How to Relieve Baby Colic: Tips from a Pediatrician
Dealing with baby colic can be challenging, especially during the “fourth trimester,” the period when the newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb.
Baby colic can have different causes. On one hand, it may be related to an immature digestive system — since the baby’s gastrointestinal tract is still developing — and on the other hand, it may also be associated with an altered gut microbiota, influenced by the type of birth, type of feeding, and the mother’s diet during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or even by the ingestion of air during feeding, which leads to gas accumulation and discomfort.
Furthermore, I often say that crying is the baby’s only way of expressing discomfort — sometimes the cause is simply a sense of being overwhelmed. The baby may have been in a noisy or crowded environment or might be sensing the parents’ anxiety. The truth is that when we are stressed, our scent and heart rate change, and this can affect the baby.
Here are some practical tips that may help relieve your baby’s discomfort:
Breastfeeding
Whenever possible, choose breastfeeding. An anti-inflammatory diet and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce the likelihood of colic.
Infant Massage
Gently massaging your baby using organic oil, complemented with a drop of lavender essential oil, can be beneficial. Try doing this every time you change the diaper.
Fabric Pouch
A small cloth pouch filled with steamed rice and lavender, gently heated and placed on the baby’s abdomen, can help release trapped gas.
White Noise
Some babies respond well to white noise, which can remind them of the womb environment. Remember to keep the sound source away from the baby, especially if using a phone, due to potential electromagnetic radiation.
Pediatric Osteopathy
In specific cases, pediatric osteopathy may bring relief.
Parental Self-Care
Reducing parental stress and avoiding loud or overcrowded environments can be helpful.
Use of a Sling and Shantala Bath
Using a fabric sling and bathing the baby in a Shantala tub are also options that can provide comfort.
Probiotics and Homotoxicology
The use of probiotics and homotoxicology-based treatments, for both mother and baby, can produce good results.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it’s always important to consult a trusted healthcare professional to find the best solutions for your family. Talk to me and help your baby find relief from colic.
✨ Would you like to explore how integrative pediatrics can support your child’s health and development? Learn more or schedule a consultation via whatsapp a more balanced and preventative approach to pediatric care starts here.