Coping with colic can be incredibly challenging for parents. The transition to becoming a parent is a special time but can also have its challenges, without the addition of colic in the mix. Firstly, being kind to yourself is important, and reaching out for support from your health visitor, GP and family and friends can really help during this time. Colic is a common condition and being able to openly talk about your experience and seek support is vital.
Try keeping a diary of when the colic symptoms are most common and if there are any common triggers. If you are able to find the triggers, this will help you to manage the effects of colic.
If you are breastfeeding, then seeking breastfeeding support is key and it is also worth asking to have your baby’s tongue assessed, to rule out any tongue ties or oral restrictions. A food diary can also be beneficial to see if there are any food or drink triggers linked to the colic symptoms your baby shows. If you are bottle feeding your baby, then trying an alternative teat flow can help some babies find a more comfortable feed.
Some of the following techniques can be useful for helping settle a baby with colic:
- Holding the baby in different ways, either upright or ‘tiger in the tree’ hold during the episodes of crying
- Gently winding your baby, particularly over your left shoulder on a slight diagonal axis
- Wearing your baby in a sling can help to calm baby and also decrease crying time
- Getting out for fresh air and moving your baby in a pram or going for a drive
- White noise either from an app or toy, or background white noise like hairdryers, washing machine or vacuum cleaners
- A warm bath can help provide comfort and relief to babies
- Baby massage can be beneficial, and specific tummy massage routines designed to alleviate colic can also be applied to help soothe your baby.
- Try Colief Infant Drops which can be used from birth. Colief is a lactase enzyme which helps to break down the sugar lactose in milk into simpler sugars and can be used every time you feed your baby.
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