Welcoming the tiniest family member in the house is the most surreal moment for every parent. But soon those constant wailing ruins that picture-perfect moment. It is a general notion that if a baby cries more than three hours for three consecutive days, they may have colic. Colic may start when the baby is about 3 weeks old and continue till they are 4-6 months old. Although the exact reason for colic is unknown, there are a few home remedies to treat colic in babies.
1. Give Babies Warm Baths for Comfort
Some babies love warm baths to soothe their tummies and uneasiness. You do not have to put on soap or salt, just a bath in luke warm water is enough. Alternatively, you can put warm cloth towels on their tummy incase you don’t want them to bathe at odd hours. This is the most common home remedies to treat colic in babies.
2. Move Their Legs for Relief from Colic
A few leg exercises can instantly help remove trapped gas in the babies. You can try paddling exercises and bent leg exercises. You can even give gentle massages to your babies with coconut oil, mustard oil, or olive oil to calm them down.
3. Let Them Have Their Tummy Time
If your baby is more than two months old, then you can place them on their tummies for a while under proper guidance. Sometimes change in position can comfort the babies. For babies less than two months, place their tummy on your thighs or across your stomach for a few minutes while gently rubbing their back.
4. Always Burp the Baby After Feed
Always remember to burp the babies soon after their feed. Some babies will burp instantly, while others might take some time. After feeding, take them on your shoulders, supporting their neck and back with your hand, and gently pat their back till you hear that little burp. The burp helps in relieving the flatulence and stops the formation of gastric bubbles in the tummy, so it’s a must.
5. Use Asafoetida Around Their Naval for Colic Relief
Asafoetida is one of the best home remedies to treat colic in babies. Asafoetida helps in relieving gas and aids in digestion. Simply add a pinch of asafoetida to one teaspoon of water, and boil it. Let the concoction get warm before applying around your baby’s navel. Do not put the concoction in the naval, just around it for soothing effect.
6. Watch What You Eat
Till your baby is taking your feed, it’s advisable to pay attention to what you eat. Avoid eating food that’s too spicy or food that contains too much gluten. Keep a check on your caffeine intake as well as your diet will affect your feed. Also, ensure that your baby gets a lot of hindmilk and not just foremilk while feeding, it also reduces colic symptoms in babies.
Colic is very common in newborns but the good news is that it’s not permanent. It will sooner or later subside. But in case your baby does not feel comfortable despite using all the home remedies to treat colic in babies, consult your paediatrician immediately.
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