What is Colic?
Colic is crying and fussing a lot, for no obvious physical or medical reason.Colic is very common affecting one in five babies. You are not alone if this is you!
Crying is normal in babies. At six to eight weeks, babies normally cry for two to three hours a day. But babies with colic will cry inconsolably for several hours at a time and it’s often worse in the evenings. Colic usually begins within the first few weeks of life and peaks at around 6 to 8 weeks. It often stops by the time baby is 4 months old, and by 6 months at the latest.
Features of Colic may include intense crying that may seem more like screaming from pain. You may also notice that your baby’s face becomes flushed and red, and they may clench their fists, draw their knees up to their tummy as if they have wind, or arch their back. Fussiness can also be evident even when crying has settled.
How can I help my Baby with Colic?
There are a few different things you can try to help your baby suffering from colic. For some there will be a single product or for others it may be combining a few to find what helps your baby best in particular.
It is recommeneded to begin by laying baby on their back in a dark room. Creating a dark room at any time of the day or night is easily achievable with the use of
Easynight Blackout Blinds, and highly recommended by Sleep Consultants Australia wide.
Swaddle baby snuggly in a
Miracle Blanket or similar.
Miracle Blankets are one of the only wraps that includes a lateral belly wrap. Colic can be eased by applying slight pressure on the abdomen with the belly wrap. Research shows that classic swaddling and gentle abdominal pressure are the most effective unsettled elimintaors for babes with colic.
Lay baby across your lap and gently rub his back. We have had great feedback from our customers using the
Zed Vibrational Sleep Soother to send light vibrations through babies back easing pain.
Put a warm heat back or
Moose Warm-Ease Heated Baby Belt around your babies belly. Moose
Warm-Ease use the scientifically proven power of heat and pressure to distract baby’s body from detecting pain and relax the muscles that cause cramps.
Have baby suck on a pacifier.
Bibs dummies are a highly loved pacifier with a natural soft latex cherry shape teat. The teat has been designed to mimic the mothers breast and is therefore recommended by midwives to support natural breastfeeding.
Soaking in a warm bath can also be effective to ease colic and fussiness.
Image via Dilkarra Photography
