Cures For Colic - Three Simple Ways to Calm Your Baby
by Cindy Chung
There are many tried and true tricks that can help you soothe a colicky
baby. Some are more effective than others, as all babies are different.
The common denominator in surviving this stressful time is patience.
The cures for colic tricks listed below assisted me with my child who was
extremely difficult.
The Colic Hold
This way of holding the infant is particularly effective and soothing if
comfortable for the parent. The child lies face-down and the arm of the
parent or caregiver is slipped between the legs up the body, with the
infant's belly resting on the underside of the forearm. The hand is used
the support the head and neck of the child. It is believed that the
pressure on the belly may help relieve some of the discomfort of an
immature digestive tract and may help gases pass more smoothly.
The Bicycle Exercise
This cures-for-colic trick was effective in soothing my colicky baby. Find
a secure, flat surface (floor, changing table, couch, etc.) Place baby on
her back and grab her little feet, moving them gently in a circular
bicycling motion. It may take a few minutes but the motion does help. This
encourages gas to pass down and out.
Medications
Sometimes colic is due to an immature digestive tract contracting
violently when gas is passed. The pain and pressure can be relieved by
simethicone-based anti-gas medicines which are safe to dispense after each
feeding with baby. There are also cures-for-colic tablets that can be
dissolved in baby's mouth that are herbal, which you can find at any
drugstore. It is important to read dosage instructions carefully and check
with your baby's paediatrician before dispensing any type of medication to
baby.
