Does Colic have a cure?

Does colic have a cure? I guess that depends on who you ask. First make sure that you understand what colic is.

If you ask the medical community they will say that colic has no cause and no cure.

If you ask us…well let’s just say that we HAVE cured colic for many many babies. It could have been a coincidence…multiple coincidences, but we’d like to share what has worked for us and what we recommend to that families that we work with!

1. Change what your baby is eating

I know it sounds drastic. But if your baby is crying three HOURS a day…excessive crying may call for drastic measures.

If your baby is breastfeeding:

Do you or your partner [or your donor] have any allergies, or did you when you were a baby or child. What about those in your immediate family? If someone has an allergy- especially if it’s dairy, gluten or soy, then that could very likely be the culprit. We recommend an elimination diet from those foods. That means 100% elimination. Even one “cheat” makes the entire process not worth it. You should notice a difference within days but it can take up to 30 days for it to completely leave your milk.

If your baby is formula feeding:

Same question. Do you or your partner [or your donor] have any allergies, or did you when you were a baby or child. What about those in your immediate family? You may want to consider a hypoallergenic formula if anyone has a dairy sensitivity. If eating too much icecream gives you a stomachache, think about your little baby that is solely consuming rich cows milk formula. We have had amazing luck recommending Hipp HA to our clients. Lifechanging results.

If nobody has an allergy, it could still be the formula. Sometimes it takes two or three formulas to find one that works for your baby. We have had amazing results with Baby’s Only and Bobbie.

2. Get them on a schedule 3 hour feeding schedule

The more regulated your baby is, the more they will thrive. Also when your baby is on a schedule you are better able to recognize their hunger cues, feeding cues and sleepy cues and are better able to respond to their needs.

3. Get their latch assessed

Is your baby making noises when they feed? Do you notice that their lips don’t flange all the way out? That their tongue doesn’t ever show on their bottom lip? Or that they generally aren’t getting good suction on the bottle or breast? A bad latch will cause the baby to intake great amounts of air when they suck. Air=gas=discomfort.

4. Make sure they are being burped appropriately

This is kind of a bandaid. Missing a burp will cause discomfort, but usually isn’t the sole reason for excessive colic crying. Read up about when to burp and how to burp here.

5. Try a different nipple flow

Are you bottlefeeding? If the flow is too fast your baby may be choking and gagging or simply drinking too fast for comfortable digestion. Alternatively if the flow is too slow that can be an issue also. They may be undereating and crying from hunger, or collapsing the nipple and not getting a good latch.

6. Chiropractic or Craniosacral Work

It’s a little woo for some, but an obvious choice for others. When your baby is born their bodies contort in all sorts of strange ways. Sometimes their little spines stretch a little too far. A chiropractor specializing in newborns can help gently realign them [without cracks!!!!] Our clients who try chiropractic report babies who eat better, sleep better and poop better.

Craniosacral is similar but different, if your baby has any oral issues [or ties] craniosacral is a must.

Both chiro and cranio work will appear to parents as a very gentle massage. Your baby will likely very much enjoy the session [or at least enjoy it immediately after!]

7. Get a lactation assessment

If you think something is wrong, don’t let it go. You are your baby’s only advocate. If they are screaming in pain, it’s okay to not be okay with that. Demand answers. Reflux and allergies are top culprits for discomfort but it could be something more serious too

Immediate Colic Releif:

When your baby is crying in your arms you aren’t thinking about what you can change tomorrow, you are thinking about what you can do in this very moment to help your poor baby.

Here are some colic tips and tricks that can help you make your baby feel better RIGHT NOW.

Change the environment! Often when we go into a home the Tv is on, grandma is clanging in the kitchen, the dog is barking and the baby is laying on a playmat in grand central. Try taking the baby out of the chaos. They just transitioned from a super dark womb with a loud rumbling sound. Try to recreate it. Go into the bathroom, turn on the overhead fan and turn off the light. See what your baby does.

The Windi- okay so to be fair this only works if you already have it on hand. But I’m telling you right now, parent to parent, buy these things. When your baby has clenched fists, a hard belly and a red face, try using the windi. After, you may have a baby with a soft belly, and relaxed hands. My baby used to actually SMILE when I came over with the Windi. She knew relief was coming.

Honestly, all the 5 s’s would be great to try!

• Swaddle
• Suck
• Sway
• Sound
• Side

Gas positions– The “side” in the 5 s’s is one of many gas positions that can help babies feel better. You may have heard of bicycling the legs? Any position that can provide movement can help work out gas. Also any position where the baby’s feet can come up to their belly can help put them in a position to expel gas easier.