All babies cry. Some more frequently than others. Researchers believe that up to 40 percent of infants have colic, which persists until the child reaches 3 to 4 months old.
Tough, on parents right?
So how do you know if your baby has colic? Generally, if a healthy baby cries more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks, that baby has colic. By that time, parents have every right to be frazzled.
Funny thing is, no one has been able to pin down the exact cause of colic. Many in the medical field suspect gastrointestinal discomfort. But others chalk it up to sensory overstimulation or the temperament of the baby. Knowing why, when you are up at 3 o’clock in the morning pacing the floor with an unhappy baby, would be helpful, right?
Although finding that answer may not be easy, there are some suggestions out there that will help you calm that wee little one long enough to get some shut-eye before the new day arrives. Before we touch on those, however, remember that it’s always good to have a doctor evaluate your child if your infant show signs of colic to rule out other medical issues.
So, about that comforting…
Dr. Harvey Karp, author of the book, The Happiest Baby on the Block, encourages parents to remember the 5 S’s when trying to calm an upset baby.
- Swaddling: Wrapping makes your baby feel magically returned to the womb. It will also keep your baby from flailing his/her arms. Remember to swaddle snuggly. Also, don’t overheat your baby. (Babies should never be sweaty and flushed.)
- Side/Stomach: Newborns are easier to calm when they’re lying on their side or stomach. This triggers the calming reflex by imitating your baby’s position in the uterus. Laying a baby on his/her back can sometimes trigger a falling reflex and make your baby feel insecure. Keep in mind the side/stomach position is great for calming crying, but babies should only sleep on their backs.
- Shhhh: “Shhhh”ing your baby imitates the sound he/she heard in your uterus, which was as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Place your mouth two to four inches from your baby’s ear and make the “shhhh” sound. It must be loud enough to match the sound of your baby’s crying or he/she won’t hear it.
- Swinging: Rhythmic moving imitates the jiggling your baby felt inside the uterus and activates the calming reflex. Ways to use motion are: baby slings and carriers, dancing, infant swings, rocking, car rides, bouncy seats.
- Sucking: Putting a pacifier, finger or breast into a baby’s mouth satisfies hunger and turns on the calming reflex.
Just so you know, Minky Couture produces soft, comfortable and beautiful blankets perfect for swaddling your precious baby, whether it is a fussy time or cuddle time. Come and visit us at our store, or online, to find the blanket that is perfect for that new little one in your life.