When it comes to infant colic, the concern is not so much for the baby but rather the parent. You see, colic is not an illness or disease that a baby contracts. It’s just excessive crying for unknown reasons in a healthy baby. That’s right, colic does not equal a sick baby. On the contrary, infant colic is highly stressful for the parents. They don’t get enough rest time, they face exhaustion, they don’t feel good about themselves and they are trying hard to stay sane.
Babies cry for all sorts of reasons. It is not surprising that many new parents are not sure if their baby’s cries are due to colic or something else. Parents that had to deal with infant colic before will tell you that a colic cry is very distinct. Colic crying differs from a hunger cry or any other cry. The intensity is greater. You won’t call it crying but rather screaming that can burst your eardrum. It can also go on for many hours. Whatever you do does not soothe the baby. Other symptoms include flushed cheeks, distended abdomen, clenched fists and legs curled up to their stomachs. Colic can begin when baby is as young as three weeks old. About 3-4 months old, the colic will start to disappear. Some parents report their colicky baby to consistently cry at a certain time everyday. But not all colicky babies have a pattern.
So, is there a way for parents to reduce baby’s colic and regain back their sanity? You may think doctors have the answer, but sadly they don’t. They may very well tell you to just wait it out. You see, medically, they do not know what causes colic. There are multiple theories floating out there. Which one is the right one, no one can say for sure. Widely accepted is the idea that baby’s pain is caused by built up gas in the tummy. Then there is also the idea that baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. Sometimes it’s the milk formula being used. There isn’t a sure answer. That’s why discovering a colic baby remedy that works more often than not involves trial and error.
Below are some ideas that others have tried. Whether it works or not depends on the baby. Hopefully you hit the jackpot and baby responds well to your solutions.
1. Swaddling baby
2. Baby wearing
3. Massage techniques
4. Have baby listen to white noise like the sound of vacuum or hair dryer.
5. Give baby a pacifier. Baby will not necessarily by dependent upon it. You just have to be wise on how to use it.
6. Go for a car ride and have baby enjoy the vibrations.
7. Use a warm bath to soothe the baby.
8. Change baby’s surroundings by taking baby out of the house.
9. Use calming music.
Well, those are ideas on how to pacify the baby. Let’s now consider solutions to help the parents. What are ideas to soothe the parent’s nerves? The first step is to stop blaming yourself. Don’t see yourself as a poor parent just because you can’t stop your baby from crying. Also, don’t be stubborn and refuse help from others. Rope in your spouse, family, friends, neighbours and baby sitters to give you space to breathe. There is also nothing wrong in taking a little time out, even if it means leaving baby to scream it’s lungs out for a few minutes. Remember, it’s important that you care for yourself too. Don’t feel like you are being selfish for doing so. If you feel empty inside, you cannot be the best parent that you can be. Reach out to other parents that have to survive colic days too. You can find such parents in your community or the internet. Having a support group that knows what you are going through will make your burden easier to bear.
I know that you know your baby’s colic will not last forever. However, I know the day of “liberation” just can’t come fast enough. If you’ve tried everything and come to a dead end, click here for one more colic baby remedy that may be just what you are looking for. Taking care of children is like a roller coaster ride. You just have to do the best you can.