Colic is one of the great mysteries of baby life, and no one knows why some babies have it and others don’t. To help you determine if your child has colic, here are some common signs:
• Loud crying, often for two to three hours and the baby can’t be comforted.
• Crying at roughly the same times, either late in the afternoon or night and usually once or twice a day.
• The baby pulling his feet up under his body and clenching his fists.
• The baby’s stomach rumbling severely and producing a lot of gas.
Here are some tips and tricks to consider:
Swaddle your baby
This technique of wrapping your infant in a cozy blanket can help them feel safe and secure. Try swaddling them during feedings or wrapping them up before a usual colicky period so they feel comforted.
Go for a drive
The movement, noise, and vibration of a car can be very soothing for a baby. Buckle them into their car seat and go for a drive for a change of scenery. New signs, sights, sounds, and smells may be a distraction and even help them fall asleep. Sounds and music from the radio can help calm your baby and you as well.
Ease a gassy stomach
While gas doesn’t cause colic, it’s something that many colicky babies suffer from. Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a circle to ease the pain and pressure. Also, remember to burp your baby often.
