If you have a colicky baby, this is the playbook to get you through these challenging times and hopefully get a little rest. But first things first, let’s understand exactly what colic is. Colic isn’t really a diagnosis. It’s more like a term used to describe when a perfectly healthy baby cries excessively. And in this instance, excessive crying is defined as crying for three hours a day at least three days a week for a duration of three weeks or more. The key thing to note is that these babies are healthy. Their crying isn’t due to any feeding difficulties, allergies, or a specific medical condition. So, the first play in your colic playbook is to rule out any potential medical causes and tackle any feeding challenges by checking in with your baby’s doctor or a lactation consultant. If you’ve ruled these out and your baby still remains colicky, it might help you to know that you are not alone. All babies go through a fussy period that begins typically around two weeks of age, peaks at six to eight weeks, and usually improves by three to four months of age. And during this phase, some babies just tend to cry more than others.
Now, knowing that you might be in for a couple of months of unsettled times, let’s look at some science-backed soothing strategies to help your baby during this tricky period. This first tip for calming your colicky baby might surprise you. It’s something that’s well known to be an excellent sleep aid for newborns, but it can also work wonders as a calming technique for colicky babies. So what is it? It’s swaddling. Swaddling your baby in a blanket or a swaddle sleeping bag helps to recreate the snug environment they experience while in the womb. And this familiar feeling provides comfort and can soothe a distressed baby, making it an effective method for calming them down. One of the primary ways swaddling achieves this calming effect is by containing your baby’s arms and legs. This helps to minimize any sudden or jerky movements which can be overstimulating and unsettling for your little one. By providing this sense of containment, your baby will feel more in control of their movements and consequently more relaxed. Swaddling also ensures that your baby stays comfortable and warm, which is particularly important since your newborn isn’t the best at regulating their own body temperature yet. In fact, the effectiveness of swaddling calming fussy babies is actually backed by research. A study completed in 2007 found that swaddled infants cried significantly less and slept more than babies who were not swaddled. So if you’re dealing with a particularly challenging crying spell, consider swaddling your baby, even if they’re not ready to sleep. And if you’re not expecting your little one to fall asleep, simply hold them in your arms or lie them down and make sure that they can see you. This offers them some visual reassurance and helps to strengthen the bond between you and your baby, ultimately helping to calm them down.
Swaddling
What is swaddling?
Swaddling is the practice of wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket, mimicking the environment of the womb. It involves carefully folding the blanket around the baby’s body, securing their arms and legs, to create a cozy and secure feeling. Swaddling can help to calm and soothe a colicky baby by providing them with a familiar and comforting environment.
How does swaddling help calm a colicky baby?
Swaddling can have a calming effect on colicky babies by recreating the snug and secure feeling they experienced in the womb. The tight wrap of the blanket helps to contain their limbs, minimizing sudden or jerky movements that can overstimulate them. This containment provides a sense of control and relaxation for the baby, reducing their fussiness and crying. Research has also shown that swaddled infants cry less and sleep more compared to babies who are not swaddled, further supporting the effectiveness of this technique for calming colicky babies.
Skin-to-skin care
What is skin-to-skin care?
Skin-to-skin care, also known as kangaroo care, involves placing a baby dressed only in a diaper on the bare chest of a parent. The baby’s skin comes into direct contact with the parent’s skin, creating a warm and soothing environment. This practice is often used in hospitals to promote bonding, regulate the baby’s body temperature, and support breastfeeding.
Why is skin-to-skin care effective for calming colicky babies?
Skin-to-skin care can be highly effective in calming colicky babies due to the physical and emotional connection it creates between the parent and the baby. The warmth of the parent’s skin and the sound of their heartbeat provide a familiar and comforting environment for the baby, reducing their stress levels. The close contact also triggers the release of oxytocin, the love hormone, which promotes relaxation and helps the baby feel more secure. Additionally, research has shown that skin-to-skin contact can help babies self-regulate, stabilize their heart rate, and reduce pain.
White noise
What is white noise?
White noise is a consistent and continuous sound that encompasses all audible frequencies at the same volume. It is often used as a sleep aid or for creating a soothing environment. Examples of white noise include the sound of a fan, static on a television or radio, or specially designed white noise machines.
How does white noise help calm a colicky baby?
White noise can be highly effective in calming colicky babies by drowning out disruptive noises in the environment. It masks sudden or jarring sounds that can startle the baby and contribute to their fussiness. By creating a uniform and continuous sound, white noise provides a calming and familiar environment for the baby, reminiscent of the continuous noise they experienced in the womb. This helps to reduce their crying episodes and promote relaxation.
Sucking
Why does sucking have a calming effect on infants?
Sucking is a natural reflex in infants that triggers the release of soothing hormones in the brain. When babies suck on a pacifier, their fingers, or during breastfeeding, endorphins are released, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. This calming effect can be particularly beneficial for colicky babies who are experiencing heightened levels of distress and fussiness.
What are some ways to encourage sucking for colicky babies?
To encourage sucking and promote a calming effect for colicky babies, parents can offer a pacifier, their fingers, or increase breastfeeding sessions. Pacifiers can provide a source of comfort and distraction for the baby, helping them to self-soothe. If the baby is being breastfed, allowing them to cluster feed, where they feed more frequently during periods of fussiness, can help to satisfy their need to suck and promote a sense of calm.
Distractions
What types of distractions can help calm a colicky baby?
Various distractions can help divert a colicky baby’s attention and soothe them. These distractions can include activities such as singing, dancing, warm baths, baby massage, car rides, and walks in a stroller. Each of these distractions provides a change in scenery, sound, or movement, which can help to engage the baby’s senses and shift their focus away from their distress. By introducing new stimuli and experiences, parents can help to calm their colicky baby and reduce their crying episodes.
How do these distractions divert the baby’s attention and soothe them?
Distractions such as singing, dancing, warm baths, and baby massage divert the baby’s attention from their distress by engaging their senses. The sound of a parent’s voice, the movement of dancing, the sensation of warm water, and the gentle touch of a massage provide new and interesting experiences for the baby, helping to shift their focus away from their discomfort. Similarly, car rides and walks in a stroller offer a change in scenery and the rhythm of movement, which can be soothing and calming for the baby.
Chiropractic care
Is chiropractic care recommended for colicky babies?
Chiropractic care is not widely recommended for colicky babies due to limited scientific research and potential harm. The effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating colic has not been well-established, and there are concerns about the safety and appropriateness of spinal manipulation for infants. It is important for parents to consult with their pediatrician before considering chiropractic care for their colicky baby.
Why is there limited scientific research on chiropractic care for colic?
The limited scientific research on chiropractic care for colic is primarily due to ethical considerations and the challenges of conducting controlled studies involving infants. Infants are a vulnerable population, and it can be difficult to obtain consent and ensure their safety during clinical trials. Additionally, the mechanisms through which chiropractic adjustments may impact colic symptoms are not well understood, further contributing to the lack of scientific research on the topic.
What potential harm can chiropractic care cause?
Chiropractic care for colic carries the potential for harm, including spinal injury and adverse reactions to manipulative techniques. Infants have delicate and developing musculoskeletal systems, and the application of forceful manipulations can cause serious harm. It is crucial for parents to weigh the potential risks and benefits and consult with their pediatrician before considering chiropractic care for their colicky baby.
Comforting positions
Why are comforting positions effective in calming a fussy baby?
Comforting positions can be highly effective in calming a fussy baby due to their ability to recreate the sensations and environment of the womb. Holding the baby in a secure and comforting position allows them to hear the parent’s heartbeat, which is reminiscent of the sounds they experienced in the womb. The close physical contact and gentle rocking or swaying motions help to soothe and relax the baby, reducing their fussiness and promoting a sense of calm.
How does holding the baby allow them to hear the parent’s heartbeat?
Holding the baby in a comforting position, such as in the crook of the arm or against the chest, allows them to be in close proximity to the parent’s body. This proximity enables the baby to hear the parent’s heartbeat, which provides a familiar and soothing sound. The rhythmic nature of the heartbeat can help to regulate the baby’s own heart rate and create a sense of security and comfort.
How does the familiar confined feeling of the womb soothe the baby?
The familiar confined feeling of the womb soothes the baby by recreating the coziness and security they experienced before birth. When held in a snug and secure position, such as being swaddled or nestled against the parent’s body, the baby can feel contained and protected. This sensation of confinement is reminiscent of their time in the womb and helps to reduce their fussiness and promote relaxation.
Self-soothing
Can babies self-soothe?
Babies have the capacity to self-soothe to a certain extent, although their ability to do so may vary. While newborns rely heavily on their caregivers for soothing, older infants may develop self-soothing techniques, such as sucking on their fingers or thumbs. Self-soothing allows babies to regulate their own emotions and comfort themselves during periods of distress.
What is finger sucking and how does it help babies calm themselves?
Finger sucking is a self-soothing behavior in which babies suck on their fingers or thumbs. This action triggers the release of endorphins, natural soothing hormones, in the baby’s brain. By sucking on their fingers, babies can provide themselves with a source of comfort and relaxation, helping to calm themselves during periods of fussiness or distress. Finger sucking can be a valuable self-soothing technique for colicky babies and may offer them a sense of control and comfort.
Walking/moving while holding
Why does walking or moving while holding a baby help calm them?
Walking or moving while holding a baby can help calm them by mimicking the movements they experienced in the womb. The gentle swaying, rocking, or walking motions replicate the sensations of being in utero and can provide a soothing and comforting environment. This movement has a calming effect on the baby’s nervous system, helping to reduce their fussiness and promote relaxation.
How does it mimic the movements the baby experienced in the womb?
The movements experienced in the womb, such as the mother’s walking or swaying motions, can have a calming effect on the baby. By walking or moving while holding the baby, parents can recreate these familiar movements, which the baby has grown accustomed to during their time in the womb. The rhythmic and gentle movements help to regulate the baby’s nervous system and provide a sense of comfort and security.
Conclusion
When faced with a colicky baby, it can be challenging to find effective calming techniques. Understanding and implementing strategies such as swaddling, skin-to-skin care, white noise, sucking, distractions, comforting positions, self-soothing, and walking/moving while holding can offer parents valuable tools in soothing their colicky baby. It is important to remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. By exploring different techniques and being responsive to their baby’s cues, parents can find the most effective strategies to calm their colicky baby.