What Is Colic And What Can Be Done To Prevent Or Ease It?

If your baby has colic, you are surely at your wit's end. The constant crying and unhappy baby are probably not what you had in mind when you brought that bundle of joy home from the hospital. If you suspect your baby has colic, it's important to get your pediatrician's help right away as well as doing as much as possible at home to ease and prevent the problem. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of colic and provide some tips on helping your baby be colic free. Read on to learn more.

If your baby has colic, you have probably observed that he or she cries for several hours a day on at least three days of every week. These crying jags usually last about three hours. If this situation is ongoing for a minimum of three weeks, you can be pretty sure that your baby has colic. One good thing to understand is that colic usually doesn't last for longer than three months, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Be that as it may, you and your baby are pretty miserable now, and there has to be something you can do!

The best thing you can do for your baby is pay close attention to your own peace of mind. Be sure to delegate authority and turn to your partner, friends and relatives for well-needed respite. By taking some time to assure your own peace of mind, you will be better able to cope with your screaming baby.

Remember that the baby is not upset with you! This will help you avoid being upset with the baby! If you have been caring for your colicky baby for an extended period and no help is on the horizon, you may feel that you simply must have a break. In this case, be sure the baby is clean and dry and safely situated in a bassinet or crib so that you can just step into the next room for five minutes to get a cup of tea and take a breath. If you are lucky, your baby might fall asleep!

When you are caring for your baby during a crying jag, try walking with him or her. Carrying the baby in a front carrier, sling or in your arms can help soothe the baby and calm the crying. Rocking, swinging and swaying can also be helpful. A walk outdoors on a pleasant day may also be helpful. Be sure to be gentle and quiet to help calm your baby.

In the nursery, a white noise machine, a nature-sounds generator, quiet music or some other rhythmic, soothing sound may be helpful. Of course, gently singing lullabies is a time-honored way to soothe any unhappy baby.

Keep your nursery and your home calm and quiet. Keep lighting soft and don't allow a lot of raucous, unpredictable noise and activity. Little babies lack the ability to block out unwanted noises, scents and sounds, so it's important that you keep your surroundings comforting and calm to help ease your baby's colic symptoms. A happy side-effect is that a quiet atmosphere will also enhance your own health and well-being.

Be sure your baby always has fresh, clean air to breathe. Don't let anyone smoke anywhere near your baby, and if you find yourself in a situation where others are smoking, leave as quickly as possible. Tobacco smoke is a strong allergen and can have a very negative affect on a colicky baby.

Talk with your pediatrician about your baby's colic symptoms and find out if you might use simethicone drops to help relieve the pain your baby may be experiencing due to gas. Often this is all it takes to relieve the symptoms and bring peace to your home once more.

By following the tips presented here, you can maintain a peaceful, happy home and keep your sanity while dealing with a colicky baby.

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