Baby colic may look distressing for a baby, but let me tell you that it is more distressing for the parents. Colic is not a medical problem that can harm baby. It’s just excessive crying for unknown reasons in a healthy baby. 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. 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 have had colicky babies before will assure you that it’s hard to NOT know. Colic crying sounds slightly different from baby’s cry for food or diaper change. It’s more intensed. It’s not crying, it’s more like screaming at high pitch. You may have to listen to it for hours. Baby will refuse to be comforted no matter what you do. You’ll also notice other symptoms such as red cheeks, distended abdomen, clenched fists and legs drawn up to their stomachs. Colic usually begins when baby is around 3 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 solution for colic?
Unfortunately, if you ask a doctor how to do it, they may give you a disappointing answer. The problem is, medical professionals have yet to find what causes colic. Of course people have come up with some theories. But there is no definite answer. 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. Even the kind of milk powder given to baby can turn out to be the root of the problem. No one can say which one is for certain the right answer. Thus, if you seek a colic baby remedy, you may have to try several solutions before you find one that works.
Here are some tricks that have worked for others. Hopefully it will work for you too.
1. Swaddle your baby
2. Baby wearing
3. Baby massage
4. Have baby listen to white noise like the sound of vacuum or hair dryer.
5. Give baby a pacifier. Some people may not agree with this idea but if it can restore back some peace into your life, why not?
6. Use a baby gizmo such as bouncy seats or swings that come with a vibrating mode.
7. Give baby a nice warm bath.
8. Change baby’s surroundings by taking baby out of the house.
9. Use the power of music. If you can’t sing, get a nice CD.
Above are remedies to calm the baby. Let’s now turn our attention to the parents. What can parents do for themselves? One very important thing is to quit the self blame. Don’t see yourself as a poor parent just because you can’t stop your baby from crying. It will also do you good to recruit some help. Engage the help of your spouse, church members, neighbours, friends, family and maybe even a baby sitter. 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. It’s essential that you don’t drain yourself to the point that you have nothing left to give to your baby. Don’t feel like you are being selfish for doing so. If you are not at 100%, how are you going to care properly for your baby? One more thing you can do is to seek out parents that have had colic children before. Having a shoulder to cry on may be just what you need to feel better. Surfing the internet, you’ll find many online parenting groups. It helps to know that you are not the only one having to face this problem.
I know you’ve been told that this colic is just a phase and it will pass. 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.