Tips for Managing Colic and Reflux

It is a common experience for most new parents to receive dos and dont’s regarding managing colic in their babies. Well, if you have been suffering with colic in your baby, know that you are not alone.

Despite many kinds of research, doctors could clearly not say what is the reason behind this. Most doctors opine that acidic reflux and digestion problem might cause this pain in newborns. The issue starts in infants ranging from as little as 3 weeks to 3 months. But fortunately, the issue will subside as the infant gets older. And all that parents need to know is how to manage colic and reflux.

Why Colic occurs?

As said earlier, no conclusive opinion is found on why colic occurs. Designers of best bottles for colic and reflux understand that the pain in little ones is due to the reflux of mother’s milk in the gastrointestinal area. There are also other opinions that newborns feel irritable adjusting to the new world that they just entered. Interestingly, the pain and cry happen in the evening times more than any other timings.

Owing to all these reasons, no precise treatment exists for colic. With some tips, however, the occurrence of colic can be minimized.

Tip 1: Carry them

Babies may feel comfortable in your arms when you carry them. The personal touch that you impart to them by carrying provides them a sense of relief from the pain they are going through. Thus, when your baby is crying about colic, carry them, and give your warm tough. The cry should come down soon.

Tip 2: Lay your baby on their tummy

When you see your baby suffering from colic, roll them gently on to the other side so that they lay on their tummy. Then, gently pat their back or just massage with your hands slowly. This will push out any accumulated gas easily. Soon, the baby shall be normal with all smiles.

Tip 3: Use Best Bottles for Colic and Reflux

Often, colic happens due to the air engulfed by babies when they drink milk from a bottle. Best bottles for colic and reflux come with features that prevent the entry of air into the baby’s tummy. This means, happy baby and a happier you!!

Tip 4: Put them on your shoulder

Soon after feeding your baby, either by breastmilk or bottle, make it a habit to put your baby on your shoulder upright. Gently tap their back till they burp. A burp sound indicates that the accumulated air in the baby’s tummy has come out. A burped baby is less likely to cry of colic.

Tip 5: Change the formula

Sometimes, it can happen that the formula may be too dense or heavy for your baby. Try replacing the formula with a rice-based one if you are using any wheat-based one till now. Rice is gluten-free naturally and is preferred over wheat and other products that can cause indigestion and reflux for your baby.

Tip 6: Try repetitive motion

Some children feel safe when they are in a swing or a car that offers them movement. Try to gently move the baby in a repetitive motion by moving them from one side to the other on your shoulder. Make sure to keep patting their back with a gentle motion to improve the gas let out of their throat.

Some parents also use gripe water to prevent colic in their babies. Remember that doctors won’t advise gripe water as the source is never known. Besides, it may carry risks and does not suit every baby too.

On this note, you should know that colic will exist only a couple of hours at the maximum. If the baby continues crying for more than two days or beyond the abnormal colic cry, then you should consult a pediatrician with immediate effect.

Conclusion

Colic is a pain in newborns for which no conclusive evidence has been found. In most cases, it is due to the acidic reflux caused in their little gastrointestinal tracts. Choosing baby bottles that are designed to kick away the entry of air into your baby’s tummy is a wise idea. Along with this, don’t forget to gently pat their back soon after feeding.