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We found ourselves knee-deep in colic with both Ari and Remy pretty much from day one. The crying, the screaming, the inability to soothe my babies… it was pure torture. We spent so many sleepless nights and fussy days just trying to survive. We tried every ‘trick’ in the book: special ‘holds,’ dietary restrictions, bouncing, rocking, and even driving her around in the car in hopes the screaming would stop (breaking news: it didn’t).
It was easy to find ourselves frustrated by the idea that they would ‘grow out of it’ in time. Especially when we were comparing (PS. don’t compare) our parenting journey to that of our friends or strangers from the internet. Those babies who slept through the night from day one (or even month 6)? Please. Please stop bragging. That’s the only thing I could think to say (and, honestly, the nicest thing I could think to say). For us, we were legitimately just trying to figure out a way to make our babies comfortable; a way to get them to sleep more than 20 minutes; and a way to simply make it through.
So what is colic?
Colic is usually when a healthy baby cries for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks. It usually starts in the first few weeks of life. Babies may experience increased crying in the evening and at night. It’s the kind of blood-curdling, incessant, screaming, that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. (Lies: I probably would wish it on my worst enemy because colic is a GREAT torture technique, ya’ll).
If you wonder “hmm, maybe my baby had colic,” chances are your baby did not have colic. There is a significant difference between crying a lot and colic. I promise.
Soothing a colicky baby.
There are options for both breastfed and formula-fed babies. For breastfed babies, trying dietary restrictions through an elimination diet are helpful, but often take weeks to make a difference. In the meantime, introducing Gerber® Soothe Colic Drops is ideal for breastfed babies because it contains calming probiotics that can be helpful for their tummies!
The same goes for formula-fed babies! Trying different bottles, feeding positions and using Gerber® Good Start® Soothe Infant Formula are all positive changes you can make for your baby.
Still looking for help and answers? Gerber has so many experts available — Registered Dietitians, Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Baby Sleep Consultants — to answer any questions! Just call 1-800-203-4565!
When all’s said and done, try anything and everything. Because less crying for babies means more smiling for all!
Do you have any experience with soothing a colicky baby?? If so, what tips would you give a mom navigating her way through colic?
Ah I had two colicky babies! It’s so hard but thankful for some great products out there!
I never had a colicky baby, thankfully, but I have known so many people who have battled with this. SO glad there are great products out there to help!
Oh my gosh how exhausting for all of you! So glad you found a solution that worked!
My daughter has a 5 month old. Maggie just fights sleep like crazy. It has been a real challenge for my daughter and her 5 yr old son. Thanks for the advice.
Kathiey:-)
I had to remove milk from my diet to help soothe my colicky breastfed baby. Also, your line about parents who brag about sleeping kids made me laugh.
Colic can be so frustrating. Thanks for this post!
Awe man! I wish I would have known about these drops when my babies were itty bitty!
Oh! I remember those beginning days and that uncomfortable baby. Great post for young moms.
Go to a chiropractor! While diet is a contributing factor, their body could be all our of alignment from birth. My second had colic issues, and the chiropractic visits were amazing.
Chelsea || http://www.binkiesandbaubles.com
We ended up doing that, too!! It helped TREMENDOUSLY!
Great ideas.
This is such a stressful time in a mom’s life. Thanks for sharing this with us!
My little one was not too colicky but I have definitely experienced other babies who just cannot deal. I will definitely keep this in mind for my next baby.
Your post is so informative !! I agree about the not bragging part. I had a very hard time with Abel. He had reflux so you could imagine the smells and torture I had to deal with for 8 months. Thanks for the advice <3
This is perfect for moms of newborns! Thank you for sharing! I will bookmark this for baby number two!
I never had a colicky baby. I’m sure it’s tough!
Changing formulas can sometimes be a big life saver! Finding the right one is so important.
I so could have used this a few months ago! We had a pretty tough time there for a while. Great advice!