Colic Remedies-10 Easy Solutions

This article was written by Guest Blogger Christina Havens of Pure Baby Living.

Colic is defined by its symptoms as opposed to a certain cause. Symptoms usually begin around 4 weeks of age and can last as long as 6 months or in rare cases longer. It is believed to affect 1 in 3 babies.

Colic sometimes looks like there is abdominal pain and is frequently accompanied by gas. However, the gas is said to be a bi-product of swallowing air when crying. A baby is described as having colic if he or she has episodes of uncontrollable, inconsolable crying over three hours a day and at least three days a week.

Colic and infant gas can be very frustrating and upsetting to both parents and baby. Fortunately you are not alone and there are ways to soothe your baby and possibly eliminate the symptoms. Below you will find 10 easy solutions for infant colic and gas. Enjoy!

1. Be Aware Of Food Allergies: Get familiar with high allergen foods such as Milk, Soy, Corn, Wheat, Nuts, etc. Most commercial baby foods contain at least one of these high allergen ingredients. Many parents have fussy babies and have no idea that is related to what they are eating. Talk with your care provider if you suspect this to be an issue.

2. Perform Infant Massage: Babies love to be massaged! It can also get gas moving out of the belly. It’s relaxing and a great way to bond with your baby. If your unsure as to how to perform infant massage browse the Internet or book store. These days there is a lot of information on this topic.

3. Try White Noise: This is a favorite for many moms and can be very soothing to a fussy baby. Perhaps it reminds the of being in the womb with all the muffled noises. Pick up a white noise CD, place your baby near the dryer while its on or put her in a sling while you vacuum.

4. Get Grounded In Nature: Sometimes separating your baby from her environment can help stop the crying. Your baby could very well be reacting to the energy that surrounds her and being outside in nature can be very grounding for both parents and baby. Sit with your baby in the grass or near a tree and smell some flowers together, you will be surprised how much this may help.

5. Wear Your Baby: A randomized controlled study reported in Pediatrics showed that baby wearing reduces crying and fussiness 43 percent overall and 51 percent at night. Baby wearing decreases the levels of stress hormones circulating in a baby’s blood stream, resulting in a more relaxed, happy baby.

6. Light Pressure On Tummy: Placing your baby on her tummy throughout the day and pushing your baby’s legs up against her belly can help to relieve gas.

7. Take A Look At You! We are beings of energy and our children are very in tune with the energy that surrounds them. Have you been stressed out or worried? Be sure to recognize and express your feelings and emotions. Remember to take some time out each day to let go of any negative thoughts or feelings before you get bottled up.

8. Comfort Of Warmth: Submerging your baby in a warm bath is extremely soothing, not only to the physical body but also the emotional body as well. Try this the next time your baby is getting fussy and see how it works for you.

9. Familiar Movement: For the first 9 months of life all babies know is movement and so this is very comforting for them when they are no longer living in the safe, comforting home they once knew. Take your baby for a drive in the car, a walk in the stroller, or little ride in a baby carrier.

10. Swaddling: Swaddle your baby up nice and tight they love it! Most younger babies like to be swaddled in a blanket with their arms tucked in while older babies sometimes prefer to have their arms out. There are lots of blankets out there that make it nice and easy to swaddle your baby quickly and with little effort.

Get creative, try different things and find what soothes your baby best! Getting support from family and
other mothers is also very important. Be sure to check in with your care provider to make sure there is
not a medical issue going on or an allergy. The best of luck to you and your family!

About the Author: Christina Havens has enjoyed the birth of her two children naturally and
painlessly. She is compelled to support other woman who wish to achieve this.
She also promotes attachment parenting and natural lifestyles. She strongly
believes in herbal and homeopathic remedies to help support conception,
pregnancy, birth and child health. She offers support and education, pure, high
grade remedies, slings, natural and organic baby supplies at Pure Baby Living.

photo credit: Steve & Jemma Copley