Parents of colicky babies often anxiously await the doctor’s visit. They are looking for a treatment or cure for the baby’s crying. Often, the day of the visit comes and the parents are left disappointed. In many cases, colic requires no special treatment or medical intervention. Colic often has no medical causes, and therefore, no medical solution. While there is no scientific evidence, parents swear by certain remedies. Before trying any of remedy, be sure to speak to your baby’s doctor.
by Patricia Hughes
Parents of colicky babies often anxiously await the doctor’s visit. They are looking for a treatment or cure for the baby’s crying. Often, the day of the visit comes and the parents are left disappointed. In many cases, colic requires no special treatment or medical intervention. Colic often has no medical causes, and therefore, no medical solution. While there is no scientific evidence, parents swear by certain remedies. Before trying any of these, be sure to speak to your baby’s doctor, after all, there is nothing more important than the health of your baby.
When you bring your baby in to the office, the doctor will examine the baby. Your pediatrician will be looking for an underlying cause of the colicky behavior. You can help with this by being prepared for the visit. Keep a journal of your baby’s day. Write down when the baby cries and for how long. Write the comfort measures you used and how the baby responded. Keep track of feedings, diaper changes, sleeping patterns and your diet, if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may be able to see a problem by reading the journal.
Your doctor will ask about the baby’s feeding patterns. How often does he eat? Is the baby eating [tag-tec]formula[/tag-tec] or [tag-ice]breast milk[/tag-ice]? If the baby is on formula, the doctor may have you try a different brand. Some babies are lactose intolerant and switching to a soy formula may help. If the baby is breastfed, you will need to eliminate milk from your diet to determine if this will help. If the baby is not lactose intolerant, there is no proof that switching formulas or changing your diet will help.
Breastfed babies may be bothered by something mommy is eating. Certain foods are thought to cause sensitivities in some babies. Cutting out the offending foods can help relieve the symptoms. Some foods thought to be irritating include broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions or spicy foods. If you suspect your diet may be contributing to the problem, start by eliminating the foods from your diet. It may take up to two weeks to see an improvement. Introduce the foods one at a time back into your diet. Continue to record in your journal, so you will notice any patterns.
If the baby appears to be gassy, your doctor may recommend the use of gas drops. Gas may not cause [tag-cat]colic[/tag-cat], but it may contribute to the discomfort for some babies. Gas drops, such as Mylicon, may help relieve the gas pains in the baby’s belly. Other ways to help a gassy baby include frequently burping the baby and trying to reduce the air baby swallows during her feedings.
There are some homeopathic remedies that are sold for colic. There is no solid research showing that these work. Some parents swear they notice a difference in the baby after using these. Homeopathic medicines work by stimulating the body to heal itself. Some homeopathic medicines used for colic include: Chamomilla, Dioscorea and Magnesium Phosphorica. The type of remedy you should use depends on your baby’s symptoms. Speak to your doctor and a homeopath to choose the right medication for your baby.
Herbal remedies can be found for treating colic as well. Some parents find that fennel seed tea is effective for soothing colicky babies. Other common herbal remedies for colic include colic drops or gripe water. Be careful with gripe water as it may contain alcohol.
Read the ingredients on any remedy and get your doctor’s approval before giving it to your baby.
Is there a medical cure for colic?
In most cases, no. Colic often has no identifiable medical cause, and therefore no specific medical solution. Your doctor will examine your baby to rule out any underlying conditions, but if none are found, you will mainly be looking for comfort measures that work best for your baby while waiting for the colic to resolve on its own.
Can what I eat cause colic if I am breastfeeding?
Certain foods are thought to cause sensitivities in some breastfed babies — including broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions, and spicy foods. If you suspect your diet may be a factor, eliminate the suspected foods one at a time. It can take up to two weeks to see an improvement. Keep a journal to track patterns.
Can gas drops help a colicky baby?
Your doctor may recommend gas drops such as Mylicon if the baby appears to be gassy. Gas may not cause colic itself, but it can add to the baby’s discomfort. You can also help reduce gas by burping the baby frequently during feedings and trying to minimize the air the baby swallows while eating.
What natural or homeopathic remedies exist for colic?
Some parents find relief with fennel seed tea, gripe water (check for alcohol content before using), or homeopathic remedies such as Chamomilla, Dioscorea, and Magnesium Phosphorica. There is no solid scientific evidence that these work, but some parents swear by them. Always speak with your doctor and read all ingredients before giving your baby any remedy.
Patricia Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four. Patricia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has written extensively on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding. In addition, she has written about home décor and travel.
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