Infants cry for various reasons, yet if your baby consistently cries for extended periods and proves challenging to comfort, it's possible they may be experiencing colic. These episodes typically occur in the evenings, typically between 6 PM and midnight, causing discomfort for your baby and adding stress for exhausted parents. While consulting your baby's pediatrician is advisable, there are also natural remedies available at home to help alleviate your baby's distress and bring comfort.
Your baby communicates their need for care and comfort through crying. To discern whether the crying stems from pain or other reasons, it's essential to identify specific symptoms that distinguish colic-induced crying. According to experts, your baby may be experiencing colic if:
- They cry persistently for three or more hours a day, lasting for three or more days a week.
- Attempts to pacify them prove challenging, and the crying persists for extended periods.
- The crying is loud and intense.
- Their face turns red while crying.
- They exhibit a distended stomach.
- They draw their legs up while crying.
Recognizing these signs of colic can guide you in alleviating your baby's pain and discomfort. Implementing some home remedies can prove helpful for soothing your colicky baby.
# Burp Your BabyInfants often ingest air while crying, leading to trapped discomfort in their tummies. Relieve this by burping your baby: hold them with their head over your shoulder, gently pressing their stomach against your body. Pat or rub their back until they release a burp.
# Incorporate MotionBabies find comfort in movement, reminiscent of their time in the womb. Soothe a colicky baby by incorporating motion, such as using a cradle, rocking chair, vibrating infant rocker, or even taking them for a car ride. The rhythmic motion can help calm the baby, promoting sleep.
# Introduce a Pacifier
Harness your baby's innate sucking instinct by offering a pacifier as a simple and effective way for them to self-soothe and alleviate colic symptoms. Studies indicate that sucking not only serves as a survival instinct but also provides comfort and reduces stress.
# Swaddle Your InfantWrap your baby snugly in a soft, thin blanket, allowing their arms to be comfortably secured while keeping their hips relaxed. This mimics the comforting environment of the womb, facilitating quicker and longer-lasting sleep. Always ensure a swaddled baby lies on their back and discontinue swaddling once rolling begins.
# Alter Their PositionPlace your baby on their tummy and knees, gently rubbing their back to relieve trapped gas in the stomach. This simple adjustment in position provides comfort, aiding in faster sleep for your colicky baby.
# Utilize White NoiseFamiliar sounds can bring comfort to your baby. Consider using white noise, such as a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, fan, shower, or a recorded heartbeat, to soothe your colicky baby.
# Offer a MassageProviding a gentle massage to your baby offers various benefits, inducing calmness and relaxation. Using a pediatrician-recommended baby massage oil, massage your baby, focusing on the area around their navel in a clockwise motion while moving their legs in a cycling motion to reduce discomfort.
# Explore Gripe WaterKeep Woodward's Gripe Water on hand—an ayurvedic proprietary medicine containing natural ingredients like Dill seed oil and Sarjikakshara. It aids digestion, neutralizes stomach acid, and relieves trapped gas, offering symptomatic relief for your baby.
# Embrace BabywearingKeep your colicky baby close by using a baby carrier or sling. The physical closeness provides a sense of security, helping your baby feel safe and comforted.
# Offer a Warm Water BathAlleviate colic symptoms with a warm water bath or compress, known for providing symptomatic relief. Warm water can help ease pain, and in colder weather, a warm compress can be created by gently rubbing your baby's tummy with a towel soaked in warm water.