Colicky babies cannot generally be quieted with feeding or a change of diaper, and episodes may last for several hours. Colic tends to be most severe at 4 to 6 weeks of age and gradually subsides by 3 to 4 months. Though none of the remedies offered below will cure colic, most have brought some relief to suffering parents and their babies, so you may want to give them a try. And remember that this, too, shall pass. Colic disappears as mysteriously as it begins.
Try The Colic Carry
“I’m a big believer in the colic carry,” says nanny industry expert Sharon Graff-Radell. Extend your forearm with your palm up, then place the baby on your arm chest down, with her head in your hand and her legs on each side of your elbow. Support the baby with your other hand and walk around the house with her in this position. Another type of carry that works combines a tight swaddling with an over-the-shoulder carry. “This relieves gas, provides motion, and the tight swaddle helps baby feel secure,” Graff-Radell says.
Burp That Baby
“My experience is that at least some colicky babies do have more abdominal gas than the norm and may be more difficult to burp,” says pediatric nurse practitioner Linda Jonides, BS, RN, CPNP. Her recommendation for stopping colic: Try different positions when feeding and be sure to burp frequently, as often as after every ounce (if bottle feeding). You can also try different nipples if you bottle feed. “There are many to choose from, and there isn’t one that works best for all babies,” Jonides says.
Cut The Cow Juice
Some child-care specialists believe that colic is caused when cow’s milk is transmitted from mother to infant through breast milk. Though some research refutes this, experts agree that a maternal diet free of cow’s milk may be worth a try, especially in families with a history of allergies. “I recommend that mothers start by eliminating cow’s milk from their diets and see what happens,” Graff-Radell says. “If that does it, you don’t have to go any further, but if not, you may need to cut back other dairy products.” MORE: 7 Things That Happen When You Stop Eating Dairy
Check The Diet Connection
“Sometimes certain foods the mom eats can set off a bout of colic for a breastfeeding baby,” says pediatrician John D. Rau, MD. Suspect foods may include chocolate, bananas, citrus fruits, strawberries, spicy foods, and caffeinated drinks. “Watch for a link between the mommy’s diet and baby’s colic,” Rau says. Gassy foods such as broccoli and cabbage could also be culprits, Graff-Radell says.
Try A Wrap Session
“I recommend holding and swaddling a colicky baby,” Jonides says, “or using a backpack to hold the baby so you have your arms free to do other things.” Wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket has a calming effect. It’s very popular in some cultures, and it does sometimes stop colic attacks. It does not spoil an infant, says Jonides.
Use A Vacuum Instead Of A Lullaby
Colicky babies seem to love the sound of a vacuum cleaner. Science has failed to explain this mystery. “The white noise of a vacuum cleaner or other appliances such as a dishwasher seems to calm a colicky baby,” Rau says. Some parents record the sound of a vacuum cleaner and play it back when baby gets fussy. Others simply start vacuuming the carpet and hope the child outgrows colic while there’s still some rug left. Another option is to incorporate both vibration and white noise together. “Take baby for a car ride,” Rau suggests. “It’s worked for me and many families.” Graff-Radell offers a more aggressive approach: “Put baby in a front pack and vacuum at the same time—it’s a win-win. That colicky baby goes out like a light, and you have a clean house.” MORE: How Pink Noise Makes For Better Sleep
Do The Dryer Dribble
“Put the baby in an infant seat and rest it against the side of a running clothes dryer so the baby gets that buzzing sound and vibration through the seat,” suggests pediatric nurse Helen F. Neville, RN. “There’s something about the vibration that really soothes a colicky baby.” Sound too far-fetched? Wait until the baby fusses for another 3 hours—you’ll try anything.
Warm That Tummy
“A hot-water bottle or heating pad set on low and placed on the baby’s tummy sometimes helps,” Jonides says. (Place a towel between the baby and the hot-water bottle so she doesn’t get burned.)
Log It In
“Keeping a log would be a very good idea,” Neville says. “Often, when it seems like the baby was fussing for 2 hours straight, it was really only 45 minutes. A log will help you determine just how long the baby’s crying, and—more important—what might be bringing it on.” MORE: 12 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Naturally
Swing Into Action
“Motion-type things are good for colic,” says Jonides. “Swinging may quiet many babies at least long enough for you to get through dinner.”
Try A Little Massage
“Many infants will calm with a gentle massage of their tummy, legs, or back,” Jonides says. “Make sure your hands are soft and warm, and just apply a gentle pressure.”
Tour The House
“I like to walk around the house telling the baby all about the artwork, photos, pets, and other random items of home,” Graff-Radell says. Baby calms down from the constant motion, interesting visuals, and an engaging voice. “Babies love when you talk to them,” she says.
When To Call A Doctor About Colic
Colic can be a frustrating part of early parenthood, since there’s little that you can to do comfort your baby. The good news is, symptoms often subside by the time an infant is 3 months old; 90% of cases resolve within 9 months. You should check with your child’s pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
The crying has been accompanied by recent changes in your baby’s eating habits. The colic is paired with an unexplained change in your baby’s sleep patterns or some other aspect of his or her behavior. A fall or injury of some type may have caused the crying. The colic persists beyond 9 months of age.
Panel Of Advisors
Sharon Graff-Radell is vice president of the International Nanny Association, founder of findthebestnanny.com, and owner of TLC for Kids in St. Louis, one of the first nanny and child-care agencies in the United States. Linda Jonides, BS, RN, CPNP, is a pediatric nurse practitioner in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Helen F. Neville, RN, is a pediatric nurse at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Oakland, California, and author of Temperament Tools and Is This A Phase? John D. Rau, MD, is a developmental behavioral pediatrician and an associate professor of clinical pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine. He is also the director of the Riley Child Development Center in Indianapolis.
