0 – 3 Months Digestion
Colic can make babies fussy and uncomfortable. Mothers can be frustrated and overwhelmed by it. So, how to deal with
colic in babies and tips for preventing it?
How to Treat Colic in Babies
Digestive disorders such as bloating, cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and rarely burping are thought to be the
cause of colic. Although it tends to be harmless, you can do this to overcome it:
1. Carrying a Baby
Instinctively, Mom might immediately hold her little one when he cries continuously. This step can also be done as one
way to overcome colic in babies.
Being carried makes your little one feel comfortable because there is close contact with his mother.
When carrying, the little one can also hear the mother’s heartbeat that he usually heard when he was in the womb. That
way, it is no wonder that he will feel much calmer.
2. Swaddling the Baby
Swaddling babies is believed to provide a feeling of warmth, safety and comfort, so that your little one can be calmer
after being fussy due to colic.
But, make sure you know how to swaddle your baby properly. Avoid swaddling too tightly to the point that it makes it
difficult for him to breathe.
Just swaddle loosely, so that he/she remains warm and comfortable. You can swaddle your baby while breastfeeding, or
before your little one goes to sleep in the afternoon or evening.
3. Setting White Noise
One way to deal with colic in babies is to play soothing sounds, also known as white noise .
For example, putting the baby on the mother’s chest. The mother’s heartbeat will be heard with the same rhythm and this
makes the baby feel calm.
You can also listen to soft classical music, use the rhythm of natural sounds (rippling water, wind, raindrops), make
humming sounds, or hum.
4. Having a Baby
When the baby cries , you can try to rock him gently and slowly, while singing a song or listening to soothing sounds.
There is nothing wrong with putting your baby in the crib and rocking him/her for about 5-10 minutes. Rock your little
one slowly while singing a lullaby.
5. Take the baby for a walk
Mothers can take their babies for a walk inside or outside the house using a stroller to overcome colic in babies. The
back and forth movement of the stroller can provide a sense of calm.
Strollers can provide a new experience for your little one to feel calm with forward or backward movements. So are other
rhythmic movements, such as riding around the complex.
A new atmosphere or environment is thought to be able to distract the baby so that he can be calmer and fall asleep more
easily.
6. Continue to provide breast milk
Exclusive breastfeeding is the best method of baby care, including as a way to overcome colic in babies. For that,
mothers can immediately breastfeed their fussy little ones to calm them down.
Make sure your baby breastfeeds for at least 15 minutes on each breast, so that he or she gets all the nutrients in
breast milk optimally.
7. Burp the baby after breastfeeding
Babies often have colic because their stomachs are bloated , hungry, or too full.
So, Mom can try to burp the baby often during and after breastfeeding to release excess air or gas that may have built
up in the stomach. Here’s how:
- First, carry and direct the Little one to the mother’s shoulder. Pat and rub the baby’s back gently.
- Second, sit the baby on the mother’s lap. Face the baby outwards or to the side and gently pat his back.
8. Give a Pacifier
Mothers can give pacifiers or dummy as a natural way to deal with colic in babies.
The movement of your little one’s mouth sucking on a pacifier is thought to help calm the diaphragm so that colic
subsides.
9. Massage the Baby Gently
Babies still need a lot of stimulation and physical touch to make them feel comfortable. This is because they are
adapting to a new environment, after 9 months in the womb.
Massaging a baby can be a form of stimulation that can be done together with other stimulation. For example, sound
stimulation, visual stimulation, and others.
10. Bathe the Baby with Warm Water
The next way to deal with colic in babies is to bathe them in warm water.
A warm bath before bed can make your baby feel comfortable. This step can also distract his crying and make your little
one feel relaxed.
How to Prevent Baby Colic from Coming Back
Although colic is common in babies aged 2 weeks to 4 months, Mom and Dad can do several things to prevent colic in
babies from recurring every night, namely:
- Continue to provide exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months.
- Correct the baby’s mouth attachment position when breastfeeding.
- Routinely burping the baby after feeding.
- If your little one drinks breast milk from a bottle, choose a bottle that is designed to reduce air intake.
- Pay attention to the nutritional intake that you eat. Because, what you consume can affect your little one.
When Should Colic in Babies Be a Concern?
Mothers need to be alert when they have tried various ways to overcome colic in the baby above, but the Little One’s crying does not subside, and he experiences the following symptoms:
- Babies over 4 months of age still experience colic.
- The baby does not want to breastfeed.
- The baby’s weight does not increase.
- Fever in babies.
- Baby vomits .
- Diarrhea in infants.
- There is blood in the baby’s stool.
- The baby is having difficulty breathing.
Consult a doctor immediately if your little one experiences one or more of the above signs. This way, the doctor can provide the right diagnosis and treatment.
There are various educational and interesting features to support your little one to grow great. Let’s try it now, Mom!