Tips on Coping with Colic

Tips on Coping with Colic

A colicky baby cries incessantly for no reason. A colicky baby tests the patience of the parents as they find it difficult to handle him. Here we have given some tips on handling a colicky baby.

•If your baby has been crying incessantly for no apparent reason, check with the doctor to see whether he has colic.

•The endless sound of a crying baby (even if it's your own) would try the patience of a saint. Remember that it's not unusual to harbour negative feelings towards your baby like anger, even hatred, when nothing you do can make the crying stop. However, if you're worried that these feelings and crazy, even violent impulses may get the better of you, seek professional help immediately.

•Take a break. Don't try to handle things alone. Ask your spouse, neighbour, friend, or relatives for help or get hired help. Take some time out for yourself every day. Go for a walk, have lunch with a friend, or pamper yourself with a massage. You don't have to feel guilty because this will just help you get your strength back to continue the battle against colic.

•If you've done everything you can to make your baby comfortable and he continues to cry, put him down in his cot for about 15 minutes and do something else so that the both of you can take a break.

•Get earplugs.

•Exercise helps to work out frustration.

•Husbands must help. There is no way that they can be allowed to shirk their responsibilities in such a situation. The mother cannot be expected to cope alone.

•It helps to talk about it. So find a friendly shoulder and cry on it. It also helps to talk to other parents who have colicky babies so that you know you're not alone.

•If you have another child, remember not to neglect her. If she's old enough, try and make her understand that it's not her fault and that there's nothing seriously wrong with the baby. Make a little special time for her every day and make her feel that you love her