Top Tips to Soothe Baby Colic

1. What Is Baby Colic?

Baby colic is a common discomfort that affects many newborns in their first few months of life. It usually occurs in the late afternoon or evening.

These episodes of colic become challenging moments for parents, as they are often marked by intense and prolonged crying, in addition to signs of abdominal discomfort, legs pulled up and hard abdomen

2. What Are the Causes of this Discomfort?

The exact causes of why colic happens are not fully understood.

However, experts believe it occurs due to the gastrointestinal system still adapting to digesting breast milk or formula.

Another hypothesis is that it is related to excess air swallowed during feeding and even accumulation of gases.

Understanding and identifying the discomfort is important for providing relief to the baby and reassuring the parents.

In today’s post we will bring you some tips to prevent and relieve colic in your baby!

3. How to Relieve Colic in a Newborn Baby?

Consulting a trusted pediatrician before starting any method is always the best practice, ensuring that all actions taken are safe and appropriate.

It is essential that parents know effective methods to relieve their baby’s colic at home. Here are some useful techniques:

 Massages

• Massage on the baby’s belly can help relieve colic. Gentle, circular movements can provide immediate relief.  Using specific oils for babies can make massage easier. Always consult a pediatrician before starting any technique.

Position the baby correctly during feeding

• It is important that the mother leaves the baby in the correct position during breastfeeding.Ideally, keep it at a slightly inclined angle. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using pacifiers and bottles to help prevent colic.

Apply warm compresses

• Applying warm compresses to your baby’s belly is an effective technique for relieving colic. Heat can help relax your abdominal muscles and reduce discomfort caused by gas and intestinal spasms.

How to make?

• Dampen a clean cloth with warm water and wring it out to remove excess water. You can also use a hot water bottle, but be sure to wrap it with a cloth to prevent the heat from being too intense for your baby’s skin.

4. Positions to Relieve baby colic

• Tummy Down Position: Lay the baby tummy down on your forearm, with their head resting in the palm of your hand. This can help relieve pressure on the abdomen.
• Kangaroo Position: Use a sling or baby carrier to keep the baby close to your body. The upright position and gentle movement can provide comfort.
• Upright Position: Hold the baby upright, with their head resting on your shoulder, while you gently walk. This position can help release trapped gas in the stomach.
• Sitting Position: Place the baby seated on your lap, with their back resting against your chest and legs bent. Gently rock the baby back and forth.
• Bicycle Position: Lay the baby on their back and gently move their legs as if they were pedaling a bicycle. This can help release gas and relieve abdominal discomfort.

Baby Being Relieved of Colic (Google Source)

Conclusion

Relieving baby colic is a priority for many parents who face this challenge in the first months of their newborn’s life.

Knowing and implementing some techniques can make a big difference in the baby’s comfort and the family’s peace of mind.

Gentle massage of the abdomen, application of warm compresses are effective methods that can provide quick relief.

Additionally, placing the baby face down on your forearm or keeping him in the kangaroo position can help reduce abdominal pressure and alleviate symptoms.

Observing the baby and adjusting approaches as necessary is essential.

Consulting a trusted pediatrician before starting any method is always the best practice, ensuring that all actions taken are safe and appropriate.

With patience and correct care, this challenging phase can be overcome, providing comfort to the baby and peace to the parents.