Best Way to Deal with Baby Colic



Colic is not a disease. It can’t be tested for. It’s characterized by inconsolable crying that lasts one to several hours at a time, usu­ally in the evening between six and midnight. Doctors don’t know what causes colic, but it often reflects an unusual sensitivity to stimulation or, in breastfed babies, a sensitivity to certain foods.

In addition to crying intensely, colicky babies may pull up their legs, clench their fists, pass gas, and flush bright red. Fortunately, colic rarely lasts beyond the third month. Breast­feeding mothers may consider eliminating dairy products, spicy foods, onions, garlic, and caffeine from their diets. If you’re using formula, you may consider switching to a different for­mula, but talk to your doctor first.

Baby Colic Best Way to Deal with Baby Colic

  • Try burping your baby before a feeding to prevent a bubble from becoming trapped at the bottom of the stomach. Also, try burping your baby during a feeding.
  • Use plastic bottle liners for bottle-feeding. Squeeze the air completely out of the bag before starting, to prevent air bub­bles from causing abdominal discomfort.
  • Place your baby in an upright position while feeding to allow air bubbles to escape more easily.
  • Lay your baby in the crib face-up, and gently pull her left arm and right leg away from her body. Repeat with the right arm and left leg. This may help relieve gas.
  • Check your local health food store for a homeopathic remedy called Gripe Water, a mild tonic that can’t hurt—and may help.
  • Steep a heaping teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers (avail­able in health food stores) in one cup of hot water for five to ten minutes. Cool to room temperature, and give your baby two tablespoons three or four times a day.

Baby Colic 1 Best Way to Deal with Baby Colic

  • Let your baby suck on a peppermint candy stick, or melt a small piece of peppermint in water and give it in a bottle. Peppermint often has a soothing effect.
  • Attach a SleepTight device to your baby’s crib. It simulates the sound and vibration of a car riding down the highway. Infor­mation is available at 800-NOCOLIC or at





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