Colic in babies under the age of 3 months is relatively common. If you are among the many parents dealing with one – or two babies who crying, screaming red faced little munchkins who are driving you crazy – the fact that it’s fairly common likely doesn’t make you feel any better.
Colicky babies may appear to be in pain, draw their legs up to their bellies and seem to be full of gas. The can scream almost constantly and can drive parents very quickly to their wit’s end trying to get some peace back in the home. You may even feel like running away. Colic can be a nightmare !
Please realize that your feelings are normal. We as parents are taught that if our children are crying , something is wrong, and we should fix it – so it can be incredibly frustrating having a squalling infant that we cannot soothe.
Twin girls swaddled in a blanketColic does not mean that there is anything medically wrong with your baby and a certain amount of crying and screaming is normal and necessary. Take your baby to get checked by their pediatrician just to rule out any medical concern and to ease your mind. Also, keep reminding yourself that colic usually stops by 3 months of age , if not sooner.
Doctors don’t seem to really know what causes colic or how to cure it and aren’t even sure if our babies are in pain – although it sure seems like it !
Could it be gas and reflux ?
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Get the help and support you need if you have colicky twins
Colic – some tips to help
Do whatever you can to keep that baby moving ! Rocking chairs, vibrating chairs, swings, and car rides can all help to soothe a colicky baby. You may have to try a few things to find one favorite ( or more ) that help your baby. Even placing an infant in a safe baby seat on top of the dryer while it’s running ( not unattended obviously!) can help. Trial and error here .
Ear plugs I’m not kidding – trust me, it will save your sanity and your hearing. It’s easier to deal with a screaming baby when it’s more of a dull roar and not piercing your ear drums.
Let your baby sleep A lot of crying can happen when your baby is overtired or overstimulated – so even if they are fussing or crying, if you know it’s time for them to sleep, put them down and walk away – shut the door, and give yourself permission to let them cry for a while. A lot of the time if you can just wait a while, they will fall asleep.
Peppermint water Old home remedy – soak a candy cane in some water and feed it to your baby –
Gripe water Our babies loved it and we found it worked quickly to make them seem to relax and feel better, and then the swing would rock them to sleep.Natural Medicine for Infant Colic, Gas and Reflux
A hot water bottle filled with warm water against their back or their stomach can be soothing.
Try different pacifiers – once they find one they love, you’re all set – so try a few and then stock up on their favorite.
Find some white noise there are machines sold for this, but even a running fan or humidifier that makes a steady noise can be comforting.
Swaddle your baby young infants don’t have much muscle control so when they get worked up their little arms and legs just start flailing around and they also have a very strong startle reflex. Try wrapping your baby snuggly with their arms down by their sides – many infants will just relax like this even though they look like rolled up burritos !
Get a sling and carry your baby with colic around with you as much as possible. You can’t spoil a newborn baby by holding them , so if you can manage it, wear your baby.
Feed them more often sometimes feeding more frequently can help and certainly give your ears a rest because their mouths are busy.
Check your formula If you are feeding your baby formula, try taking them off cow’s milk for a week or so to see if that is the reason. If you are nursing your babies, try avoiding dairy yourself. If there is no change after a couple of weeks, you can assume it’s not the milk.
Dealing with colicky twins – mom and dad
Chances are, this wasn’t the way you planned the first few months with your new babies. Try to stay calm and keep your sense of humor if you can – just know that everything when you’re raising twins , or any children is a stage – and it will pass.
Give yourself permission to take a break from the crying when you are about to lose it and put the babies in their cribs, shut the door, and go and take a long, hot shower. You will feel much better and more able to cope with the crying when you get out.
Let someone else sit with the babies for a while and go for a walk, breathe deep, and try to relax. Your babies aren’t doing this on purpose to drive you crazy.
Try to keep a calendar or journal of when your babies are the quietest ( then you can see that they actually don’t cry ALL the time ) , write down what seems to set them off, different things you try. You can also take this to the pediatrician as a record of what you’ve done.
Realize that there is nothing wrong with you as a parent. No , maybe you don’t have the picture perfect newborn infant at the moment, but ride it out. If you can , find an online support group of other parents who are dealing with colic, ask for advice , and see what works for you and your babies. Just remember – this too shall pass !
