Home remedies for baby colic

Colic is a problem quite commonly seen in infants for the first three to four months after birth. It fades off eventually, but for the time it is experienced by the child, it is quite bothersome both for the little one as well as the parents. There are some helpful herbal cures available for colic in babies and they have been known to help deal with the condition quite effectively.

 

 

It is said that almost 40 percent of infants experience colic pains, in the initial months of their life. There are lot of symptoms which indicate that your baby is colicky. Some of these are –
 

·         The baby will generally stay in a legs outstretched position. The moment you lift the baby it will stretch its legs outwards or will try and pull them inwards. This is because of abdominal pain or cramps the baby is experiencing.

·         There is persistent crying even after the baby has been well fed. The crying can last for hours together and is quite frustrating for the parents too.

·         The baby usually cries with fists clenched, the face grows red from time to time and the feet stay cold.

·         Colic pain usually begins in late afternoon to early evenings and may stretch late into the night in some infants.
 

Although, the reasons for colic are still unknown, there are several factors which deteriorate the condition in the baby. Some of these factors are –
 

·         Overfeeding or rapid intake of feed by the bay.

·         Excessive swallowing of air and lack of proper burping

·         Food allergies

·         Intestinal gas

·         Emotional stress in the environment

·         Other than these common causes, there are some more serious conditions, which might lead to colic in your baby like blockage in the intestine, hernia etc.
 

Massage – there are several massage techniques which help to relieve gas in the baby and thus the cramps and pain may get reduced. It also helps the baby to burp easily and burping should be ensured after every feed. The best method is to put the baby on its stomach and gently massage its back from top to bottom. Let the hands be firm but not too strong. The paediatrician or massage therapists may demonstrate other massages as well.
 

Warm water bottle – it works well with many babies. Do not make it hot. Place the bottle next to the baby’s stomach or along its back. This soothes the baby’s cramps and relaxes its intestines.
 

Herbal tea – some of the best herbs for colic are chamomile, peppermint, ginger and catnip. Prepare a herbal tea and give it to your child after consulting with your paediatrician. If the mother is breast feeding the child it is best that she herself drinks the tea as the effects of the same will be seen in the baby.
 

Homeopathy – this alternative medicine therapy provides some effective cures for colicky babies. Consult a homeopath before giving any medication to the baby.
 

·         If feeding the baby avoid coffee, tea and aerated drinks

·         Some infants may react to excessive intake of milk products by the mother. In that case the mother can either reduce these products or stop them for the time being.

·         Avoid taking foods like – cabbage, onions, orange juice, beans and broccoli as these foods cause gas and acidity in the baby if he/she is on mother’s feed.

·         For formula babies try using a low allergy formula or one which is soy based.

·         Babies often feel better if they are rocked or patted. Swinging them to and fro also helps.
 

Colic pains are curable only you have to find the remedy that works best for your baby and soon you will find him or her smiling and happy.