Home Remedies for Colic

Colic can be a stressful time for the baby as well as the parents. This condition is unexplained. Unfortunately, there are no known medical cures for colic; however, you may be able to relieve the symptoms with home remedies. If you are at your wits' end and are unsure how to help your baby, some things make take the pressure off the both of you.

Identification

• When babies cry or are fussy for no apparent reason, they may be colicky. Most new parents believe that when a baby cries, there is something wrong. This is not always true. When your baby cries, rocking her can sooth and calm her. Car rides, bouncy seats, cribs and rocking chairs can calm the baby as well as give her parents a moment of relief. Walking around with the child and singing can also help her relax. When the baby kicks her feet out and stiffens up, that seems to be signal stomach pains; rubbing the belly in a circular motion may relieve the symptoms. Warm a slightly damp towel by placing it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Check the warmth of the towel. If it is only slightly warm, place it on your child's belly.

Time Frame

• Colic usually starts when the baby is about 2 or 3 weeks old and lasts about 3 or 4 months. The crying can last approximately 3 to 4 hours a day, about 3 days a week. However, depending on your child, colic may seem to last longer. Milk-based products may be a cause of the problem. If you are breast-feeding or giving your baby formula, avoid dairy products in your diet as well as his. In about two weeks, you should notice signs of improvement. If you do not, then dairy products were not the cause.
  Sometimes when a child is overly tired, he will cry and cry. Once you have tried everything, including changing, feeding and comforting him, lay him down in his bed. He may cry for a few minutes, but should fall fast asleep. If the child is still crying within 15 minutes of being laid down, pick him up and sing and rock him to sleep.

Types

• Newborns need time on their belly to develop their arms and legs for crawling. This is also a recommended method in relieving colic symptoms. Place the baby in a safe, hard surface on her tummy and let her move. Always keep a close eye on the baby while she's on her belly, as suffocation can occur. Fill a water bottle with warm tap water and lay it on her back. Place a thin towel or cloth between her skin and the bottle.
  Giving herbal or peppermint tea to your baby in her bottle may relieve the symptoms. You can safely give her 2 to 4 oz. of tea a day. However, a newborn baby feeds often through the day; remember that she must eat breast milk or formula to receive the correct nutrition. After feeding and tea, burp her. Gas can cause symptoms of colic.
  If you are breast-feeding, what you eat and drink reflects the baby's food. Take plenty of fiber and vitamins so the baby will have the correct balance of nutrients. Avoid drinking or eating sugar and caffeine products while breast-feeding.

Expert Insight

• According to Angela Kerevarah, a certified nurse midwife, medical professionals does not know what causes colic. Some figures in the field agree that it may be relative to the digestive track. Burping, soy milk formula and calmness of the child may relieve colic. An active and stressed baby can sometimes show signs of colic. Gently soothing him may relieve that anxiety. Take any pressure off his stomach by placing him on a soft surface or on your lap.

Warning

• Always speak with a doctor before you try any home remedies. Some medical providers may give you the green light, while others may say it is not safe to do so. When dealing with warm or hot remedies, keep in mind the baby is sensitive to hot items. Even if it does not feel overly warm or hot to you, it could burn the baby. Always use warm water and test on your wrist before giving it to your baby. Tummy time is important for development and can relieve symptoms of colic, but never leave your child unattended or allow him to sleep on his stomach.