Crying is natural for a newborn, but what can you do when a baby cries all the time? It is possible that in this case the baby has colic. A mystery to the medical community, colic afflicts infants and makes them cry almost 24 hours a day for even three months and then the crying inexplicably stops. What can you do in these three months to keep your sanity? Keep reading…
Steps
Step 1. Swaddle the baby
The child will not like it, but the result is amazing. All the following steps work best on a swaddled baby!
Step 2. Rock it
Often, the movement calms the screaming baby and causes him to fall asleep.
Step 3. Take him for a drive
Cover it well and often, after 10 minutes in the car, the crying subsides.
Step 4. Put the baby on the washing machine during the spin cycle or on the dryer
Put the baby on the car seat or on the suspended seat. The vibrations are soothing for the baby.
Step 5. Turn on the vacuum cleaner
It will sound strange, but it works. Put the baby in the crib or car seat and let him be fascinated by a louder sound than he produces.
Step 6. Put the baby on his back above your knees (remember to hold his head)
Rock your feet up and down and pat him gently on the shoulders. Vibration can be very relaxing.
Step 7. Lie on your back in a quiet, low-light place
Keep the baby firmly on your chest by placing his head at the height of your heart. Lifting your knees with your feet resting on a solid surface, rocking, calming the baby.
Step 8. Once the baby is swaddled, place him on his side and swing him
Do "ssshhh" at a high volume - make sure your voice is higher than his screams and he can hear you. Think about how noisy the vacuum cleaner is … this is the type of volume suitable for capturing your attention.
Step 9. Give the baby something soothing to suck on
When the baby begins to calm down, give him something to suck on (the pacifier or your finger). Gradually reduce the rocking and volume of your "ssshhh" as it calms down.
Step 10. Put on a table fan
The noise of the fan calms the baby. Make sure you hear it and it's not silent.
Step 11. Give the baby a stomach tea
Herbs such as fennel, chamomile, thyme and anise give immediate relief in case of colic and have been known and used for generations. A spoon before and after each meal will help.
Step 12. Try a rectal catheter
It might sound bizarre, but using a rectal catheter can help your baby get rid of gas. The catheter makes its way through the contracted muscles of the child and releases the gas trapped in the intestine.
Advice
- Remember that if you can't get your baby to stop crying and you've tried everything (feed him, burp, change his diaper, cure diaper rash, etc.) you get to cry all the time if you need a break to safeguard your health. Step away for a moment and read a book or listen to some music to relax, but remember to do it so that the child doesn't think he has been abandoned and that you are still there. Children are endowed with poor visual and hearing abilities, compared to those of an adult, and the fear of being abandoned is innate in them. Don't make your baby's symptoms worse by making him feel alone. If you need a break, call someone to replace you for a while.
- Experts believe that colic could be caused by reflux - ask your doctor what medicines can help.
- A comfortable rocking chair is indispensable for the parent of a difficult child.
- Try taking your baby near an open tap - the sound is very reassuring.
- Adverse reactions to milk or soy can mimic colic and so if you are feeding your baby formula, you may want to try soy for a week to see if it helps (or vice versa).
- Buy a sound synthesizer that reproduces the beating of the mother's heart inside the uterus. It could be a lifesaver for both the parent and the child.
- If you have work to do and the baby is still screaming, try using a baby sling that allows you to keep the baby attached to your body so that your hands are free.
- Rent or buy the video or book "The Happy Child" by Harvey Karp. It is miraculous.
Warnings
- Persistent crying can be a sign of some more serious problem. If the baby is crying desperately and is inconsolable, call the pediatrician. Consult it to make the best choice for your little one's health.
- Don't leave your little one alone on the washing machine.
- Colic typically lasts for two months. If it goes further, consult your pediatrician.
