The first thing you have to do even before you consider any remedy is to rule out all other possible causes of crying. This may be anything from a simple skin rash to a full blown medical condition. If your baby isn’t hungry, wet or tired, you should ask a pediatrician to have a look at him to make sure he isn’t seriously sick with something. If both of you are certain that your baby has colic, you might as well also ask your doctor for advice on colic remedies. This is especially if you plan to give your baby anything orally.
Be warned though. Since there are no known cures for colic, these home remedies for colic can only do so much. There is no guarantee that they will work for your baby. What’s more, not every baby will react well to any of the remedies. In short, you may have to work extra hours just trying to locate an effective remedy. Here are some possible remedies that you may want to try.
- Gentle shushing noises may be helpful for some babies. These noises may remind them of the peaceful and comfortable environment of the mother’s womb where they came from. You can simulate soothing noises using a white noise player. You can also try running water, washer on timer or turning on radio noise when it isn’t set on a specific channel.
- As with many other conditions, some advocate the use of specific herbs as home remedies for colic. Some herbs like chamomile, basil, ginger and peppermint may be prepared like tea for the baby to drink. There are also some store-bought preparations available. As mentioned though, always ask the doctor first before you let your baby take anything.
- Motion is a simple remedy that may calm your baby. You may simply take her in your arms, put her in a rocker or take her out for a drive. For some babies, combining movement with soft sounds can do even more.
- A warming pad or bottle might help your baby. You can wrap a warm bottle with cloth and place it on his stomach. Be sure though that the bottle is not too warm or you could hurt your baby.
- Massage techniques are also home remedies for colic. You might want to learn how to do the techniques properly though. Massage could be another source of baby injury if not properly executed. One example of a soothing massage is moving your hand gently horizontally over the upper right portion of your baby’s stomach and then moving down. You can repeat it for the other side of the stomach until the baby calms down.
There are many other home remedies for colic. The most important thing to remember though is to simply be patient. If none of the remedies work, you just have to wait for your baby to grow up.
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.