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Expert Q&A

	By Cathy Giessel, M.S., FNP-CS Nurse Practitioner

What are some ways to soothe a colicky baby?

A crying baby can cause significant parental anxiety, but when it goes on for hours on a regular basis, as it does in colic, it can be downright distressing. Every baby will soothe to different interventions, and some seem to respond to nothing. First, it is best to make sure the baby doesn't need something physical like feeding, diapering or a blanket because it is too cold.

After assuring the baby is fed, dry and appropriately dressed, there are several soothing strategies that can be tried. One of my favorites is to swaddle the baby tightly in a light receiving blanket and gently sway or rock slowly while holding the infant close to your chest and abdomen. Anything that simulates rocking may be helpful to include, like an automatic swing or cradle. Often babies like to be close to their mother, and the infant carriers that allow you to carry the infant on your chest are nice in that situation. Gently singing to the baby can be soothing, especially while cuddled in your arms. Another position that babies enjoy is lying across an adult?s lap, tummy down, while you rub their back.

Some babies prefer a bath, while others enjoy a massage. Offer a pacifier if your baby isn't taking one already. Non-nutritive sucking can be very settling for babies. Over the years countless parents have told me that driving their infant around town strapped into the car seat has been the trick to settling a crying baby. It's OK to let them sleep in the car seat when they get home. Other ideas that mimic that concept are to have some type of droning noise that soothes the baby such as a vacuum cleaner, the radio between stations or running the clothes dryer. If that works, you might consider tape recording the sound and playing it for the baby. There are other such recordings for adults that the baby may enjoy, too, such as recordings of the ocean waves.

It is possible to over-stimulate babies with all of the soothing attempts, and sometimes they just need to lie down in the crib for a while alone to settle down. No matter how much a colicky baby is loved, feelings of frustration can overwhelm the parent. If that ever occurs, that is when it?s time to put the baby to bed and fix yourself a cup of tea or something soothing for yourself. Often taking time for yourself will help you survive the months of colic. A friend or your spouse may be willing to give you an hour to yourself to take a walk or nap.

It's important to keep in mind that colic is a temporary situation. It usually starts around 6 weeks and completely resolves by about 4 months. If you have concerns that there is a physical problem, visit your nurse practitioner or pediatrician to have the baby examined. Breastfeeding mothers will want to eliminate caffeine, spicy foods and gas-producing foods such as legumes, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower from their diet to see if that is helpful."

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