Baby Colic: What Causes it & How to Treat it?

Colic refers to a situation when your baby tends to cry for hours without any apparent reason. This condition is a bit of a mystery but very common in infants below six months of age. The condition usually goes away in some time on its own. However, constant crying may not be right for your baby and your stress levels.

So, if your baby is crying for more than 3 hours a day consistently for days or weeks, then probably it is a sign that your baby is suffering from colic.

What are some possible causes of colic?

The cause of colicky pain is unknown. However, colic pain may arise because of some contributing factors. Probable contributing factors of infant colic include:

1. The primary cause of colic is indigestion. Your baby may have pain or discomfort due to gas.
2. Babies do not have a fully developed digestive system, which may lead to colic.
3. Your newborn may be sensitive to formula milk.
4. Sometimes, underfeeding or overfeeding may also be the cause of colic.

You may also like : Learn All About the Best Home Remedies for Colic to Treat & Manage the Condition of Your Baby

How to treat colic in babies?

No parent can bear to see their baby in colicky pain. So here are some simple remedies for colic pain that may help soothe your baby:

1. Comfort them

The first thing to do is to keep them close to you. Skin-to-skin contact may help calm your baby and reduce their colic pain. You can also massage their back and try putting them in a more comfortable position. Additionally, you may sing to them in soft tones or play some soothing music.

2. Use tummy roll on

Colic is also caused by indigestion and gas. A tummy roll-on helps in relieving gas pain, acid reflux, and heartburn. It is easy to use and provides fast relief from colic pain. Also, a tummy roll-on promotes healthy burping. Get a tummy roll-on, which is made of natural ingredients including olive oil, hing, saunf, and pudina. The Mylo Care Baby Tummy Roll-On is specially prepared using hing, saunf and pudina that help to provide relief from colic and ease your baby’s distress.

3. Swaddling

Swaddling your baby in a swaddle wrap may help to ease their colicky pain. When you swaddle your little one, they tend to feel safe and secure. Being in a swaddle wrap may even remind them of the time when they were in your womb, which can help them fall asleep sooner.

4. Warm Bath

There’s almost nothing a warm bath can’t help cure. A warm water bath can work like a miracle to soothe your colic baby. Warm water helps to ease the pain and provides relief to your little one. You can also add Epsom salt to the water, which helps to calm the nerves and relax the body.

5. Infant Massage

Massaging your baby may also help ease their colicky pain and provide them relief. You can use asafoetida (hing), which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to massage your baby's tummy. Hing helps to treat stomach problems, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome. It has been used since time immemorial to cure colic pain. Additionally, you may use fennel oil or peppermint oil to massage your little one as they are time-tested oils to combat colic pain.

Closing Thoughts

There is nothing more painful than watching your baby cry for hours with no relief. Colic can be hard to manage, especially for new parents. With these simple home remedies, you may notice relief in your little one's colic. You may also want to discuss the same with your baby's doctor. Try to look for solutions and this too shall pass. Colic goes away on its own by the time your baby is six months old so, don’t worry too much!