Colic Baby: Tips For Better Sleep

A colic baby is one of those things every parent hope they are spared.

But what is colic?

Colic is when a baby starts crying for no apparent reason for about three hours at a time. There is no real medical reason, or treatment, for colic. It usually starts when your baby is between two and six weeks old. The sad part is that this crying can last for up to about three months. And it's mostly very hard on the whole family.

What it is NOT

Nursed babies tend to be less colicky, but there are still a few that may develop colic. Some parents think never-ending crying is the result of hunger or pain. But the truth is, no one really knows why it happens. Some experts feel it could even be from an immature nervous system and it just takes time to develop.

What can be done for a colic baby?

There are a few things that you can try that may help calm your baby.

But first, as difficult as it may be, try not to stress. Your baby will surely pick up your feelings and it just makes things worse.

Try to take turns with someone else when the baby is colicky. If you are alone with the baby and just feel overwhelmed, put the baby in the crib and go to another room. Even just a few minutes away can help you be better able to calm your baby. Never blame yourself or the baby. It just happens; you haven't done anything wrong as a parent.

Motion has been shown to offer relief for some babies. Swings or car rides can sometimes help offer relief. It may just remind the baby of being in the womb. If you have a front-carrier or stroller, go for a walk, even if it is just around the house. Rock together and hum or sing to the baby.

Sometimes certain sounds will help the baby to settle down. Some have found that white noise... the sound of a fan, washer, dryer or vacuum seem to help calm your baby. Putting your baby in a carrier seat on top of the dryer may also help. Just be sure to stay with your child. Parents even combine using the sound of the vacuum with having the baby in a front-carrier.

Giving your baby a massage can sometimes help. Gently moving the legs toward the stomach can also help relive any excess gas that might be adding to the discomfort. The massage can relax your baby and maybe they can fall asleep during it. Sometimes a warm water bottle on the stomach can offer some relief as well - just be careful that it isn't too hot.

If you notice a pattern to when your baby becomes colicky, try to snuggle before the fussiness starts. Sometimes that added attention might help reduce the intensity of the crying. Holding and loving your new baby is in no way spoiling them.

If none of these ideas help and you feel something is really wrong beyond being a colic baby, maybe it's time to give your pediatrician a call. Often just talking to someone can give you some peace of mind.