Having a baby with colic can be extremely challenging for any parent. The constant crying and fussiness can quickly lead to exhaustion, stress, and feelings of helplessness. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to soothe your little one. While colic will eventually pass as your baby gets older, there are some natural ways you can try to bring some calm during this difficult period.
What Causes Colic?
Colic is commonly defined as intense crying by an otherwise healthy baby that lasts for more than 3 hours a day, for 3 or more days a week, and for at least 3 weeks. The exact causes are still not fully understood but may include intestinal gas, food sensitivities, and immature nervous systems. Colic usually appears around 2-3 weeks of age and often disappears after 12 weeks.
Go With Your Gut
One of the most widely agreed upon contributing factors to colic is an immature and sensitive digestive system. Ensuring your baby's formula or breastmilk is properly mixed and easy to digest can make a big difference. For formula-fed babies, try using distilled or purified water instead of tap water to mix formula. The fluoride and other minerals found in tap water can irritate a baby's immature gut. Bottled waters like Bay Bay Water provide purified, mineral-free water that is gentle on sensitive digestive systems.
Experiment With Feeding Positions
Feeding your baby in different positions can sometimes help release trapped gas bubbles contributing to colic pain. Try feeding while your baby is upright or semi-upright. Take breaks during feedings to burp your baby. Laying your baby on their back and gently moving their legs in a bicycle motion can also help pass gas.
Massage and Warm Baths
Gentle baby massage can provide comfort and relieve gas. Focus on massaging your baby's tummy by gently stroking downwards. A warm bath can also relax your little one and the feeling of water may mimic the comfort of the womb. Keep baths brief, around 5-10 minutes. Always support your baby's head and keep the temperature warm, not hot.
Get Moving
Going for walks with your baby in a front carrier wrap or stroller can provide motion and comfort. The vibration and movement seem to have a soothing effect. You can also hold your baby's tummy-down across your forearm and gently pat or rub their back as you walk around. Just be sure to properly support their head.
Swaddle Snugly
Swaddling provides a cozy, secure feeling by preventing startling reflexes that can wake your baby. Use a large, thin muslin blanket and wrap it snugly around your baby's torso with their arms down at their sides. Make sure the swaddle is tight enough to contain their reflex movements but allows room for their chest to move with breathing.
Shhhhh Sounds
Your baby spent 9 months listening to the rhythmic whooshing sound of your heartbeat and blood flow. Recreating soothing "shhh" sounds can mimic those comforting womb noises. You can make the sound yourself, use a sound machine, or run a vacuum, fan, or clothes dryer in the background. The key is steady, droning white noise.
Avoid Overstimulation
Keep your baby's environment calm and peaceful with dim lighting and minimal activity. Try holding your swaddled baby skin-to-skin on your chest to provide closeness and reduce fussiness. Stress can also travel through breastmilk, so engage in relaxing activities like deep breathing before nursing.
Know You're Not Alone
It can be disheartening and isolating to deal with a colicky, constantly crying baby. Just know that you're not alone and you’re doing the best you can as a parent. If you need extra support, reach out to your pediatrician, lactation consultant, or support groups for parents of colicky babies. The key is being responsive to your baby’s needs and finding solutions that bring calm.
At Bay Bay Water, we understand how tough this period can be and want to provide caring solutions. Visit our website to learn more about our fluoride-free purified water for infant formula and cereals. Stay strong and know this challenging stage will pass as your baby's digestive system matures. Contact us to learn more about our baby-friendly bottled water. With patience and care, you'll get through this together.
