Finding colic relief for your infant

As any parent of a colicky baby will tell you, if your baby is suffering from colic, you will try almost anything to find relief. The frequent crying that characterizes this condition can be heartbreaking for parents as they watch their baby deal with their discomfort.

Helpful suggestions for colic relief

Depending on who you ask, you will get several different responses as to the cause of colic ranging from allergies to gas to the baby’s temperament. However, regardless of the cause of the condition, parents have found the following suggestions to be successful ways of relieving their child’s colic.

Each baby is different, so if one technique does not work for your infant, try not to get frustrated. As you keep trying, you will eventually find the best solution for you and your baby.

Common Remedies That May Help With Colic:

Swaddling – wrapping the baby snugly can keep him or her feeling warm and secure, improving sleep quality and duration

Change the feeding schedule – try smaller meals offered more frequently to see if this aids digestion for your infant

Change your diet – for mothers who breastfeed, some researchers believe that certain foods in your diet may affect the way your infant digests. If certain foods are triggering an allergic reaction, cutting those foods out can help your infant’s colic.

Check the hole in the nipple of the bottle – mothers who use formula and mothers who pump their breast milk can check to see if the hole in the nipple is too big or too small. If the baby is able to feed in less than twenty minutes, then the hole is probably too large and he or she is eating too fast. If it is too small, then he or she may be swallowing too much air with their meals. In either case, this is adversely affecting the infant’s ability to digest well.

Consider the baby’s position when feeding. Holding the baby at the ideal angle facilitates better digestion and avoids reflux or gas.

There are other suggested solutions available from a variety of trusted resources. However, be careful when considering how to relieve your infant’s colic, because all treatments are not created equal. Be wary of any remedies or treatments that include nutritional supplements or medicines as your infant is very young and sensitive. Check with a pediatrician if you are unsure.

While this list is a good place to start, it is by no means a complete review of the subject – and if colic persists you should always consult your pediatrician!

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