| Any parent will tell you that colic is one of the most | | | | swallowing of air. Patting the baby gently on the back |
| excruciating experiences of early parenthood. The | | | | after each feeding is another effective method of |
| baby cries as if in dire pain, and there just seems to | | | | releasing gas. With the increasing incidences of cot |
| be nothing for a parent to do. A baby is suspected | | | | deaths, doctors advise parents to put their babies to |
| to have colic if, around the age of three weeks, the | | | | sleep on their back. However sometimes babies with |
| baby starts crying inconsolably for hours at a time. | | | | colic like to lie on their stomachs. This is safe, so long |
| The condition is termed 'colic' because it was | | | | as you are awake and vigilant. |
| assumed that babies were crying due to stomach | | | | Doctors sometimes attribute colic to maternal stress. |
| pain. Doctors are no longer sure that a stomach ache | | | | It's only natural for mothers to get stressed when |
| causes colic, but the term continues to be in use. | | | | little babies cry until they are red in the face. But |
| The first step is to ascertain the cause of distress. | | | | babies are very sensitive to stress and a mother |
| Newborn babies often cry because of hunger, | | | | whose nerves are frayed cannot calm a distressed |
| earache, wetness or cold. If these factors can be | | | | baby. At such a time, mothers should get extra help |
| safely ruled out, crying can be attributed to the | | | | and spend some time away from the scene. Take a |
| mysterious colic. Sometimes little tummies do not | | | | warm bath or go for a stroll. |
| agree with the protein in traditional baby formula or | | | | Traditionally, colicky babies have been fed with gripe |
| from a mother's milk. After consulting your doctor, | | | | water approximately half an hour before feeding. But |
| change the formula. Switch to a soy-based formula. | | | | these products should be checked for their |
| Even in breastfed babies, an excess of cows' milk | | | | ingredients. Some may contain artificial ingredients and |
| products in the mother's diet can cause tummy | | | | preservatives. Sensitive digestive systems of colicky |
| aches. Root vegetables and highly acidic food | | | | infants can definitely do without such irritants. |
| products like chocolates, tomatoes, or grapefruit in | | | | A warm aromatherapy bath calms and soothes the |
| the mother's diet can also upset the stomach of a | | | | baby. Add a few drops of lavender to warm bath |
| feeding infant. Gas producing food like broccoli, | | | | water and gently massage the tummy. This will help |
| cabbage, onions, cauliflower, peppers, and citrus fruits | | | | relieve painfully trapped gas. Babies also like to be in |
| may all become suspect at such a time. Your doctor | | | | water. |
| may advise you to go on an exclusion diet for some | | | | Small babies need a lot of warmth and security. |
| time. Most newborns outgrow their sensitivity to | | | | Swaddling the baby in warm clothes and holding it |
| food and become naturally vigorous and robust within | | | | against the steady soothing rhythm of a parent's |
| three to six months. | | | | heartbeat can sometimes soothe the baby's pain. |
| If the baby is being breastfed, it is necessary to | | | | Walking, rocking, and repetitive movements also have |
| feed on demand. The evening hours see a decline in | | | | a calming effect. Applying gentle pressure on the |
| production of milk. Feeding the baby often during | | | | abdomen will help relieve stomach ache. This position |
| these hours will ensure an abundant supply of milk. If | | | | is known as the 'colic hold.' |
| the baby is being bottle-fed, care must be taken to | | | | Finally, remember colic is a stage in the growth of |
| hold the bottle properly, so that there is no | | | | your baby. This too will pass. |