HOME REMEDIES FOR PREVENTION AND RELIEF OF COLIC (GAS) IN INFANTS
Your baby has fed well, wearing clean diapers, slept well, still she is crying. This is most frustrating for new parents as they don’t understand what is wrong with their baby. These spells are mostly due to colic also known as gas in common terms. Good part of colic is, it is transient.
Generally colic starts after first two weeks of life and gets better by the time babies reach their half year birthday. These are lots of medications in the market which are used to relieve the gas in the baby. It is better that we try home remedies first, then think about medicines.
Following home remedies you can try
- Tummy time
Laying the baby on their tummy is the best remedy to relieve the colic in babies. You can either put them across you lap or flat on the surface, try gently rubbing the back as well.
Tummy time can be given twice a day to begin with, subsequently it can be increased as per baby’s comfort. It also helps in development of neck and shoulder muscles of the baby, which results in early head holding. Remember to give tummy time only when she is awake and is supervised. - Burping
Burping the babies for 15-20 mins post feeding, would allow them to get rid of the excess air they have swallowed during feeding. Also, it helps in reducing the gastro-esophageal reflux in them. Colic is also associated with reflux. Putting them down after 5 mins, would be an invitation for the colic. - Holding close
Babies like holding them close to you. Colicky pain can be relieved by holding the baby close to you and gently rocking. - Set them in motion
Keeping your baby in motion may be enough to relieve them of a colicky pain. Go on a short drive if nothing works. - Switching formula
Colic could be due to food allergy. If your baby is on infant formula, changing of formula can also relieve the baby of its frequent colic. Please discuss with your pediatrician before considering changing of formula.
Other remedies, where research is lacking but do no harm
- Using white noise to sooth them. White noise is the low humming noise, most common example is washing machine noise when it is running. Your baby may like different white noise which would comfort her.
- Using a pacifier. Make sure that the pacifier is sterilized every time it gets contaminated.
- Medications containing simethicone. Do not use drops containing dicyclomine in infants younger than 6 months
Remedies which can be harmful
- Giving gripe water
- Applying asafoetida (hing) on stomach of the baby
- Restricting mother,s intake of certain food groups
- Vigorous rocking of the baby
Take home message
Babies respond to different remedies. If something works for one baby, it may not work for another baby. Try to find what works for you best and stick to it.