Out of the 4 million babies born every year in the United States,
almost 1 million have colic.
Our hearts go out to all parents dealing with this condition. We know
and understand how very distressing colic can be, especially for
first-time parents adjusting to their new roles. The inconsolable crying
for hours at a time is exhausting for parents and everyone around them.
Although the cause is unknown, there are ways to help calm your baby
down. Just remember that all babies are comforted by different measures,
so parents need to try various methods or a combination of methods to
see what works best.
Swaddling is a time-tested technique proven to reduce colic and
fussiness and helps babies sleep sounder and longer. Colic usually
begins at 3 weeks and lasts through the first three to four months of
life, making swaddling during this time essential. Babies with colic can
be highly sensitive to their new environment; therefore it is critical
for babies to be swaddled, which soothes them by recreating the
sanctuary of the womb. The Snug & Tug ensures that your babies arms will
stay snug alongside their body, so they are unable to startle themselves
awake. Snug and Tug, the swaddling blanket that works is a newborn
necessity!
We recommend reading ?The Happiest Baby on the Block? by Dr. Karp.
This is a very informative book that details the importance of swaddling
and other methods that can be used to soothe babies. Dr. Karp believes
that swaddling is the cornerstone to calming your baby. He uses the 5
??S?s?: Swaddling, Side/Stomach positioning, Shushing, Swinging and
Sucking to produce a calming effect. These methods are highly effective
when done right! He describes the process as a recipe for a layered
cake, with swaddling as the first layer that sets the stage for a
successful night!
It seems that the main problem with colic is the stress and anxiety
it creates within the home. Parents can find it difficult to cope with
the constant crying, so it?s important to find support and find ways to
take a break from caring for your child. It is also important to be
aware of the methods that can soothe your baby.
Many pediatricians also suggest the following, if your baby has
colic;
- If bottle-fed, check the formula you are using - ask for
recommendations from your doctor, check the position of the bottle
when feeding, babies can swallow air from the bottle making them
gassy, or use a bottle designed to reduce the amount of air the baby
swallows during a feed.
- If breast-fed, check your diet - certain foods can make colic
worse and check your dairy intake as your baby may be lactose
intolerant. Remove foods and dairy from your diet and the
reintroduce foods one at time to find the culprit.
- Burp frequently, don't be afraid to hold the baby in different
positions: over the shoulder, sitting on your lap or lying across
your legs. The pressure on their belly can provide gas relief.
- Movement seems to soothe babies with colic-- you can carry the
baby in a front sling, back pack, place the baby in a baby swing, go
for a car ride or a walk outside.
- Continuous white noise, vibrations, or music can also help
soothe your baby.
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