Baby Colic: A Solution to Ease the Pain

Baby colic is troubling for parents as well as their little one who has this condition. Most people are familiar with the signs of colic, which include trouble sleeping due to constant crying. Of course, there can be many reason that a baby is crying. Usually, a physician will determine that a baby has colic after other possible explanations for the crying have been ruled out. Other factors that can cause a baby to cry include sleepiness, hunger, frustration, and being over stimulated. One of the major indicators that a baby is crying because of colic is when nothing else seems to calm baby colic, and when all other ailments have been ruled out.

Typically, an infant who has baby colic will cry for more than three hours a day almost every day. If a baby is going to develop colic, it usually happens after the first few days after birth. The condition tends to stabilize at about three months of age. To help a baby get through the rough patches, doctors may prescribe simethicone, although there are some questions about its effectiveness. Preliminary research suggests that probiotics can help ease the symptoms of colic. Probiotics are the so called good bacteria which enhances the body's ability to digest food. It's not advised to give a baby medication without first getting advice from a physician.

Some infants who have baby colic respond well when their parents rock them gently or place them in a swing made for babies. Another way to soothe a baby is to place the baby on his or her stomach on your lap and gently tap your baby's back. Other babies find relief when their parents take them for a car ride. A vibrating crib or infant carrier may also help.

Babies who are upset by symptoms of colic sometimes relax when they listen to white noise, such as television static. Others will calm down when they hear the sound of a running vacuum cleaner, or if they listen to the sound of ocean waves on a C.D. The sound of a ticking clock or a metronome may also help.

Experiment with your baby's diet. This may help reduce the baby colic. If you are breastfeeding, try to avoid foods such as fruit juices, caffeine, dairy products, and peanuts. These foods sometimes upset a baby's stomach. If you feed your baby formula, try using a different type of bottle or nipple. A warm bath or massage may also bring your baby relief.