Tips for Treating Your Baby's Colic

Is your crying baby driving you nuts? Chances are he has colic. When a baby has colic, it means that he or she cries relentlessly even when there's no medical distress, and the baby is otherwise healthy and well-fed.

The 'colic' label used when a baby cries for longer than three hours each day and more than three days a week. Unfortunately, if you're suffering through this already, the crying will get worse between 6 and 8 weeks of age. But behold! There is some light at the end of the tunnel! Though colic can last up to 5 months, it tends to slow down when the baby reaches about 3 months old. The crying may go all day long; however, you'll find that evenings are the worst for colicky babies, usually between 6pm and midnight. Colic can also interfere with putting your baby to bed and may wake him frequently during naps and during the night. Some experts think babies with colic tend to be more restless and wake up more easily.

You are not alone in your plight. Between 10% and 25% of all infants develop colic. A colicky baby may also truly be uncomfortable. He may alternately kick or scrunch up his legs, pass gas and make grunting noises.

There are a few things that are thought to cause colic. It can sometimes be attributed to a baby's immature digestive system, making it difficult to break down food. - hence, he maybe crying because of gas pains. Some think that if the baby is over-tired or over-stimulated, and also babies who are exposed to smoke are more likely to develop colic. And lastly, some say that babies may just have a sensitive temperament, caused by an immature nervous system.

Though the condition is relatively harmless, it can be very frustrating and nerve-racking for parents because you feel helpless. It can very difficult to soothe a colicky baby, especially when you, yourself, need some R&R from the lack of sleep that comes with parenting, but here are some tips to try, other than pulling out your hair and investing in ear-plugs!

• If you're breastfeeding moms should try changing their diet. Some mothers find that their babies are less colicky if they limit their own intake of cows' milk, other dairy products, spicy food, wheat products, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), or irritants such as caffeine and alcohol out of their diet.

• If you're using formula, try switching. Enfamil, Similac and even Walmart's Parent's Choice brand all have formulas for fussy and gassy babies.

• Try baby bottles designed for less gas, like Dr Brown's or Avent.

• You might even try Mylicon drops if your baby is experiencing gas.

• Though it's taboo, trying giving your baby a pacifier. The sucking reflex is very calming for infants.

• Pat, rub or massage his stomach.

• Swaddle you baby, hold him close and rock him.

• The 'white noise' (static) of the TV, the running of a hair dryer, vacuum or clothes dryer may also help soothe your baby.

• Take the baby for a ride in the car, take baby for a walk, ride in the stroller, or in a baby swing.

• Give him a soothing bath or take a shower with your baby.

• Keep to a set routine for bedtime and naps.

• Take time off for yourself. The more frazzled you are, the stress and anxiety will transfer to your baby and you'll both be wigging out.

• Lay your baby, tummy down, across your knee and rub or pat your baby's back. This may help relieve some of the pressure in his stomach and release some gas.

• Play soothing music. For some reason, babies LOVE classical!

Remember, colic not your fault! It's okay to put your baby down for a few minutes, even if he is screaming, so you can gather your wits about you. Parents who feel overwhelmed should take a well-deserved break. Ask a friend, your partner or family to watch baby, even if for an hour so you can breathe. By the time you figure out what works best to calm your cranky baby, his colic will have gone away. This too shall pass.