Colic

Colic is a term that refers to frequent attacks of abdominal pain possibly originating in an infant’s intestine.

There is no known cause for the condition, but sometimes the attacks are associated with hunger or swallowing air.

On occasion, the baby may feel better if he passes gas or has a bowel movement.

Colic is usually worse for infants from three weeks to three months old and tends to end spontaneously with no special help by the time the child is five months old.

A colicky baby can take a toll on the nerves of the parents as well as upset the baby.

There are some home remedies that parents can use in an attempt to try to calm a baby suffering from colic.

Home Remedies For Colic:

Humming:

Use something that creates a low-level humming in the background such as running a vacuum cleaner, dishwasher or another appliance.

This can have a soothing effect on a colicky baby.

Fish Tank:

A fish tank in the baby’s room can help quiet the baby. The sound of bubbles going through the filter has a calming effect.

Washer and Dryer:

Put the child in his infant seat and fasten him securely. Place the seat next to the washer or dryer while they are in motion.

The seat must touch the appliance so the baby can feel the vibrations.

Hot Water Bottle:

Fill a hot water bottle and place it in the baby’s crib with a towel over it. Position the baby so that his head and feet are draped over the bottle and his stomach is on it.

Playtime:

Schedule some playtime for the baby. By scheduling playtimes to keep the baby happy, he is less likely to have crying episodes.

Holding Baby:

Hold your baby when he is crying. It doesn’t matter if he is crying from colic or something else, but anything that calms the baby is worthwhile.

He needs to feel safe and protected as well as loved, and picking him up when he cries does that for him.

Burping:

Try burping the baby. If the colic is caused from gas or air in the stomach, getting him to burp will provide relief.

Herbal Tea:

Herbal tea may also help with colic. Though many people don’t realize it, you can safely give a baby up to four ounces of herbal tea per day without doctor recommendations.

The best ones to give are chamomile, ginger, catnip, and peppermint. Do not use the teas to replace meals but simply to ease the symptoms of colic.