I found it enlightening to hear what others have done for their colicky little ones to soothe them and help them through colic episodes. If you've read this far I'm assuming you're seeking answers too --- methods to help both you and the baby survive this trying time. Hopefully by sharing a few of my methods and a few of others I've heard and read about will help...

What I Do

Plan Ahead
I plan ahead for late afternoon/evening colic by doing most of my household chores early in the day. If my son has been awake most of the morning I make sure he gets an afternoon nap (and I try to take one with him when possible) to recharge our hormone levels --- this has significantly reduced/minimized the frequency and duration of colic attacks. To help him get a restful night's sleep I begin massaging him or will "swaddle" him and hold him firmly (not too tight) against my chest or stomach and talk soothingly or read to him for up to 45 minutes or an hour (sometimes longer). This tends to calm him down and in many cases results in up to an eight our sleep for us all. Note: I make sure he has a clean diaper on before beginning the evening calming sessions.

Stop The Crying
I try to stop the crying as quickly as I hear it begin, usually by picking him up and cuddling or walking with him. Sometimes gently (but firmly) squeezing his upper arm or lower leg (in a slow pulsing manner) will calm him and send him off to sleep without picking him up from his bassinet or crib. Many times my husband will walk outside with him where the sounds of birds and the breeze in the trees tends to calm him. Other times, when the pacifier doesn't work, a small bottle of sugar water helps calm him. Occassionaly when he gets unconsolable a quick ride in the car helps and he's usually fast asleep by the time we get back to the house. Then of course there is the colic dance --- slow-dancing with him in my arms and moving him slowly from side to side and up and down. Providing distractions seems to help too --- whether it be an unusual sound from a squeaky toy or rattle or whether it be the sounds of running water in the sink, sometimes even the banging of a hammer in the background --- all tend to have a temporary effect of interrupting the colic outburst long enough to calm him before it gets out of control. Stopping his crying spells as quickly (and calmly) as possible has dramatically shortened his colicky episodes.

Setting Up Routines
I'm still working on this part since it's only been a little over a month and it's hard to get myself organized let alone organize my son's day, however there are certain routines I like to do (such as those found in the "Plan Ahead" section). The worst is yet to come since they say colic peaks around the sixth week, but I'm hoping by using all of these techniques and developing routines to build them into our days together maybe my son won't have to suffer the full brunt of pain he goes through in each episode. It appears to be working and, if nothing else, I feel much more confidant when dealing with his colic attacks which at the very least it reduces some of the household tension.

One thing I do know for sure, we are building a bond that is incredibly strong. Understanding, comforting, and coping with the colicky baby (if done with proper support and consultation) will bring you closer to your baby and enhance parent-infant bonding significantly. Nothing brings out ingenious comforting skills like a colicky baby. Parents, take heart --- like most problems in infancy, colic too will pass. Friends and relatives, lend your support, because we can surely use it and will greatly appreciate it!

Want more tips on comforting? Read on...
 
 

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Page 1   |   What Is Colic?   |   What Causes Colic?   | Hormones?
Medical Causes of Colic   |   Coping With Colic   |   More Coping Help   |   Getting Doctor's Help
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