Evidence-Based Tips to Help Your Crying Baby
Coping with an unsettled baby for hours on end can be tough, but here are some remedies to comfort your baby and help you navigate this challenging phase.
Soothing Techniques
- Utilise gentle soothing techniques such as swaddling, baby wearing, giving baby a relaxing bath, rocking and patting or using a pacifier to comfort your baby during crying episodes.
Feeding and Winding Techniques
- If you are breastfeeding and have not already seen a lactation consultant, this can be a good first step to make sure your baby has a proper latch and isn’t swallowing too much air.
- If your little one is bottle feeding, make sure you are pace feeding. You can experiment with different winding methods, such as “wonky winding”, to alleviate discomfort. Simethicone (Infacol) has no significant effect when studied. Some parents report it helps with wind, but others say it makes no difference.
Massage
- Gentle massage can help provide relief for unsettled babies. Some parents report reduced crying time after seeing a baby osteopath, but at-home massage for 15 minutes each day can be just as beneficial. There is no specific massage technique that is proven to help, but here are some to try. Use a baby specific oil or lotion, keep your massage gentle but firm.
- Full body massage – Start from your baby’s feet using a combination of rotations and up and down movements.
- Clockwise tummy massage – using one or two hands, massage the baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction.
- Downwards tummy massage – use downwards motions from your baby’s rib cage to their belly button.
Talk to your Family Doctor
- It’s important to rule out health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux (GORD), silent reflux or cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). Your family doctor can provide guidance and recommend suitable treatments if needed.
- Exclusively breastfeeding? Ask your family doctor about Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic (this is not as effective on formula fed babies).
Social Support
- Reach out for social support to support your mental health during this challenging time. Share your experiences and concerns with friends, family or support groups to alleviate the stress associated with colic.
Charlotte Young is the Co-founder of & Breathe First Aid, a paediatric ICU nurse and a mum to a busy toddler. Prepare for sickness with their free guide Recognising a Seriously Unwell Child – an easy to use A,B,C tool. You can also book a Baby & Child First Aid course and check out their free learning on Instagram @andbreathefirstaid.
