If you are like many parents who have the misfortune of coping with a colicky baby, there are ways to ease their discomfort. There has been a lot of research done on this condition over the years and there is no known cause, although it appears that it has something to do with trapped gas in the digestive system which causes distress for the colicky baby. This can be a parent’s worst nightmare as the pain they are suffering causes them to cry excessively.

You’ll be pleased to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel for your colicky baby and this condition does not last forever! The good news is that although this can be very stressful for a parent, it does ease as your baby gets older. In some cases it can disappear in as little as 3 months.

I regularly come into contact with parents who say they are tired and frustrated as they have been up all night with their colicky baby. I have found that one of the best ways to ease stress when your colicky baby is suffering, is to remain as calm as possible. This will help you both to get through the episode with minimal discomfort to you and your baby. Yes, this is easier said than done :-)

There are a number of alternative therapies out there that can help get you through the tough times.  Here are some that I have found of benefit in assisting parents with a colicky baby:

  1. Be aware of what you eat when you are breastfeeding and remember that what you eat is also passed on to your baby via your breast milk. I suggest you visit a good nutritionist or naturopath who will be able to assist with your diet.
  2. Rock your baby gently and sing quietly to them. This can help them to calm down, easing the pain so they can sleep.
  3. Put on some light music and hold your baby so you can both relax.
  4. Baby massage is a great way to relieve colic as it not only eases the pain but gets rid of the gas in the abdomen that is causing it.
  5. There are various homeopathic remedies for colic, one of which is mint. Boil some spearmint in water for 10 minutes and mix it with some breast milk/ formula or boiled water and give some to your baby in a bottle.

Always remember to use home remedies with caution and I recommend that you visit your physician before doing so.

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