Natural ways to deal with colic

If you have ever had or been around a crying, colicky baby, you are well aware that it can be trying on even the most patient nerves. What is colic? It is defined as an attack of abdominal pain with associated lengths of crying (often long lengths) in newborn infants. The cry can be loud and continuous and can last anywhere from one to four hours. An infant's face often becomes flushed, the legs flex and extend and the hands are clenched. While the baby can appear fussy at any time of the day, later in the day and evenings are usually the worst times. Parents can take comfort in the fact that colic is quite a common condition occurring in 20 to 30 per cent of infants, and typically subsides by the third or fourth month.

The underlying cause of colic is not known for certain, but research appearing in the journal Pediatrics indicates that food allergens may be an underlying cause. In this recent study, breast-feeding moms eliminated common food allergens from their diet. This included cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and fish. Within one week's time and following the elimination of these food irritants, 70 per cent of all the breast-fed infants cried 20 per cent less.

Eliminating food allergens for a short period of time will help to identify if food is indeed the trigger causing the stomach upset. If you are bottle-feeding your baby, try to invest in a baby formula where the proteins are completely hydrolyzed -- in other words, the proteins are completely broken down, making digestion easier. If you are breast-feeding, eliminate possible food irritants from your diet. It is also important to talk to your doctor and have your baby checked out to make sure she is thriving and gaining the proper amount of weight.

Here are six natural tips for helping ease baby's colic.

1. Establish a routine for your little one in terms of sleep and eating patterns.

2. Use motion, such as a swing or rocking, to soothe the baby.

3. Try massage. Speak to a registered massage therapist about gentle massage techniques for your infant.

4. Wrap baby snugly in a blanket.

5. Take baby for a car ride.

6. Place baby near continuous noise or vibrations from household appliances such as the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or washer-dryer.

If you do have a colicky baby, the most important thing to do is to lean on others for help and take a break when you can. Even the best of parents need to take a little breather and a step back at times. Also, keep in mind that this is not your fault. Some parents feel guilt and pain at not being able to soothe their child's cry. I assure you, this too shall pass.

Ready for your first postpartum date? Read our tips on leaving baby for the first time.