Bringing a baby into the world can be terrifying. It is a complete life change. You love this little creature with all of your heart, yet they can also be completely terrifying — especially if they have colic.
I was fortunate in that both of my boys weren’t overly fussy babies, but the same can’t be said for myself. I’m still apologizing to my mom!
For those who are dealing with a colicky baby, the experience can be trying. The good news is that you don’t have to just suffer through it. There are some things that you can do to help relieve your baby’s colic and make everyone’s lives easier.
Put baby on his stomach. I will preface this by saying that your baby should only be placed on his stomach while he is awake, otherwise it could be dangerous. By placing the baby on his stomach it helps force the gas out of the belly and helps to reduce crying.
Try swaddling baby. This will not only reduce baby’s startle reflex and thus keep them sleeping longer, but will also help to force out excess gas.
Watch their diet. If you are breastfeeding, you might consider what is in your diet and what might be irritating your child’s stomach. The same can be said for formula. Not all formulas are the same and some babies react differently.
Gerber® Good Start® Soothe infant formula is specially designed to ease excessive crying, colic, fussiness and gas while providing complete nutrition. It is the only formula to contain L. reuteri, a probiotic. It is ideal for formula-fed babies.
Use colic drops. If your child is breastfed, you might want to try colic-reducing drops. The Gerber® Soothe probiotic Colic Drops, with L. reuteri is ideal for breastfed babies.
Sometimes no matter what you do, your baby won’t stop crying. If at anytime the crying becomes too much for you to handle, put the baby in his crib and step out of the room. Take some deep breaths. Cry if you need to. Your child will be OK in the crib. It is so important for you to take time to compose yourself before doing anything rash.
Colic can be trying, even for the most patient of parents. Thankfully, as other trying infant phases, this too shall pass.
