How to Sooth Colic in an Infant Without Using Medications

After having an infant with colic for the first three months of his life, I learned some very productive ways to help sooth that awful belly ache without using medications.

One...lay the baby on your lap on his/her stomach. While very gently bouncing your knees pat the babies back and sing or talk softly to him/her.

Two...lie down on your back and lay the child on your belly on his/her belly. Breathe slowly and evenly while rubbing the infant's back.

Three...if your infant finally does go to sleep lay them down on their stomach. I know it is not the rule to do this, but as long as it is during the day and you are keeping a very close eye on him/her, doing this for a little while is alright. Plus, laying the child on his/her stomach seems to sooth the pain.

Four...everyone says that holding the child continuously will spoil them (are they not supposed to be). However, when a child has colic sometimes the only thing that will sooth them is holding the child close to you.

Five...lay the infant on their back on your bed and rub their stomach while talking or singing quietly to them. You may be wondering why I keep say singing or talking to them...just the sound of mom or dad's voice can sooth a child enough to ease their pain.

Six...wet a rag in warm water and lay it on the child's stomach. Let it lay there until it has cooled then take it off. Re-wet it with warm water and repeat the process. Repeat it about three to four times. CAUTION: Never use a heating pad on an infant.

Seven...if you have an infant swing, putting them in it on the slowest gentlest motion available can sometimes sooth them enough to go to sleep. Here I will stress to make sure the swing is on the slowest speed possible.

Eight...the old trick of putting an infant in a car seat and putting them on top of a running dryer to get them to sleep, also works with colic.

Nine...make sure the infant does not take too much formula at one time. Since milk products can make the gas and pain worse, small portions of formula over a period of time is better.

Ten...an infant will protest to this just like a lot of children and even adults do. When giving the child his/her formula, put about four teaspoons of formula to one half teaspoon of whole cultured buttermilk. The taste may be horrible, but the benefits are wonderful. Now here, you may want to check with your pediatrician before doing this. Of course, if the child is lactose intolerant never do this since it will make the pain and symptoms worse.

Last but not least if the child continues to cry without letting up and the crying seems to get more intense, get the child to the doctor or emergency room immediately. This kind of crying could mean that the child has an obstruction in his/her intestines et cetera. X-rays need to be done as soon as possible in this situation.

Well, I hope these tips will help if you have an infant with colic. It is not a fun situation and makes one feel so sorry for the child. Just hold them and love them and it will eventually end.

Source:

Personally having an infant with colic for the first three months of his life