How to Take Care of Your Colic Baby and Still Keep Your Sanity?

So, while you were pregnant, you dreamt of holding your little one, cuddling her, and making her sleep peacefully? But then reality hit when the baby would cry incessantly? Babies do cry, yes. But then some babies just refuse to calm down, no matter what you do. And then, the doctor tells you that the baby is colicky and all hell breaks loose!

But, dear mummies, it’s not as bad as it looks. Remember that baby colic is just a phase, and all you need to do is to have patience, and be there for your baby!


Image source: Today's parent.

What is Colic?

Colic is a condition where your new-born baby seems to be crying all the time. It usually starts when they are three weeks old. If the inconsolable crying situation of your healthy, well- cared and well- fed baby continues for more than three hours a day, three times a week for more than three weeks despite no health problems, the doctor might diagnose the baby as colic.

What are the Reasons for Colic?

The exact cause of colic is still unknown, so there is no medicinal cure for colic. But some reasons that are identified of a colicky baby are Food tolerance, Intussusception, Pyloric Stenosis, Middle Ear Infection, Acid Reflux. However, these are not the only reasons. Sometimes your baby turns cranky and with no valid reason, she may cry continuously.

How to survive Colic as a Mum?

Here are a few tips for you to calm yourself as well as the baby when the crying bouts occur.

• Go for a Walk – Take your baby along with you and go for a walk. Fresh air and some motion will put your baby to sleep. It will also release your stress and clear your mind.
  
  
• Create the Three “S” Strategy–The three “S” here includes swaddling, swinging and stomach carrying.

1. Swaddle your baby in a comfortable and cozy blanket below the neck, not very tight and hold them very close to you.
   
   
2. Try swinging the baby either in your arms or in a stroller. This can be an effective remedy for a colic baby.
   
   
3. Carry your baby such that their belly lies flat against your hand. It will calm them as the pressure that your arm provides proves to be relaxing for them.

Image source: jojomamanbebe

• Listen to Soothing Music – Put on some light music while your little one screams. Nice soothing music reduces stress and maybe it might help calm the baby, too!
  
  
• Take a Break and Relax – Keep your baby in a safe place and ask someone in your family to keep an eye on them. Take a quick ten-minute break while you rejuvenate yourself by taking a shower, or having a cup of coffee, or doing whatever it is that relaxes you.
  
  
• Cry Your Heart Out – It’s okay to cry sometimes when you feel too frustrated. Crying is not a sign of bad mummies. It releases out all your emotions and makes you feel lighter and stronger.
  
  
• Interact with Other Colic Sufferers- Talk to other mummies who are going through the same phase. It helps to ease your feelings of being isolated and also let you know that you are not alone to have such experience. Interacting with others may also let you discover some tactics to handle the baby. You will get a way to pass through these rough times.

Although it feels like colic is dreadful for the baby and you, keep in mind that this rough time will also pass. It is fine to get frustrated because of screaming, restlessness, and sleep deprivation. But once this period is over, you will surely enjoy the new phase of motherhood.

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