Is your baby having colic? Are you lost for ways to help your baby?
Dealing with a colic baby is definitely a frustrating episode for parents, but let’s not forget that this is an even more uncomfortable period for babies as well. After all, the baby is constantly crying uncontrollably due to some form of discomfort, and they can only communicate this through crying.
But what are the causes of colic and what can be done to help your colicky baby? Let’s break this down for you and get your baby the help they need.
What does colic look like?
Colic is commonly linked to symptoms such as:
- Grimacing
- Crying as if in pain for no apparent reason at the same time of the day
- Drawing up of the legs or arching of the trunk
- Clenching of the fists and turning all red
This rollercoaster colic ride of screams and cries can take a toll on parents, even with the promise that it usually subsides within a few months. There are a few causes of colic, especially with relation to their little stomachs. This includes:
- An underdeveloped digestive system
- Experience of possible food allergies and other intolerances
- Gas or indigestion within the stomach
If you are sure or you think that your baby might be experiencing colic due to the above reasons, there are a few measures you can take to ease the process & help your little one overcome it.
How do you avoid colic for your baby?
If your baby is crying due to gas or indigestion, you will need to look into how you’re currently feeding your baby. A lot of air going into the baby’s system during feeding sessions can cause digestive discomfort as the baby’s digestive system is still weak.
Breastfeeding mothers
If you’re breastfeeding, looking into your diet is vital because what the mother eats is passed on to the baby and can affect them. You might need to work on your latch too.
Bottle feeding
However, if you’re bottle feeding, then you can try to change the method either by feeding the baby upright, feeding less but frequently or get an anti-colic bottle teat.
Certain formula milks contain specific protein that can interfere with the baby’s digestion process, so you may want to look into changing the formula milk brand too.
After feeding care
Besides that, the way you hold the baby while feeding and after feeding to burp them is equally important. This aids and supports digestion hence holding the baby upright eases the process. You can also massage their back while trying to burp them or rock them a little while walking to relieve them.
