Calm Colic
What is colic
While there are a few common denominators that define colic (an otherwise healthy baby crying for three-plus hours per day on a daily basis for a period of months), there is no definitive cause of colic. However, there are definitive ways to soothe your constantly crying baby.
Swaddle
Wrapping your baby in a burrito-like swaddle is more comforting than constricting (remember, he just spent nine months in very cramped quarters). Tuck a swaddle blanket around baby so he can’t wiggle loose.
Snuggle
Along the lines of swaddling, wearing your baby in a wrap on your body can help soothe his colic. This also works to your advantage because movement is another colic-soothing remedy.
Perpetual motion
If you are walked, rocked or baby-worn out, try continuing movement for baby with the assistance of a swing, infant rocker or even a drive in the car. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven around the block to give my little ones some much-needed rest.
White noise
Along with a tight swaddle position, sounds such as a dishwasher, washer/dryer, hair dryer or vacuum could remind baby of sounds he was accustomed to in the womb. It sounds a bit rude, but you can also “shhhhhhhh” your baby -- loud enough to cover his cry and right into his ear, to calm him down. My youngest is 2 ½ and sometimes all it takes is a little shhhhh at night to get her to sleep. I said sometimes!
Pacify
If you are not pro-paci, a colicky newborn may change your mind on the topic. Pacifying baby with a suckie (make sure you use one specific for newborns like the ones many hospitals give you during your visit) could be the key to curbing his crying... at the very least popping a paci in your baby's mouth should give you a few moments of quiet time to regain your sanity and try a new tactic.
More on colic
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Can the nicotine patch cause colic in your baby?
Natural ways to help reduce colic
