Your baby may have become quite irritable and fussy lately.
He or she may have started to cry a lot and seems to be in pain and you are not sure what is wrong. If this is the case your baby may have colic. [Baby Colic]
Colic happens after your baby has eaten. They may be constipated and need to release some gas but may not be able to. This can be a frustrating time for any mother.
Colic can last as long as four months. There are some natural things that you can do to help your baby feel better.
Foods
There are times when certain formulas do not set right on your baby’s stomach. You should try out a different formula if your baby seems to not be able to take the formula that he or she is on.
Certain babies may not be able to consume milk protein that can be found in formula. If your baby is unable to drink regular formula, soy milk is the next best thing.
Foods that a mother eats while they are breast feeding may cause colic in their newborn. You may need to steer away from certain fruits like oranges, bananas, strawberries, and apples.
Chocolate is another food that can affect your baby’s system. Onions, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, and celery, and cabbage could also be culprits that are causing your baby’s colic. You should try to avoid these foods as long as you are breast feeding.
Feeding Your Baby
You should never feed your baby cold milk. A newborn’s stomach is not capable of handling cold milk and it can cause your baby to have colic. Make sure that you heat your baby’s bottle only till it is warm.
You can test the milk by squirting a little of it onto your forearm. Cradle your baby in the crook of your arm and slightly raise them up to an almost sitting position while you are feeding them.
You will need to burp your baby after he or she eats about an ounce and a half to two ounces of milk. If your baby seems to be constantly hungry due to colic you may want to use a pacifier to soothe them in between feedings. Try not to over feed your baby because this also can cause their bellies to hurt.
Fiber and Rice Cereal
You may want to add a little fiber to your baby’s formula. Start with just a small amount to see if it helps your baby’s colic. Fiber is known to be safe. Your baby may not be getting full enough on milk alone.
You may want to try a little rice cereal in your baby’s bottle to see if his or her colic ceases. Sometimes a baby just needs something that is a little more filling to their tummies.
It is always a good idea to consult your baby’s pediatrician before you start any type of natural remedies just to be on the safe side.
