Colicky Infants - Getting Help For Your Baby

A colicky infant can be extremely frustrating for new parents. It's natural to assume it's your fault or that you're not meeting your baby's needs somehow. "These first few weeks can be completely overwhelming for parents," says Dr. Clifford of the CHEO Research Institute in Ontario. "For parents with colicky babies, they can take heart in knowing that by the time their baby reaches three months of age, they've probably seen the worst of it.

By the twelfth week of life, total crying and fussing time had fallen to an average of one hour per day, which is about half of what is seen at 6 weeks of age," he adds.

Before panicking, try a natural colic remedy. Often colicky infants can be somewhat soothed by changing a few simple habits. First, consider eating habits. Is your baby hungry?

Try feeding the distressed infant, or pacifying the baby with a pacifier. Often the sucking motion can ease the colic pain because the continuous motion encourages healthy digestion, saliva production and regulation of body processes, without all the excessive swallowing and gas. Some babies respond well to Pedialyte, or plain liquids. 

Next, try soothing your baby. Cuddling, holding, singing to and rocking babies often helps the inconsolable crier. Be sure that the baby isn't wrapped up too tightly, as excessive warmth can cause a baby to cry even more.

Background noise like a vaporizer, a vacuum cleaner, classical music, heartbeat or ocean waves CDs or a washing machine can lull a colicky baby to sleep.

A gentle tummy massage or a warm bath might soothe the distressed infant. Some babies need an extra boost relieving gas, so the tummy massage could help there too, as will rocking your baby facedown on your lap.

Alternative remedies for colic include everything from herbal teas (peppermint and chamomile, but not star anise tea) and massage therapy to infant swings and vibrating cribs.

Lastly, don't forget to take care of yourself during this difficult time. You're likely to feel very emotional, drained, low on patience and frustrated with a colicky infant.

It's natural to even feel a bit of detachment or resentment. Some women even develop post partum depression and wish the baby was inside them again, rather than outside crying relentlessly.

Many instances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occur as a result of frustrated parents too. Instead of taking it out on your baby, visit a counselor for colic help and to learn how to deal with the frustration and anxiety.