What Stops colic?

Wouldn't it be great if there was one magic cure that stops colic? The hard truth is that no one is absolutely certain what causes colic and each baby is uniquely individual, none responding to the same technique that stops colic in another.

Colic is when an ordinarily healthy baby cries at least 3 hours a day. Approximately 25% of all babies will develop colic, typically somewhere between 3 to 6 weeks of age. Colic may be caused by infant reflux, gas, an immature nervous system, or simply a baby's inability to transition smoothly from womb to world.

Because colic can have so many different causes there are many different cures. Not all will work for your baby. The key is to try each technique for at least five minutes before switching to another because it can take that long for a baby to respond.

What stops colic - home remedies for colic

• Walk, rock, sway or bounce - carry your baby in a wrap that simulates the womb environment like a moby wrap or baby cuddler face in. Try walking around the house, swaying side to side or rocking in a chair. You can also try gentle bouncing on an exercise ball.
• Swing - if your baby has good head control try putting him in a baby swing or hammock. Swings that have various motions like front to back and side to side are best - some babies may prefer side to side rather than front to back.
• Swaddle - often times wrapping your baby in a swaddle blanket reduces the "startle" reflex and stops colic. Always be sure your baby's thumbs are accesible since thumb sucking is an important self-soothing technique.
• Sounds - various noises can stop colic. Try shooshing in your baby's ear, running the vacuum cleaner, turning on the faucet and letting the water run, listen to the clothers dryer or hair dryer, or invest in a white noise machine that can mimic womb noises.
• Scenery change - Simply changing rooms or stepping outside can stop colic. If being outdoors helps then pack up the stroller and take a walk - exercise and a change of scenery will help your mental state as well.
• Sucking - sometimes comfort sucking can stop colic. If your baby is not hungry you can still allow him to comfort nurse without increasing your milk supply by letting him nurse on the side you last emptied. You can also give him a pacifier or let him suck on your finger.
• Visual - Looking into a mirror or at black and white patterns sometimes stops colic.
• Gas relief - try placing your baby on his back and gently pump or bicycle his legs. Taking an anal temperature reading can also help pass gas. A warm water bottle on his tummy may also ease gas and stop colic. Also try using Dr. Brown bottles to reduce the amount of air your baby takes in during feedings.
• Homeopathic remedies for colic - many companies now market simethicone drops and gripe water to stop colic. Neither have been conclusively proven to stop colic.
• Probiotics - studies have found that probiotics can stop colic in infants. Consult your pediatrician before trying them.
• Chiropractic and craniosacral manipulation - these can stop colic by correcting misalignments that affect the central nervous system or removing bowel blockages that cause constipation and gas.
• The Happiest Baby on the Block - find a copy of this book by Dr. Harvey Karp. His methods have helped thousands of parents since it's publishing.

Remember that this will pass. The ultimate thing that stops colic is time and as your baby matures you will need these home remedies for colic less and less.

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More information:

Baby reflux or colic?
Infant acid reflux and colic home remedies
Alternative treatments for infant acid reflux
Medications for infant acid reflux
Tests for infant acid reflux