Got Colic? – Ideas to Help Calm Your Baby

If you think that your baby is colicky, please talk to your doctor about it to make sure that there is not another reason for your baby's crying. Ask about Acid Reflux or a milk allergy. Any advice presented here is personal and not from a physician. 

Colic usually starts around two weeks old and goes away on its own by three or four months. If your baby is under five months old and cries for more than three hours in a row, three or more days a week it could be colic.  The causes are really unknown, and colic can impact any baby. 

Coping with Colic

As a parent, colic can be frustrating. One day your baby is happy and calm, the next, she won't stop crying. Take a few deep breaths, and try to stay relaxed. This period will pass! In the meantime, here are a few ways you can help your baby.

• Use a (warm) hot water bottle. Make sure it's not too hot for your baby's sensitive skin. Wrap it in a towel and put it gently on baby's tummy. If it feels warm to you, it's probably too hot for your baby.
• Gentle massage. Some babies may like it, others may not. See how your child does with it.
• White noise. If your baby is having trouble falling (and staying) asleep, think about using some white noise. You can play natural sounds from a noise machine, or place a fan in the room (away from baby). Believe it or not some babies will fall asleep while you are running a vacuum!
• Movement. Rocking your baby, put her in the swing,  take a car car ride or wear her in a carrier while you walk. Movement of any type will often calm a fussy infant!
• Go outside! Put baby in the stroller or swing and get outdoors! it's always good to get outside in the fresh air and the movement from walking will help calm her.
• Swaddling. Swaddling helps baby feel secure because it mimics the feeling of being in the womb. 
• Warm bath. A warm bath with lavender baby wash can help to calm baby. 
• Pacifier. There are times when baby needs something to suck on. For some, it helps.
• Change bottles. Try a variety! The bottle your using could be making baby gassy and a change may make a big difference. 
• Skin to skin contact. Place your baby on your chest. He will be able to hear your heartbeat and breathing. Talk in a soothing voice.

The most important thing is to give you (and baby!) time. It can be frustrating and overwhelming to have your child cry. You may need to  some extra support. It's OK to ask for help from a babysitter, family member, or friend! Don't give up just because one strategy isn't working. With a little trial and error, you'll find what works for you and your little one. 

About the author: Nicholas H. Parker is a father of a baby-girl. He works as a freelance writer for BuyEssayClub. In this case, he can spend enough time with his daughter.

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