Colic. This very word inspires misery to many mothers and fathers. It takes a crying baby to a whole new level. If your child cries for hours without any obvious reason, he might have colic.
Colic may be defined as crying that occurs for at least two hours at specific times at least three times per week.
During your newborn's first month, this pattern usually becomes noticeable. Its cause continues to be unknown. Many say it's because of a baby's immature digestive system causing gas, and other blame colic on his immature nervous system reacting with irritation to stimulation.
By the end of a baby's third month, parents can look for colic to subside. While it is generally harmless to your infant's health, it often causes the most harm to parents and caregivers.
Here's some ideas you can try to calm a colicky baby.
White noise and vibration. The gentle hum of a fan or the sounds a white noise machine produces can prove soothing. The motion from a swing or car has many times put a colicky baby to sleep. Keep him close. Use a sling or front carrier while you buzz around the house. Some babies are pacified by being close to their mothers. Use a pacifier. An intensely colicky baby can be calmed by that sucking motion. Give him a massage. Touch can be exceedingly calming for an infant. Switch the scene. Get him out of the house. Give him a warm bath. Go somewhere different. These sudden changes oftentimes quiet a colicky baby.
Accept any help you can get with your baby. Patience can wear thin when you have to hear persistent cries day in and day out. So when you have the opportunity to be removed from the situation, take it.
Also, keep communication lines open with you and your spouse. Take turns with your colicky infant, so you both get reasonable breaks.
