Coping With Colic
Usually, within the first weeks of your baby's birth, it may be obvious that the child is suffering from colic. The good news is that most children will outgrow this and often times they are able to develop very positively healthy lifestyles. Still, for any parent going through colic, there is no doubt that coping with it can be very trying. Know that you are not alone. People have dealt with this condition for a long time, and likely will continue to do so.
Does Your Child Have Colic?
The first question to answer is this one. Does the child have colic? Usually, children under the age of five months who cry for more than three hours in a row for more than three days a week, for three weeks at least, are diagnosed as suffering from colic. Your doctor can help you with understanding why your child is suffering from colic and what you can do about it.
Dealing With It Daily
For many parents, colic is a daily struggle. There are ways to help you to cope with it or at least soothe your child for a short time. First, be sure you are doing everything you can to limit his tummy problems. For example, invest in a bottle that offers a nipple with a small hole (not so small that he gets angry when he cannot get anything from it) but one that does limit the amount of air that he takes in. Some bottles have a design to keep air out of the baby's tummy, which is one of the most important factors.
Try to keep feedings in line with this need of "no air in the belly" too. For example, feed the baby only when they are in an upright position. A baby curled up or hunched forward is more likely to suck in air. Also, know when your child is getting hungry. When a baby is very hungry, he is likely to gulp at his bottle madly. To avoid this feed the baby prior to him getting to the point of starving and it will cut down on the amount of air he takes in.
With any baby that is suffering from colic, it is going to take some time for you to find the right way to help him. Keep working at it. Most children will outgrow this condition within a few months.