Babies cry…a lot. That is just a simple fact of having a newborn baby in your household. They cry when they are hungry, they cry when they are gassy, they cry when they hurt, they cry when they are tired and they cry when they want attention. And because many of those opportunities to cry may come all at once, you may not know the reason that they are actually upset. Worse yet, if your child has colic and has a physical reason that is causing discomfort, they may cry even more often. Dealing with colic can be extremely stressful both in figuring out that that is the cause of the baby’s cries and in figuring out how best to deal with it.
First and foremost when you believe you are dealing with colic, try to eliminate any other sources that may be upsetting your child. If they have received enough food, been burped, been changed and have gotten lots of sleep and attention, you then need to start considering what may be happening below the surface, having to do with their overall health. If any other health issues can be eliminated – they’re not sick, they’re not teething – then the answer may be colic.
It’s important to consult with your physician when you suspect that your baby may be colicky. They can help you to eliminate any other potential causes and get your baby back on the right track. If they also determine that there are no other physical causes for the colic, they can also help you to determine how best to deal with your child’s colic.
Something that is extremely important to remember when your child is colicky is that you have to remain calm, cool and collected. Your baby is not doing this on purpose and although their cries may strain your every last nerve, they desperately need you to take care of them and to help them to feel better. Although you may start feeling overwhelmed and like you don’t know what to do, it is important that your baby never perceive this.
Some of the best solutions to colic do not come out of a doctor’s bag of tricks. Some cases of colic are best solved by allowing them to run their course. Along the way, physically reassure your baby at every time possible. Simple skin to skin contact can be considered one of the most soothing ways to deal with colic. If your child is bottle fed, check their brand of formula and make a change in it. A change in formula can often make a child feel better far faster than any other changes you can make. And finally, don’t be afraid to seek help. If the colic lasts for a long time, continue to go back to the doctor and work together to find solutions.
