Top 7 Treatments for Colic

Baby Crying Child - Free photo on Pixabay
Colic in infants can be due to a variety of factors that could range from mild to serious. The treatment of colic depends on the underlying cause and the intensity of the symptoms. Here are the top 7 treatments for colic in infants that parents can try.

7.Change the feeding bottle

Abdominal colic may occur due to the peculiar shape of the bottle that makes the child swallow more air. You can change the feeding bottle of the baby. Special bottles having a nipple with a smaller hole or those designed to reduce gas could help to reduce colic. [1]

6.Burp after feeding

It is important to burp the baby after breastfeeding or bottle feeding. It would help to release the gas that enters the stomach while sucking and prevents colic. Burping the child before making him lie down is also the best way to ensure proper digestion of milk. [2]

5.Simethicone drops

Simethicone drops are commonly used to relieve colic in infants. It works by reducing the amount of gas in the baby’s stomach. It has the ability to disperse the foam formed due to the air swallowed during feeding and reduces colic caused due to gas. [3]

4.Overfeeding

Bottle Fed | Joshua Ganderson | Flickr
If your child gets colic or cries excessively usually after feeding, it could be due to overfeeding. You can reduce the duration of breastfeeding or decrease the amount of milk used for bottle-feeding to prevent colic. [4]

3.Antibiotics

If colic is due to infections in the stomach or intestine, it is advisable to give antibiotics to the child. The use of antibiotics is recommended when colic is accompanied by other symptoms of infections such as vomiting and loose motions. [5]

2.Soothe your baby

Motion often helps to calm babies. Walk around holding your child in your arms or a baby carrier. Rock him gently while walking. The warmth of your body coupled with the rhythmic movements would soothe your baby and ease the pain. [6]

1.Calm the senses

Sometimes, bright lights or sounds can trigger the nerves in the body and cause colicky pain. In such cases, laying him in a quiet and dark room would soothe the nerves and reduce colic. Playing white noise such as humming sounds can also help to relieve colic. [7]