Surviving a Baby with Colic

Having a baby can be very emotional, especially if it is your first. However, having a colic baby can be a nightmare. My first child had colic and gas trouble. We lived through a couple of months of chaos. We all know that our lives will be different after having a baby and we know that babies are work. But we never expect to have a baby that cries for hours for no apparent reason. There are things that you can do to help stay sane during this time.

Remember that this too shall pass. My pediatrician told me how I would look back at that particular time in my life and laugh. Well, my daughter is three and a half years old and I am still not laughing! However I lived through it, she was a perfect toddler, and now is a precious little girl.

Nothing is 'wrong' with your child. Some babies cry for no known reason. Most babies with colic have spouts of gas. If your baby cries uncontrollably at around the same time each day, it is probably colic. Of course you should talk with your doctor and have her checked out. However if the doctor says she is healthy, she will be fine given a little time. Many smart, perfectly healthy children were once colicky babies.

Nothing is wrong with you. It is very hard not to be able to soothe your child. Many times during my daughter's bouts of crying, I felt that I was a bad mother. Do not ever get down on yourself. If you love your baby and take care of her, you are a good mother. You are not the cause of your baby's colic.

Let others help. I am very independent with raising my children. It is very hard for me to admit that there are things that I need help with when it comes to my children. However, when you have a baby with colic you need help. Let others hold or try to sooth the baby for a while. You need rest, especially if the baby is crying during the night. A crying baby can be hard on your nerves. Getting away from your baby momentarily can be good for you. It can also be good for your baby. Sometimes a change of hands can work well for your baby. Especially if the baby senses that you are upset.

Many babies cry when they have gas. Try gas drops or holding your baby over your legs on its stomach.

Try distraction. Some babies momentarily stop crying when they hear or see unusual noise. Television static or different pitches may work.

Having a baby with colic or a sensitive baby that cries often can be overwhelming. Stay calm and remember that times will be better.