Colic is a natural and common occurrence in many babies and new parents need to be aware of the many possible reasons why a baby could be crying before assuming it is a disorder, abnormal or colic episode to treat it right.
Colic is a condition that occurs with new babies only 2-3 weeks old and may continue for2-4months of age, but typically wears off by then; if not, colic episodes fade out by the time the infant is 8 months old.
While there are several reasons given for colic (from an immature digestive system to lactating mother taking gas-producing or allergen triggering foods that get transferred to the baby, causing stomach discomfort etc.
), there is no cure as such for the condition, though it can be controlled.
Dealing with a colicky baby can be very trying for new parents who don't know why the little angel is crying, screaming and trashing about; many colicky infants get red cheeks due to the incessant crying that may last 3-5 hours! To avoid this nightmare, first establish if the condition is colic indeed; then work to treat the child with home remedies given below that are safe and effective: - - For cases of simple colic, home remedies are the best way to give relief to the baby, but medical examination for determining the type of colic is the first step towards deciding the course of action.
The easiest way to give relief to a colicky infant is to try and help the baby relax; releasing the gas causing the stomach to bloat is a must, so carrying the baby, rocking it and playing soothing music or giving it a pacifier are the basics to home remedies.
- For some babies, getting a tummy-rub or a simple massage using hand movements and techniques that are circular and smooth, in an upward motion helps to relieve them of the gas as well as encourages them to move their bowels, which is the best thing that can happen to a colicky infant.
Books and even websites are good guides to learn massage techniques for giving colic-relief to babies.
- Giving a simple herbal tea concoction (up to 4 oz daily) is believed to help colicky infants reduce the gas and cramps felt in the stomach.
Only increase the dosage if your doctor approves of the step; effective herbs include chamomile, ginger, catnip and peppermint but only along with proper meals too as the child needs these at all times for his nourishment.
- The simplest home remedy is a mother's touch of course: simply remember to burp the baby between and after feeds by holding the infant upright for a few minutes and giving it a back-rub so the air that goes into the tummy can be released, is a good way to treat infant colic.
- Lastly, use warm castor oil to rub the colicky baby's tummy area to give relief.