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Cures for Colic

Colic is a condition that occurs in some babies until they are 3 to 6 months old. Babies with colic often develop a pattern of crying that can last for three hours or longer. Colic is caused by painful gas buildup in a baby's intestines or by a baby becoming overstimulated. Parents often become frustrated, frantic and exhausted, but there are ways to soothe and comfort your baby when they develop colic.

  1. Formula and Feeding

    • Babies who feed from a bottle get extra air in their digestive tracts. Over time, gas can build up causing the baby to become colicky. Reduce the amount of air a baby gets during bottle feeding by propping him up. Make sure the nipple is filled with formula and that air bubbles are at a minimum. Burp your baby after every 2 oz. when feeding. Burping releases extra air, minimizing tummy aches. Sometimes the formula doesn't agree with the baby's digestive system. Try switching to a formula with soy such as Isomil or a hypoallergenic formula such as Nutramigen.

    Swaddling

    • Swaddling is a great way to soothe your baby when she has colic. Lay your baby on a soft blanket and wrap it around her, with her arms and hands tucked in the blanket and her head out. Fold the blanket until it's snug but not uncomfortable to your baby. Place your baby on your chest with her ear over your heart. Swaddling and your heartbeat mimic the womb, making your baby feel secure and safe.

    Noise

    • Sing your baby a soft lullaby or gently shush in her ear. A soft voice can comfort your baby, and shushing mimics sounds of the womb. If this doesn't work, run a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners are a type of white noise that resembles the frequency of noise that the baby heard inside the womb. Hearing a sound that is familiar and comforting can stop your baby from crying.

    Motion

    • Babies get used to constant movement while inside the womb. Put your baby in a swing and turn it to the low setting. The movement of the swing is similar to the swaying motion of being inside the tummy. Placing your baby on his stomach across your knees and bouncing gently while patting on his back can help calm him. This is a great way to help relieve any gas that has built up and feels good on his belly. You can also take your baby for a car ride. Wrap your baby snug and secure him in the car seat. The motion from the car will quiet him and perhaps put him to sleep.

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