If your baby won’t stop crying and you feel like a frazzled, overstressed parent, there are a few things you should know. Check out these helpful tips for handling a colicky baby.
Helpful tips for handling a colicky baby can help you keep your sanity in check. They can also help you better understand why your baby is crying. Most importantly, they can help you handle your baby in a way that is loving, compassionate, and well educated. If your baby won’t stop crying, then take the time to read over these helpful hints for handling a colicky baby.
Why Your Baby is Crying
Before diving into helpful tips for handling a colicky baby, it is important to understand why your baby is crying in the first place. There are three basic types of colic: gastrointestinal colic, trauma colic, and overstimulation colic. While all colic results in a fussy baby, not all types of colic can be comforted. Knowing the difference between each type of colic can help you determine your next plan of action.
Gastrointestinal Colic
When your baby has gastrointestinal colic, you may notice symptoms of gas, such as grunting, passing gas, or a tight abdomen. This type of colic should be discussed with your child’s doctor because certain types of formula can increase gastrointestinal colic. In the meantime, try holding your baby in a way that places pressure on their tummy while supporting their head. Gentle tummy rubs in a clockwise direction can also help loosen gas bubbles. This helpful hint for handling a colicky baby may not resolve the colic completely, but in can give your baby a little relief.
Overstimulation Colic
Helpful hints for handling a colicky baby that is overstimulated include darkening the room, turning off all devices that create noise, and holding your baby closely. Making “shhhhh” sounds into your baby’s ear can also help. This is the sound that your baby heard while in the womb and it is very comforting.
Trauma Colic
Trauma can happen during birth for a variety of reasons. If you suspect post-birth trauma, you should talk to your baby’s doctor. To comfort your baby, try skin-to-skin contact in addition to the helpful hints for handling a colicky baby that are listed in the overstimulation section.