(40 Ways) How To Get Rid Of Colic In Your Baby
Colic. One word that all parents fear.
A colicky baby’s cry can really drive you up the wall, causing a tremendous amount of stress.
In this topic, let’s touch on:
- what exactly is a colic
- the 40 methods in relieving your baby’s colic
What is baby colic?
Before we proceed, are you sure that your newborn baby is having colic?
The definition of colic follows the “Rule of 3”.
- Baby’s cry lasting more than 3 hours a day.
- It occurs at least 3 days in a week.
- It persists for at least 3 weeks in a row.
If the answer is yes to all of the above, then your baby is most likely having colic.
How to get rid of colic fast?
Here are 40 ways to soothe your baby with colic.
Some are proven, some are controversial.
How fast?
It depends.
As you know, all babies are different.
Therefore, some techniques may work for your baby, some may not.
1. Create a calm environment
Help your baby to relax by keeping noise to a minimum level.
Remember to dim the lights too.
2. Burp your baby after each feed
I am definitely sure you know you should burp your baby after a feed.
However, are you helping him to burp enough?
Some babies need to be burped 2-3 times to feel completely relieved.
3. Colic drops
Purchase simethicone from the retail pharmacy as you do not need a prescription from the doctor.
Simethicone helps in breaking down large gas bubbles in the baby’s gut into smaller ones.
Read the instructions on the box and booklet to ensure that you are giving the right dose to your baby.
Dentinox is one of the recommended ones and you can read more over at the official website.
If unsure, get help from our local pharmacists.
Now, the big question.
Does simethicone work for babies?
Multiple clinical studies have actually shown that taking simethicone and without taking it, makes no difference in reducing colic in babies.
“Although we found no good-quality trials to show benefit, simethicone is widely used for colic in infants in some countries.“
“According to the available evidence, there is no reason to use simethicone in the treatment of colic in infants.“
Er, what?
That’s right. It makes no difference.
However, parents who were involved in the clinical trials feel that the colic in their babies improved after taking simethicone.
So, what’s your take?
4. Feed your baby upright
Try to feed your baby as upright as possible.
This will minimize the amount of air from being trapped in the stomach.
It makes the burping session less tedious.
5. Avoid certain foods
If you are breastfeeding, try to minimize/avoid taking “gassy foods” such as:
- beans
- broccoli
- cabbage
- caffeinated beverages
- cauliflower
- chocolate
- coffee
- lemons
- melons
- onions
- oranges
- peanuts
- peppers
- tea
- tomatoes
Sure, it’s a long list.
But it’s definitely doable since it’s just for a short period of time.
Not a permanent ban.
6. Switch formulas
If your baby is on infant formula, consider switching to another brand.
Suavinex anti-colic bottles.
7. Anti-colic bottles
These bottles help to reduce the amount of air ingested by your baby during feeding.
They are usually more expensive than regular bottles and more difficult to clean, but definitely worth the money.
8. Small but frequent feeds
Reduces the amount of gas build-up in the stomach.
Make sure to burp your baby even if it is just a small feed.
9. Prioritize hind-milk
Remember to empty one breast completely first when you breastfeed your baby.
The hind-milk is richer and fattier as compared to the fore-milk.
Your baby will feel more satisfied after a feed, thus reducing the volume of milk he needs to consume.
10. Use a fast-flow teat
If your baby takes too long to finish off the milk (>15 – 20 minutes) using the milk bottle, then the teat size likely incorrect.
The longer your baby feeds on the milk bottle, the more air he gulps in.
Pretty sure you do not want that to happen.
11. Pacifier
Some parents may be a little resistant towards using a pacifier but it helps, especially in babies with colic and reflux.
The sucking action itself provides comfort.
12. Baby comforter
Similar to a pacifier, you can use small baby comforter as a replacement.
Kippins 100% Organic Baby Comforters.
The soothing effects come from sucking on the comforters.
After prolonged use, the comforter may very well be your baby’s best bud before bedtime.
13. Rocking baby
Rocking your baby up and down can be quite effective.
However, it can also get really tiring after a while when your baby gets heavier.
It can get troublesome too once your baby associates rocking with sleeping.
As a consequence, you will have to rock your baby to sleep each time.
14. Sit on a rocking chair
If you have a rocking chair, then use it!
15. Use a swing
There are a lot of mechanized swings available in the market now.
Gone are the days where you need to swing your baby manually.
Baby-wearing with Ergobaby.
16. Baby-wearing
What’s baby-wearing?
It is not about putting your baby in a baby carrier once he starts crying.
It means carrying your baby for several hours a day.
It helps the baby to get adjusted to life outside the womb.
Keeping him upright helps with reflux too.
And to ensure that your own back is well taken care of, get yourself a good baby carrier.
17. Warm bath
A warm bath calms your baby during their cranky moments in the evening.
A great bedtime routine to help them settle down.
18. Car rides
Your baby will experience motions similar to movements in the womb.
It does provide a calming effect.
19. Baby car seat
Sitting in the baby car seat works for some babies.
Be it in the car, or outside.
Your baby will feel more comforted sleeping in the car seat due to its slight upright position and curled nature of the seat.
Be warned though, that your baby’s sleep quality will be affected.
Only use it if you are feeling really desperate.
Besides, using the car seat without restraint can sometimes cause flat head in babies.
20. Pram rides
It works in the same way as car rides.
21. Stop smoking
If you smoke, I suggest that you stop it.
If there are second-hand smokers at home, please ask them not to smoke within the house premises.
“It is also known that the inhaled nicotine causes problems for the infant, speculating that it could lead to irritability, excessive crying, lassitude, colic and pallor.”
Proven by studies, of course.
Reducing tobacco exposure to your baby does not only reduce colic events but also provide long-term health benefits.
22. Consider probiotics
Probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri) may cut down the amount of crying time in babies.
Make sure you get the probiotics from reputable manufacturers approved by FDA and Malaysia’s food regulatory bodies.
23. Medicated oil
Heard of “Yu Yee” oil?
Yes, that’s right!
Just apply a few drops your baby’s tummy during diaper changing.
The heat from the medicated oil provides comfort to your little one.
24. Pressure on tummy
At times, it is just a simple as applying a gentle pressure on your baby’s abdomen with your palm.
25. Baby on tummy
Tummy time!
You can put your baby in a prone position while your baby is awake.
It is not advisable to let your baby sleep in such position as it increases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
26. Massage
Highly recommended!
Baby massage has been proven clinically to improve colic symptoms in just 1 week.
Remember to use a good baby massage oil too.
It is a great bedtime routine to get your little one ready for bed.
27. Rice pillows
This is a traditional method in which you pack rice into a small pillow to create a certain amount of weight.
It is placed unto your baby’s abdomen during sleep.
28. Tummy waistbands
Similar to rice pillows, these waistbands applies a certain amount of pressure over your baby’s tummy.
29. Magic mirror
Hold your baby in front of a mirror.
Place his hands and feet on the mirror.
He will quiet down after he sees himself cry. Fingers crossed.
30. Colic dance
Works best with mommy as the dance partner because the baby has grown accustomed to mommy’s movement while being in the womb.
The dance consists of 3 sets:
- up & down
- left & right
- front & forward
A bounce rate of 60 – 70 beats/minute works best.
31. Gas pump
Place your baby on his back, facing you.
Hold onto both his knees and do the cycling motion.
This helps to pass flatus.
In a not-so-polite manner, the fart.
32. Colic curl (forward)
Place your baby in a sitting position with his head on your chest and encircle your arms around your baby’s bottom.
33. Colic curl (reverse)
It is basically the same as the forward position, just that the baby faces you instead.
34. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy oil such as chamomile or lavender or both provides a calming effect.
It works better when you use it during baby massages.
35. Use white noise
White noise is similar to the type of sounds produced in the mommy’s womb such as the beating of the heartbeat, mommy’s breathing and the muffling sound of mommy’s voice.
It helps to comfort babies and soothe them to sleep.
36. Gripe water
An over-the-counter liquid supplement that consists of sodium bicarbonate and herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, etc.
May not work for all babies.
A cross-sectional study has shown that gripe water is not very effective in reducing colic but many mommies claimed gripe water works!
37. Swaddle
Use a baby blanket and wrap it snugly around your baby.
If you have a dryer, warm it up first.
Swaddled babies sleep more soundly than those who are not.
Please do not put your baby in a prone position when swaddled as there is an increased risk of SIDS too.
38. Go for a walk
Instead of being cooped up in the house all day, bring your baby for a walk.
A change in environment, fresh air and mother nature can help calm your little one.
39. Lullabies
Timе-tеѕtеd traditional lullabies can help soothe your baby too.
Some of the popular ones such as Baa Baa Black Sheep, Brahm’s Lullaby & Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
40. Avoid overstimulation
We all agree that a baby’s cry can be quite distressing.
Automatically, you will rush to carry your baby if he starts crying.
However, remember to carry your baby a little while longer and avoid putting him down immediately once he stops crying.
Carrying him up and putting him down repeatedly may cause more distress.
Your baby may just need that cuddle with you.
After all, he was carried in your womb 24 hours/day.
So carrying him a few hours a day is quite a bargain, don’t you think?
In collaboration with Ethissa
References:
- Savino F, Cordisco L, Tarasco V, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2010;126:e526–e533. | PubMed
- Tobacco smoke may increase colic | WebMD Health News
- Jain, Keerthi et al. “Gripe Water Administration in Infants 1-6 Months of Age-A Cross-Sectional Study.” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR 9.11 (2015): SC06–SC08. PMC. Web. 30 Oct. 2016. | PubMed
- Sheidaei, Ali et al. “The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy in the Treatment of Infantile Colic Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran 30 (2016): 351. Print. | PubMed
- Primo, Cândida Caniçali et al. “Effects of Maternal Nicotine on Breastfeeding Infants.” Revista Paulista de Pediatria 31.3 (2013): 392–397. | PubMed
- National Health Service Choices | NHS England
