Natural Baby Colic Remedies

Colic can be an extremely stressful time for parents and baby. Here are some natural baby colic remedies, tips, and advice that we hope will help you through this tough stage.

Colic is a very vaguely defined term. Its cause is unknown, although for as long as I can remember it's always been attributed to digestive distress.

It's so important to remember that this will not last forever and there are steps you can take to reduce the stress on both you and your baby.

Sypmtoms

Symptoms include long periods of inconsolable crying. These episodes are predictable as opposed to an acute episode which may indicate another problem.

Babies usually pull up their legs and clench their fists during these periods of crying. Their bellies may feel hard.

Dealing with Colic

This is very difficult for mothers who are already sleep deprived as there exists a hormonal response in a mom to their infant's cries.

It is so important that the primary caregiver (referred to here as 'mom'), have support people to come in and give periodic breaks. Mom should go to the store, outside, or to an area where she can't hear the baby.

Take time for pampering, meditation, and as much sleep as you can. Do not feel guilty about taking an hour each day to care for yourself! You will take such better care of your infant if you're in a more relaxed state.

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The Cuddle Cure

Dr. Harvey Karp, a Santa Monica pediatrician, believes he has found a very viable, natural baby colic remedy. His method has shown very promising results and, best of all, it's easy for anyone to try.

Here are what he calls the 5 S's:

Swaddle: Use a large, square blanket placed in a diamond shape with the top point folded toward the middle. Place the baby on the blanket so his neck is along the fold. Holding the baby's arms by his or her sides, wrap the left flap around the baby and tuck it under the torso, keeping it tight. Bring the bottom point up and tuck it under the baby's left shoulder, which will be on your right, looking down. Bring the right edge of the blanket down across the baby's chest, and hold it in place with your left hand. Then wrap the rest of the right flap tightly around the baby, and tuck in the corner to keep it secure.

Side or stomach: Holding the swaddled baby, turn him on his side or stomach. Note: This is an awake position. Babies should sleep on their backs to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.

Shhh: Say "shhh" in the baby's ear to simulate womb sounds. A white-noise machine can fill in when your lungs give out. Don't be afraid to be loud.

Swing: Swing or jiggle the baby so his head moves gently like "Jell-O on a plate." Do not shake the baby, which can be extremely dangerous. What you're trying to emulate is the baby's natural movement within the womb of an active mother. Once the baby is calm, a mechanical swing can help keep the peace.

Suck: Give the baby a breast or bottle, a pacifier or even one of your clean fingers to suck on. When baby's eyelids grow heavy, you're in the home stretch.

There are many natural baby colic remedies available but no natural colic remedy should be administered without consulting a pediatrician.

Herbal teas and Gripe Water have been used for centuries to calm a colicky baby.

Recent studies suggest that colic may be a result of an unbalanced environment in the gastro-intestinal system. Probiotic supplements which restore a healthy flora to the digestive system are showing promising results.

Other alternative methods such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, etc. have not been proven effective in the treatment of colic and can cause other complications. Seek a physician's advice first.

Submit your advice, natural baby colic remedies, and tips for dealing with colic!