that may contribute to colic, such as gas, reflux, inflammation, hormones, microbiota, or nervous system development.
However, none of these have been conclusively proven, and the exact cause of colic remains unknown. For more details on the possible factors and mechanisms behind infantile colic, you can read this article from The BMJ.
How To Cure Colic
Before to cure colic in infants, mothers should make sure that the baby was crying not because hungry, bed wetting, freezing, overheating, due to illness, or other reasons. Colic in infants usually occurs suddenly after sucking or wake from sleep. The baby cried loudly and constantly to be more than 1 or 2 hours.
While crying, facial blushing, hand clenched, feet lifted, and knees bent toward the chest, as if holding something uncomfortable in the stomach. There is a chance happening flatulence in infants and usually cold. If mom detects these symptoms, it’s likely it was colic. Here are some ways that can moms do to cure colic in infants:
1. Burp your baby frequently
One of the simplest ways to prevent and relieve gas-related colic is to burp your baby frequently during and after feeding. This can help expel any air that your baby may have swallowed while sucking or crying. To burp your baby, hold them upright against your shoulder or chest, and gently pat or rub their back.
You can also lay them on their stomach across your lap, or sit them on your lap with one hand supporting their chest and the other hand patting their back. Burp your baby for a few minutes after each feeding, or whenever they seem fussy or uncomfortable.
2. Massage your baby’s abdomen
Another way to ease gas-related colic is to massage your baby’s abdomen gently with your fingertips. This can help stimulate the movement of gas and stool through the intestines, and relax the abdominal muscles. To massage your baby’s abdomen, lay them on their back on a soft surface, and expose their belly.
Use a natural oil or lotion to lubricate your fingers, and start from the lower right side of their belly. Move your fingers in a clockwise circular motion, following the path of the large intestine.
You can also move your fingers in a downward motion from the ribs to the pelvis, or gently bend and straighten your baby’s legs towards their chest. Do this for a few minutes, or until your baby seems relaxed or passes gas or stool.
3. Bathe baby with warm water.
Baby bathing with warm water can reduce the pain due to colic. In addition to blood circulation to be smooth so that it can help reduce the symptoms of colic.
4. Give something warm in the stomach of the baby.
Applying a warm compress to your baby’s abdomen can also help relax the muscles and ease the pain caused by colic. You can use a warm water bottle, a heating pad, or a towel soaked in warm water. Make sure the temperature is not too hot, and wrap the compress in a cloth to avoid burning your baby’s skin.
Place the compress on your baby’s belly for a few minutes, or until they seem calmer. You can also hold your baby close to your chest, and let them feel your body heat and heartbeat. This can provide comfort and security to your baby, and help them settle down.
5. Give the baby a probiotic or a warm honey water.
Research points to the fact that babies who are having colic has microbiota above normal. But you should consult with your doctor first about giving probiotics to infants. Whereas, in the granting of water warm honey, natural sweetness of honey may reduce the pain due to colic in infants.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help with digestion and immunity. Some studies have suggested that probiotics may help reduce the duration and intensity of colic in some babies, especially those who are breastfed .
This may be because probiotics can help balance the gut flora, which may be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, formula feeding, or birth mode. To give probiotics to your baby, you can either take them yourself if you are breastfeeding, or add them to your baby’s formula or milk.
You can find probiotic supplements designed for infants at your local pharmacy or online. Make sure to consult your pediatrician before giving probiotics to your baby, and follow the dosage and instructions carefully.
6. Use herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat colic and other digestive issues in babies. These include chamomile, fennel, ginger, and mint. These herbs have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative properties, which can help soothe the stomach and intestines, and relieve gas and cramps.
You can make a herbal tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried herb or one tablespoon of fresh herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down. You can give your baby one to two teaspoons of the tea, either directly or mixed with their formula or milk, up to three times a day.
You can also drink the tea yourself if you are breastfeeding, as the benefits may pass through your milk to your baby. However, be careful not to give too much tea to your baby, as it may interfere with their hydration and nutrition.
Also, check with your pediatrician before using any herbal remedies, as some of them may have side effects or interactions with other medications.
7. Swaddle your baby
Swaddling is a comforting technique for infants, aiding in colic reduction by recreating a womb-like atmosphere. Lay your baby on a flat surface, head above a folded blanket corner. Cover the baby’s body with the left blanket corner, tucking it under the right arm. Bring the bottom corner up over the feet, tucking it in.
Place the right corner over the body, tucking it under the left arm. Ensure a snug yet breathable fit. Alternatively, use swaddle wraps with Velcro or snaps. Swaddle during sleep or rest, stopping when the baby rolls over or breaks free
8. Rock your baby
Rocking your baby gently can also help soothe them and reduce colic. Rocking can provide motion and stimulation that can distract your baby from their discomfort, and help them fall asleep. You can rock your baby in your arms, in a rocking chair, in a cradle, or in a swing. You can also add some soft music, white noise, or lullabies to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Rock your baby until they are calm or asleep, and then put them down in their crib or bassinet. Do not leave your baby unattended in a swing or cradle, and follow the safety guidelines for using these devices.
9. Create a relaxing and comfortable environment for the baby.
Colic in infants, causing discomfort in the stomach. To reduce the worsening of this discomfort, create a calm, comfortable environment, and away from the crowd or uproar. The lighting in the room should also be organized so as not too bright, dim but not too dark.
You can also listen to the rhythmic music that your baby loves. Baby blanket, and swing slowly while being picked up. If the atmosphere outside the home support, take the baby for a walk.
10. Try a baby fart.
Generally, babies experience colic because there is accumulation of air or gas in the stomach. In addition to causing flatulence, gas buildup in the stomach makes it difficult for the baby’s bowel movements.
To overcome this, stimulate the release of gas by applying body warming oils on the baby’s stomach, rubbing the stomach gently and tilt to the right, until the baby fart or defecate.
FAQ
What are the signs and symptoms of colic?
Colic is defined as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks in an otherwise healthy baby.
The crying usually starts and stops suddenly, and is often accompanied by clenched fists, arched back, red face, and legs drawn up to the chest.
The crying may occur at any time of the day, but is more common in the late afternoon or evening. The baby may also have trouble sleeping, feeding, or calming down.
When does colic start and end?
Colic usually starts around two to four weeks of age, and peaks around six to eight weeks. It usually ends by three to four months of age, as the baby’s digestive system matures and they develop better coping skills.
How can I cope with colic as a parent?
Colic can be very stressful and exhausting for parents, as they may feel helpless, guilty, or angry. It is important to take care of yourself and seek support from your partner, family, friends, or health care provider. Here are some tips to cope with colic as a parent:
– Take turns with your partner or someone else to care for your baby, and take breaks when you need to.
– Try to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly.
Join a support group or talk to other parents who have gone through colic.
– Do not blame yourself or your baby for the colic, and do not take it personally.
– Do not shake, hit, or harm your baby in any way, as this can cause serious injury or death. If you feel overwhelmed or angry, put your baby down in a safe place, and walk away until you calm down. Call for help if you need to.
– Seek professional help if you have signs of depression, anxiety, or postpartum mood disorder, such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt, irritability, loss of interest, insomnia, appetite changes, or suicidal thoughts.
Bottom Line
Colic is a common and frustrating condition that affects many babies and their parents. While there is no definitive cure for colic, there are some natural and effective remedies that can help you and your baby cope with it. These remedies can help soothe your baby’s stomach and intestines, and calm their nervous system.
They can also provide comfort and security to your baby, and help them sleep better. However, remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. You may have to try different remedies or combinations of remedies to find what works best for your baby.
Also, always consult your pediatrician before using any remedy, and monitor your baby’s reaction. If your baby’s colic does not improve, or if they have other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or weight loss, seek medical attention immediately.
Thank you very much for reading How To Cure Colic, hopefully useful.
