Colic Relief for Babies and Parents

As adults, we often take digestive functions for granted, unless a spicy burrito sends us running for the TUMS or Alkaseltzer. For newborn infants, feeding isn't as simple.

Their systems aren't fully formed to digest the complex sugars that are found in milk and they're often filled with too much gas. As parents, there's very little we can do during these colic crying fits, but there are several products on the market to help with colic relief. Understand that after four months, most babies grow out of this stage and it's not your fault.

During feeding, many babies accidentally suck in too much air, resulting in "gas pockets" in the stomach and intestines. Also, gas-producing vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, can pass on their effects through breast milk, causing excess bloating in the baby as well.

Toxins like caffeine are easily transmitted this way too, making it difficult for the baby to digest. The more the colicky baby cries, the more the gas builds up and more cramping ensues from tensing the stomach muscles. To ease the baby's discomfort, many people turn to homeopathic medicines to treat colic.

Colic Calm gripe water is FDA-approved colic relief medication. Microscopic particles of porous-activated carbon attract all the toxins passing through the baby's system. This harmless process is known as "electrostatic adsorption."

Natural substances can often stimulate our body's natural processes.

For example, chamomile is used to treat restlessness and insomnia (think "sleepy time tea"). Caraway has been used for over 5,000 years to treat heartburn and indigestion. Peppermint and Ginger rebalances the body's gas expulsion and calms stomach spasms. Lemon Balm and Vegetable Carbon help relieve that bloated feeling, while aloe helps with the heavy duty cramping. All these herbal remedies are found in Colic Calm. 

Colic relief is a tricky balance to find. Every baby is different, so there's no one miraculous cure. Some babies respond well to infant swings, while others prefer a warm bath. Some babies cry during the day after a feeding, while others seem to cry mostly at night when it's time for bed.

Monitor your baby and try to figure out which specific problem may be ailing them. In the end, the best way to treat colic is with patience, but some of these products can certainly help in the meantime!