Coping with Colic is No More an Ordeal!!

Colic is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods without any discernible reason.

Though all newborns cry and show fussiness, when a child who is otherwise healthy cries for more than 3 hours per day, more than 3 days per week for at least 3 weeks, it is a condition known as colic, which is perfectly normal and eventually goes away on its own

If you want to take steps towards comforting and calming your baby, try this strategy for coping with colic:

• Check if the baby is hungry

You could find out if your baby is hungry, by simply placing your finger under the baby's chin and if he tries to suck the finger, it is an indication that your baby is hungry.

• Walk with your baby

Continuous movement while walking or sitting in a rocking chair with your baby, could help soothe the baby. However, ensure that you place your baby's head close to your chest so he can hear your heartbeat

• Be prepared for colic attacks

If you have a colicky baby at home it is best to plan ahead. For instance, if your baby usually has colic attacks in the afternoon then it would be suitable for you to get done with your household chores in the morning. Ensure that your baby has been awake for most of the morning so can grab a nap in the noon. A nap could effectively reduce the frequency and duration of the colic attacks .

• Massage

Try placing your baby on his belly and rub his back. Such massage helps the baby get rid of air in his stomach, thus preventing gas.

• Neck nestling

Place your baby's head into the space between your jaw and chest with your jawbone draping gently over the babies head and your voice box pressing against it. Babies often respond well to vibrations that go through their skull. You could sing a lullaby to help your baby drift off to sleep. This technique works best with dad's they have higher vibration in their voice.

• Avoid cow's milk

The protein content present in milk tends to aggravate colic. Remove dairy products from your child's dietary chart could be an effective colic remedy.

• Increase in fiber intake

add more fiber to your child's diet. Fiber regularizes the bowel movement, thus, subsiding the colic attacks.

• Colic and sleep are often interlinked

You might find your baby suffering from colic and sleeplessness. To a major extent the reason could be the parent's over protective nature towards their baby. Whenever the baby cries there would be several people around the baby. However, this could be due to to fatigue and at such times the best remedy is to leave the child in the cradle.

Caring for a colicky baby and coping with colic, can be extremely traumatic and exasperating but, stopping your baby's crying spells as precipitously and serenely as possible could significantly shorten the episodes of colic. You don't have to worry if your child has colic, as your baby will outgrow it. However, it could be a matter of concern if your baby's colic attacks are accompanied by excessive vomiting, diarrhea and constipation