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How to Control Colic

When your newborn baby cries more than three hours a day around the same time every day, he could have colic. Colic is fairly common in healthy, well-fed newborns, affecting one in four babies, and could last between three and nine months. The causes and treatments of colic are still unknown, but these tips should help parents cope with a child who has this disease.

Things You'll Need

  • Notebook or paper
  • Writing utensil
  • Family doctor or child physician
  • Lightweight blanket
  • Probiotics
  • Baby bottles
  • Pacifier
  • Music player
  • White noise machine
  • Family and friends
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Instructions

  1. Determining If Your Baby Has Colic

    • 1

      Check for symptoms, like if your baby's crying follows a schedule and is more intense or high pitched than normal. Clenching of fists, curling of legs and tensing of abdominal muscles are also common signs of colic. Colic usually starts a few weeks after birth and ends by three months, but a few babies symptoms can last months longer.

    • 2

      Track how long your baby cries, when the crying usually begins and any patterns in her sleeping and eating.

    • 3

      Consult a family doctor if you notice changes in any of these patterns. Be sure to tell the physician of your findings, and prepare questions to ask. Example questions may include the following: "Does my baby have colic or is there another reason for the crying episodes?" "What should my family and I do to cope with the crying?" "Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?" (Mayo Clinic staff)

    Treatment and Coping

    • 4

      Give your baby probiotics in an attempt to soothe colic. Some research has shown that probiotics have helped with colic control, but no conclusive evidence has been found. Probiotics help maintain the "good" bacteria in the digestive tract, and can be administered by BioGaia Probiotic Drops. Consult your family doctor on whether probiotics, or other medications could help, and ask about any side effects.

    • 5

      Feed your baby more frequently, but with smaller portions, holding him upright and burping him often. If you are breast-feeding, try emptying one breast completely during breast-feeding, as it provides more hindmilk. Also, be mindful of your diet by avoiding dairy products, citrus fruits, spicy foods and caffeine. When not feeding try using a pacifier, as the sucking can soothe.

    • 6

      Hold your baby in a comfortable, lightweight blanket, and gently rock her. A light tummy massage could also soothe colic. If your arms get tired, try taking your child for a car ride, safely secured in her car seat, or place her in a vibrating crib or baby seat.

    • 7

      Sing to your baby, or play music or white noise. This could soothe not only your child, but also you as well, or help pass the time until your child stops crying.

    • 8

      Ask your doctor about alternative treatments and medicines, like herbal teas or glucose, to see if they're safe for your child.

    • 9

      Give yourself a break by placing your child in his crib for five to 10 minutes, and let him cry. See if family or friends could watch your child for half an hour to an hour, allowing you time to rest or get out of the home. By keeping yourself stress free, you can find better ways of dealing with your child's colic.

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