How to Relieve Colic?

Although not all infants suffer from colic, many experience the discomforts. Parents should know how to provide relief.

How can you help relieve colic and gas in your baby? A good percentage of mothers handle this question every day, and perhaps you’re one of them.

The good news is that unlike many other diseases children can suffer from, colic can be remedied with love and some simple techniques.

Today we’ll show you how you can offer your child relief from colic symptoms.

What is colic?

The first thing you should know is that colic in newborns is abdominal contractions accompanied by pain.

These contractions usually occur during the first 12 weeks of life and can last for two or three hours. Often colic is more prevalent during the evening.

How will I know if my baby has colic?

A baby with colic has noticeable symptoms immediately when the pain starts:

• Insistent crying. They close their fists and turn red. Even if you try, you can not calm them down.
• Their dreams are uneasy. They cannot fall asleep, or wake up crying as soon as they fall asleep
• They have a hardened tummy

So if you notice your newborn showing any of the above symptoms, they are probably suffering from colic.

How can I relieve them?

One of the most effective remedies is a mother’s warmth and affection.

If your child is suffering from colic, pick them up, kiss them, caress them, sing to them and talk to them sweetly.

Then, follow these tips:

• Pick them up and place their head on your shoulder or on your chest so they stay upright. This is the best position to relieve the built up gasses in their abdomen.
• Some babies with colic will refuse to breastfeed even if it is time to breastfeed; others, however, find skin-to-skin contact very beneficial and will drink the much-needed breast milk. See if this is the case for your child.
• If your child likes to bathe, baths can be a good way to relieve colic. Do not change their routine. Wash them with warm water and see if this makes them more comfortable.
• Determine if your child prefers quiet or background noise. If they like the first option, make sure they have a quiet environment when they are in pain. If they prefer the second option, the washing machine and refrigerator noises can help them.
• Gently massage your baby’s abdomen, observing their reaction. If you are afraid of hurting them, lay them down on their tummy. Another recommended technique is “to bicycle.” Alternate bringing one leg at a time gently to their belly.
• Do not give any medications or supplements to the baby, no matter how much another mother recommends it. Remember that they only need your milk to live and develop. Let your pediatrician prescribe anything beyond that.
• Burp your baby as soon as they breastfeed because they always swallow air while nursing. Place them against your chest and shoulder and rub their lower back up until you feel them burp.
• Move them around the house and take them outside in the fresh air. You can also take them for a car ride. Many babies calm down with movement.

How to relieve colic?

As you may have noticed, learning a special technique is not necessary. Pay attention to your baby and help them get through these difficult moments.

If your child doesn’t calm down, don’t leave them in the same position. Alternate them between laying down face up, staying upright, and holding them by supporting their head.

These different moments will help relieve the discomforts caused by colic.