Colic is a condition that affects up to 25% of newborns and causes them to cry inconsolably for hours. If you want to give some relief without reaching for medication, try these easy home remedies for colic symptoms.
If your baby is crying more than usual and they’re not hungry, wet or dirty, they may be experiencing colic. Crying babies can be very frustrating, and heartbreaking, for both parents and baby. We show the signs of colic and how to treat colic in newborn babies.
Read on for 8 of the best home remedies for colic babies to reduce colic symptoms.
What Is Colic?
Colic is a state where baby cries for hours every day in an infant who is well-fed and otherwise healthy. Onset is usually around 2 weeks old and reaches its peak at 6 to 8 weeks. Generally, colic symptoms go away by the time the baby is 4 to 5 months old.
Signs And Symptoms Of Colic
The main symptom of colic is inconsolable crying. It may seem like your baby is screaming or shrieking and nothing you do will make him or her stop. Other signs and symptoms of colic include:
- Facial expressions, such as grimacing or drawing up of the legs, that indicate pain
- Clenching the fists
- Intense gasping or breath-holding
- Arching of the back
- A tummy that feels hard to the touch
- Passing more stools than usual
- Acting frantic and inconsolable
8 Home Remedies For Colic In Newborn Babies
There are many things you can do to try and soothe a colicky baby. Let’s take a look at some of the home remedies for colic in newborn babies.
1. Sing To Your Baby
It has been scientifically proven that singing to your baby can help soothe them and ease their colic symptoms. The act of you singing vibrates their whole body, which has a calming effect on them. You don’t have to be a great singer, just sing from the heart and your little one will appreciate it.
2. Swaddle Your Baby – Home Remedy For Colic
Swaddling your baby can help to soothe them and make them feel more secure. Try wrapping them in a light blanket or cloth and holding them close to your body. It is thought that the pressure of being swaddled can help to ease the colic pain. So, try this home remedy for colic and enjoy cuddles at the same time!
3. Put A Warm Towel On Your Baby’s Stomach
One of the most effective ways to soothe a baby’s colic symptoms, is to place a warm towel on their stomach. The heat can help to relax the muscles and ease the pain. It is important to make sure the towel is not too hot, as you don’t want to risk burning your baby. Test it out on your own skin first to make sure it is at a comfortable temperature.
4. Place Your Baby On Their Belly To Ease Colic Symptoms
Another way to provide relief for a colicky baby is to place them on their stomach. This can help them to pass the gas causing the pain they are feeling. Make sure to supervise your baby while they are in this position, especially if they are rolling. If they are very young, they won’t have the neck strength to hold this posture for long. You can also place a warm towel on their back to help soothe them.
5. Give Them A Pacifier – Home Remedy For Colic
If your baby is crying and you think they may be suffering from colic, one of the best things you can do is give them a pacifier. This will help to soothe them and provide some relief from the discomfort that they are feeling.
Experiment with different types of pacifiers to find one that your baby likes in this simple home remedy for colic. However, once you find one that works, it can be a lifesaver during those long nights.
6. Gently Massage Your Baby
One way to soothe a colicky baby is to gently massage them. Use your fingertips to stroke their back and legs, and also tummy in a clockwise direction.
This can help relieve gas build-up and promote relaxation to ease colic symptoms. Be sure to be gentle as a newborn’s skin is delicate. You can also use a warm compress on their stomach, which can also help to ease discomfort.
7. Burp Your Baby – Home Remedy For Colic
Another way to help a colicky baby is to make sure they are burping often. When babies drink milk, they swallow air along with it. This air can build up in their stomach and cause pain. Burping helps to release that air and can provide relief.
To burp your baby, hold them upright against your shoulder and gently pat their back. You may need to do this several times during a feeding. Try this easy home remedy for colic to get some much-needed relief!
8. Use White Noise To Soothe Your Baby
If your baby is suffering from colic, white noise can be very soothing.
There are many white noise machines on the market specifically designed for babies, or you can simply download a white noise app on your phone.
Experiment with different sounds and volumes until you find what works for your baby.
You may even want to try playing white noise all day long in the background to help prevent colic flare-ups.
Foods Breastfeeding Mothers Shouldn’t Have
Foods that cause gas in breastfeeding mothers may also cause colic in their newborn babies. These include beans, cabbage, broccoli, onion, carbonated beverages and even some dairy products. Experts suggest to avoid these things when breastfeeding a newborn.
In fact, if you think something you’re eating or drinking is causing your baby’s colic, try this simple home remedy. Eliminate that substance from your diet for a few days to see if there is a reduction in baby’s colic symptoms.
Find foods that help milk supply in breastfeeding mothers in our recent article.
Conclusion
If your baby is crying and in pain, there are a few home remedies for colic to provide relief. Swaddling, placing a warm towel on their stomach, and giving them a pacifier can all soothe colic symptoms.
You may also try gently massaging baby or playing white noise in the background. These tips are terrific home remedies to give relief from their colicky pain.
Please leave a comment below to share other home remedies for colic.
Our super author here at Famous Parenting and an absolute wealth of knowledge. She has studied many topics including creative writing, psychology and journalism but her real passion lies in raising her 3 children. Between working from home, homeschooling her youngest 2 children and navigating the world of teenagers she is a guru for parents.
