All babies cry – but when your little one cries for over three hours a day during their first three months in the world, your pediatrician might inform you that your baby has colic.
Doctors have yet to find the proven cause for colic. Some doctors believe that colic happens due to digestion problems, a baby's sensitivity to formula milk, or certain types of food that a nursing mom eats. It could also simply be that a baby is still getting used to being out in the world and not safe and sound in their mama's womb.
Pediatricians determine whether or not a baby has colic through the "rule of threes:" when a baby cries intensely for three or more hours a day, for at least three days in a week, for longer than three weeks in a row.
Do not fret when your doctor tells you that your baby has colic. While it's a challenge to deal with, colic is nothing to worry about and does not mean that your baby has health problems. In fact, colic can be more harmful to stressed and worried parents than it is to babies and usually subsides by the time your little one is around 3 to 4 months old.
Dealing with a colicky baby can be stressful, but there are many ways to power through. Here are some things you can do to make it easier for you and your baby:
Swaddling
Wrap your little one like a burrito in a thin and soft blanket to keep them soothed and relaxed. Keep their arms down on their sides, but leave room near the legs so they can still move around.
Swaddling can help babies two months and younger, but stop swaddling when the baby learns to roll over as it can pose a threat to them.
Shushing and White Noise
Mimicking sounds that your little one once heard inside the womb can help them sleep longer. According to Dr. Harvey Karp, author of the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block," "inside the uterus, noises are louder than a vacuum cleaner."
Although adults may find these noises loud, babies find them comforting as it blocks out stimulation and mimics the steady sounds of the womb. Putting on white noise through a baby soothing toy, playing recordings, running the shower, or shushing could work, among many others.
Swinging
We often hear the statement, "don't carry your baby for too long, or you'll spoil them." Doctors have proven that this isn't entirely true and that holding and rocking babies won't actually spoil them.
When your little one was in your womb, they were held and rocked 24/7, so it's an occurrence that they're familiar with. A study even showed that parents who held their babies twice as long had babies who cried less.
Sucking
In the first few months, babies have a strong sucking urge. Satisfying that urge can soothe a crying infant. Breastfeeding could do the trick, or you can provide your little one with a pacifier.
While some babies might spit a pacifier right out, it is successful in calming some babies down.
Give a Baby Massage
Giving your little one a massage with some massage oil can promote relaxation. Gently rub their back, belly, arms, and legs with soft, loving strokes.
A mom's gentle touch may soothe a fussy baby and provide instant comfort.
Increase Skin-to-Skin Contact
Keeping your baby close can make them stop crying. In fact, studies show that babies who are carried more cry less. While skin-to-skin contact is best, keeping your baby in an infant carrier can also do the trick and provide comfort just the same.
Dealing with colic is difficult for both the parents and the child. It is important to remember to take care of yourself, too, mama, as it is crucial in making sure that you can help your baby through this challenging phase in their life.
Take time off every day, even if it means just a couple of minutes of alone time. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your "mama tribe," and remember that “this too shall pass.”
