How to Soothe a Colicky Baby?

There is no greater gift than bringing home a healthy newborn baby, and while sleepless nights with tearful cries can be frustrating, they are just par for the parental course. It is common to ask, “Why is my baby crying so much” as your little one adapts to their new world, but if the crying is persistent, they may be displaying signs of colic.

What is Colic?

Colic occurs when a healthy baby is crying without an obvious reason for more than 3 hours a day, 3 times a week, for more than 3 weeks. The cries of a colicky baby are more tumultuous than typical baby cries, sounding more like urgent, high-pitched wails. Additionally, symptoms of colic may be present if your baby:

• is often difficult to calm;

• is frequently burping or passing gas;

• has tightness in their tummy;

• has a bright red flush on their face; or

• tends to curl their legs towards their tummy as they cry.

Caring for a colicky baby can be difficult, but by identifying possible causes, you can begin to soothe your bundle of joy.

What Causes Colic in Babies?

As a parent, it is natural to wonder what causes colic, but colic is quite common in babies. While doctors don’t know the exact causes of colic, most health experts’ theories center around your baby’s sensitivity. If your baby is highly sensitive to stimulation, loud noises, and bright lights, or even to their own stomach gas, it may make them less able to self-soothe. Two of the major theories on the causes of colic are the types of bottles you use to feed your baby, and the excess air your baby swallows as they nurse.

How to Treat Colic?

With an array of options, deciding on the best bottles for colic can be a difficult feat. Fortunately, bottle systems like the NUK® Smooth Flow™ Anti-Colic Bottles are there for you from day 1 with colic treatment technology.

NUK’s anti-colic bottles offer unique ways to soothe colic, featuring a Y-cut nipple that allows your baby to control the flow of milk to self-soothe as they nurse. The revolutionary anti-colic air vent reduces air bubbles to help relieve the colic and gas plaguing your little one. The NUK® Smooth Flow™ Bottle allows you to feed your baby as usual, while protecting them from colic symptoms.

Along with anti-colic bottles, health advisors also suggest:

• Cuddling and holding your baby during a crying period

• Gently rocking your baby in your arms or a swing

• Administering anti-colic drops

• Making changes to your diet while breastfeeding

• Running a warm bath for your baby

• Laying your baby on their belly in your lap and rubbing their back

• Going for a drive with your infant

• Playing soothing sounds, like a white noise machine or an oscillating fan

Colic typically dissipates with time as your baby grows. But if your baby’s colic symptoms persist, please speak to your pediatrician for further support.