Baby Tips 101

Baby colic may look distressing for a baby, but let me tell you that it is more distressing for the parents. You see, colic is not an illness or disease that a baby contracts. Infant colic is a term given to healthy babies that cry excessively and the reason is unknown. Yes, colic does not indicate that the baby is sick. Health wise, I would dare say the parents are more at risk then the baby because they would be suffering from exhaustion, sleep deprivation and trying hard not to lose their mind.

Babies cry to communicate many things. That’s why some parents, especially new parents, wonder if their baby really has colic or their baby is just fussy. Parents that are colic survivors will simply reply “oh, you will know.” How a baby cries when it’s hungry, tired or needs a diaper change is different from how it cries because of colic. It’s more intensed. It’s not crying, it’s more like screaming at high pitch. Plus, it can last for hours. Whatever you do does not soothe the baby. There are other accompanying colic symptoms such as red cheeks, tense belly, fists clenched and legs pulled up to their stomachs. Colic usually begins when baby is around 3 weeks old. Colic will end when baby is around three months old. Some colicky babies may follow a pattern and cry at the same time everyday. But that’s not always the case.

So, is there a way for parents to get rid of baby’s colic and regain back their sanity? We look to doctors to provide some kind of medical relief, but in the case of colic, there is not much they can do for you. 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. One theory is that baby is suffering from too much gas in the tummy. Other’s say it’s baby still adapting to their new environment. Sometimes it’s the milk formula being used. There isn’t a sure answer. Therefore, finding a colic baby remedy is very much an experimental effort.

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. Holding baby close to you in a sling.
3. Infant massage
4. Put on some white noise like running water or the vacuum
5. Use a pacifier. There are pros and cons to this.
6. Put baby on a vibrating clothes dryer.
7. Give baby a nice warm bath.
8. Change baby’s environment by going out for a walk.
9. Use the power of music. If you can’t sing, get a nice CD.

Above are remedies to calm the baby. Let’s not forget about 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. Get your spouse, neighbour, friends and extended family members to help. Also, it’s okay to let baby cry it out for a few minutes while you go into another room to calm your frazzled nerves. It’s essential that you don’t drain yourself to the point that you have nothing left to give to your baby. Doing this is not a selfish act. If you do not feel good about yourself, for certain you will be unable to be an effective parent. Another idea is to connect with other parents that have been in the same boat as you. Talking to someone who can sympathize with you can be comforting. I’m sure you’ll find some in your community, if not try searching the internet. Having a support group that knows what you are going through will make your burden easier to bear.

I’m sure many people have tried to comfort you by saying that these challenging colic days will soon be over. Unfortunately, waiting for the day that it will end seems to take forever. 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. As a parent, you mustn’t give up trying.