How to soothe a colicky baby

Colic is the name given to the pain babies experience in their digestive system.

It usually manifests as sharp pains in the abdominal area and is accompanied by other symptoms like gas and uncontrollable crying.

Colic is not a condition that is developed straight after birth; it usually peaks at about four to six weeks and rarely lasts longer than three months.

The cause of colic is unknown, but many physicians think it is to do with either the baby’s diet or something that the nursing mother is eating.

Here are some ways mums can soothe their infants during bouts of colic:

• Trapped wind can aggravate colic pain, so mums can reduce the amount of air that their baby swallows during feeds by experimenting with smaller or bigger holes (for bottle-fed infants).
• For babies who are breastfed, mums should be make attention to their baby’s reactions after mum eats certain food and eliminate anything that seems to trigger colic.
• Dairy products, caffeine, onions, cabbage and broccoli should all be avoided.
• Pedalling a baby’s legs in the air has also been found to work. Lie your little one on their back and gently move their legs in a pedalling motion to help release gas.
• Walk your little one around in a front carrier facing either inwards or outwards. Walk around the house or outdoors if it’s nice out. The motion of your steps will be soothing to your infant.
• Give your little one a massage. Lay them tummy-down across your legs and gently rub their back to help release pent-up gas.
• Provide warmth for the little one and give them a warm bath or place a warm wash cloth on their tummy.
• Swaddle your little one. Babies usually respond well to being wrapped securely.

While colic can be just as distressing for mums as it is for babies, it’s important for you to stay calm so your little one doesn’t pick up on your anxiety.