When you're a new parent, dealing with colic can be one of the most frustrating parts of your new role. You want you little one to feel better, but sometimes it just seems like nothing helps. In fact, learning how to soothe a colicky baby may take a fair bit of trial and error. But of course, when your baby's health is on the line you will try anything to make him feel better.
Although you may feel like the loneliest person in the world when you're attempting to soothe your fussy baby in the wee hours of the morning, remember that colic is (sadly) pretty common. According to Baby Center, around 8 to 40 percent of babies deal with colic, and no one really knows why it affects some babies and not others. One thing is certain: trying to soothe a baby who just won't stop crying is trying for even the most patient of parents. You want to help your little one feel better (and maybe catch some sleep again one day). Thankfully, there are many tips you can try to help soothe your colicky baby. Whether you go for a drive or listen to music together, hopefully you and your baby will both feel better soon.
1Use Good Vibrations
Even slight movements may help your baby calm down. As noted in Parents, you can secure your kid in his car seat and then hold it on top of a running clothes dryer. The vibrations may help soothe his colic (or at least provide some welcome distraction).
2Try To Swaddle
Apparently, swaddling your baby makes him feel like he's back in the womb. So if your little one is colicky, try swaddling him, as suggested in WebMD. It will help him feel safe and sound.
3Go For A Drive
Getting your baby out and about just might be the ticket. According to Baby Center, the movement, noise, and distraction of a car ride may soothe even the fussiest little one. At the very least, the two of you can get out of the house for a few minutes.
4Pass The Paci
When all else fails, try the trusty old paci. As explained in Parenting, sucking is soothing to babies, and the pacifier is a good option if you don't want to interrupt his feeding schedule. If nothing else, it will keep him occupied for a little while.
5Hold Your Baby
Sometimes your little one just needs a hug. As noted in the Mayo Clinic, cuddling your baby may help sooth his colic. Even wearing him in a baby sling may be calm him a bit.
6Try Baby Massage
A soothing touch can cure many ills. As explained in Very Well, baby massage may help calm a baby when nothing else works. It's also a sweet way to bond with your baby.
7Tummy Time
Changing your baby's position may also be helpful for dealing with colic. Laying your baby on his stomach while rubbing his back may help him relax, as noted in Health Line. Of course, you will only want to do this while he's awake and supervised.
8Play Music
Do you listen to music when you want to boost your mood? Your baby may be the same way. Playing music works to calm some babies, as explained in Kids Health. Of course, you get to decide if it's Beethoven or Beyonce.
9Try White Noise
Is white noise magic? Basically. As explained by the National Health Service, you can try exposing your baby to the sound of a washing machine or other white noise to calm him. There are even white noise apps you can try out.
10Consider Probiotics
If you would like to prevent colic in the first place, then you may want to look into probiotics. As noted in NPR, babies who are given probiotics potentially develop less colic. You may want to check with your doctor for advice on this front.
11Consider Chamomile
Hey, what's more soothing than a cup of chamomile tea? Nothing. According to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, serving babies warm or cool chamomile tea may help eliminate colic. If nothing else, you can enjoy a cup of the stuff while you wait for your baby to feel better.
