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Written by Deborah Jackson
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Friday, 25 January 2008 |
The Colicky Baby
A recent study conducted by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute found that out of 526 babies, roughly 25% had signs of colic at six weeks of age. However, by three months of age, 85% of those cases had cleared up entirely. There is no real cure for a colicky infant, but there are some things you can do to make your life and the baby's growing pains more bearable.
If you're breast feeding, then also consider your dietary habits. Sometimes drinking milk, eating broccoli or cabbage, and ingesting too much caffeine can carry over into breast milk. Colicky infants may not respond well to these things. If you're formula feeding, then ask your doctor about a different type or try a bottle nipple that allows less air intake. Try feeding the baby more slowly and hold him or her upright.
Next, try soothing your baby. Cuddling, holding, singing to and rocking babies often helps the inconsolable crier. Be sure that the baby isn't wrapped up too tightly, as excessive warmth can cause a baby to cry even more. Background noise like a vaporizer, a vacuum cleaner, classical music, heartbeat or ocean waves CDs or a washing machine can lull a colicky baby to sleep.
A gentle tummy massage or a warm bath might soothe the distressed infant. Some babies need an extra boost relieving gas, so the tummy massage could help there too, as will rocking your baby facedown on your lap. Alternative remedies for colic include everything from herbal teas (peppermint and chamomile, but not star anise tea) and massage therapy to infant swings and vibrating cribs.
Lastly, don't forget to take care of yourself during this difficult time. You're likely to feel very emotional, drained, low on patience and frustrated with a colicky infant. It's natural to even feel a bit of detachment or resentment. Some women even develop post partum depression and wish the baby was inside them again, rather than outside crying relentlessly. Many instances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occur as a result of frustrated parents too. Instead of taking it out on your baby, visit a counselor for colic help and to learn how to deal with the frustration and anxiety. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 06 February 2008 )
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