Introduction to Colic

Everyone thinks their baby has colic at one point in the first month. Rest assured, most do not. Your baby will cry for a good portion of each day if they really have colic. Newborns can seem like they have colic while they are adjusting to their new life and you are getting to know them and how to take care of them properly. For non-colic babies, the sooner you implement a schedule and get to know your unique child, the sooner the colic worries will end. The following article is from one of our Advisors who's baby really did have colic.

10 Tips for Dealing with Colic
By Wendy K. Berg

These tips are based on my personal experience as a mom and not based on professional training or experience. I had a baby who was extremely colicky. In fact, the lactation specialist suggested that she was one of the most extreme cases she had seen over the last 25 years. Those with colicky babies, take heart! It will be over eventually and your feelings of love for this little life will grow over time. It often takes longer to feel connected to a baby who is screaming at you much of the time. My daughter is now 18 months and I can't imagine loving anybody more than I love her. She is sweet and even-tempered now. In the scheme of things, colic is short-lived (almost always ends after 3 months) and there are strategies for getting by in the meantime. If you feel like running out of the house or screaming, this one's for you . . . read on!

1. Be persistent about looking for causes. Here are some possibilities:
a. Your baby could be allergic to synthetic clothing. Try having him/her sleep in 100% cotton.
b. Your baby may have a milk allergy-see your doctor to rule this out. The doctor will be able to tell you what foods you should begin cutting out if you're nursing.
c. Your baby may have gas. Try Mylicon Drops and Gripe Water (this is easy to find online).
d. Your baby may have acid reflux. Try adding some rice cereal to a bottle of formula. Sometimes the rice is helpful for babies with acid reflux or other feeding problems. Please check with your doctor first

** If you've tried the above and nothing has worked, ask . . . no, insist on seeing a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. This is a doctor who can deal with any allergy issues and check for acid reflux problems. Some parents are scared about taking this step as they may have heard that babies are "scoped" which involves the specialist putting a tube down the baby's throat. Many times this is not necessary and the doctor can try less invasive techniques. Again, stick to your guns and be adamant about your wishes-this is your child. But also remember that this specialist may be able to save days, weeks and months of agony by performing a procedure that will be temporarily uncomfortable.

2. Try soft music/buy a CD with or make one yourself.

3. Carry your baby in a sling or baby carrier. Mine was always happier facing out so she could see the world. Sometimes she would still cry in the sling, but many times it was a winner.

4. Put the baby on the washing machine or dryer (supervised). I could not try this one since I have a stackable washer/dryer, but I've been told it works wonders with the most colicky babies.

5. Run the vacuum. It can be annoying after awhile, but you'd be surprised how much nicer it is to hear the vacuum than your baby's constant crying.

6. Buy earplugs. No, this will not help your baby's crying, but it will help your sanity. Don't feel bad about wearing earplugs. You will be surprised how well you will still hear your baby. I found myself wondering if there was a manufacturer who made a heavier, thicker brand.

7. Go out for the night! Leave your colicky baby with a very patient close friend or family member. I recommend that you do this at least once a week while the colic is bad. Don't feel bad about leaving your baby with a friend or family member, but do warn them about the colicky behavior so they will be prepared. Tell them you desperately need the break. Most of us can think of at least one person to help us out in this way in a pinch. Do not minimize your need for time away from baby. It will not make the problem go away, but you will be amazed how the break will help you to be happier and more patient.

8. Don't ever hit or shake your baby. Put your baby down if you feel frustrated or angry. It is better for you to leave your baby screaming in a safe place like a crib or bassinet than to take your frustration out on the baby.

9. If you find that you have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, get psychological help immediately. You can usually find a crisis line in the front of your phone book or online. There are professionals available to help you through this difficult time. I also found that I had many physical reactions to the stress of listening to the constant screaming-from headaches to body shakes. A person can have a post-traumatic stress type reaction to extreme cases of colic. Again, in these cases, consult help from a professional.

10. Try the 5 S's (side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, swaddling, & sucking). There is a great book called, The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp who addresses the 5 S's. These did not work with my baby because she had acid reflux, but others rave about the effectiveness of these strategies.

Good Luck and remember it will end!