If your baby is suffering from colic you've likely taken him or her to the doctor to be sure there isn't any other major ailment causing the discomfort. Your doctor has probably also explained that there isn't much he or she can do for your baby, it's just something that needs to be dealt with and eventually your baby will grow out of it. If that's not good for you, there are some things you can do at home that may help your child feel a bit better. These home remedies are sort of hit or miss, so you might have to work to find that works for your baby. Also, what works one time may not work another time, so be patient and open minded to trying new home remedies.
The first thing you might want to try is massage. There are several colic release techniques that you can learn on the Internet or through books that you buy at a local bookstore. These are usually simple movements and techniques that you can learn and apply on your own. These techniques are thought to treat the cause, not the symptoms of colic, so you might find them very helpful in reducing the amount of pain and discomfort your child is feeling overall, not just temporarily. Parents have varying amount of luck with massage but it usually helps to get bowels moving, release gas, and reduce cramping which is important in reducing the pain of colic.
The second thing that you might want to try is herbal tea. Many people don't realize that you can safely administer up to four ounces of herbal tea to infants a day, and your doctor may clear an even larger amount for your child. Some of the best herbs for colic are chamomile, ginger, catnip, and peppermint. All of these herbs can safely be given to your child, but remember not to replace meals with it or your baby can suffer from inadequate nutrition.
One often-overlooked home remedy is burping. You should try burping your child before, after, and even during feedings to reduce the amount of air that is going into the stomach and intestines of your baby. When you are feeding you should stop every few minutes and burp your child for a minute or two, and then continue with the feeding. Your baby may not take kindly to this at first, but his or her cries about an interrupted feeding are better than an inconsolable colicky baby.
Another great home remedy is a warm water bottle or other warming device that won't get too hot for your baby. Sometimes, warm water will help relax the intestines calming cramping and allowing gas to pass if needed. It seems a little too easy, but many parents are shocked at just how well it does work. A warm bath usually works just as well as a warm water bottle, provided your baby usually enjoys a bath.
Home remedies often work for babies suffering from colic, although you might have to work to find what will work for your baby. Colic isn't fun, but some of these simple remedies can get you and your baby through these trying times in one piece!
