To read the part about Causes of Colic.

Infant colic can be extremely frustrating and stressful for parents. The impact on quality of life is real and affects the sleep time of all family members, free time and positive and quality family interactions. This can lead to discouragement and affect morale in the long run too, hence the importance of staying on top of how you are feeling.

Probiotics

Using probiotics for at least four weeks can diminish some symptoms, such as bloating or pain, and thereby reduce crying. We know that probiotics can promote a healthy immune system, reducing the frequency and length of diarrhea and fever. We also know that it helps balance intestinal microbiota by promoting the presence of good bacteria and reducing intestinal permeability which allows not-so-good bacteria to enter. They also seem to reduce regurgitation and improve bowel elimination.

Probiotic administration :

• If the mother is breastfeeding, probiotic drops sold over the counter are available. You can give them directly to the baby in their mouth.
• If the baby drinks formula, you can choose one that has added probiotics.

The Reuteri strain is known to decrease the imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the baby’s microbiota, decrease inflammation, decrease abdominal pain and improve gut motility. An update from the Pediatric Society 2022, informs us that probiotics may not only help reduce colic in infants, but also reduce food intolerances, eczema, atopic dermatitis and may also prevent diarrhea when antibiotics are taken.

Tips to help reduce colic

Here is a list of several tips that can easily be implemented to help relieve colic in babies :

• Giving them a warm bath
• skin-to-skin contact or using a baby carrier
• Avoid overfeeding them, which causes more reflux and gas
• Frequently burp them
• Walk them in the stroller
• Use a vibrating seat
• Place a heated magic bag in their bed before going to bed (to create a warm environment)
• A mild stomach massage can help eliminate gas
• Breastfeed them or give them a pacifier if it comforts them

Alternative medicine approaches, such as pediatric osteopathy and acupuncture, are available. They can improve the situation for many infants.

Alternative medicines

Alternative medicines such as osteopathy and acupuncture, which are more specific to pediatrics, can greatly improve the situation for many infants.

Homeopathic medicines are also available.

For abdominal cramps in young babies, Cocyntal is a great homeopathic medicine for relieving, at least in part, colic in babies as young as 1 month old.

To be safe, choose natural and homeopathic products certified by Health Canada.

Products to avoid

The use of products such as OvolTM (colic relief drops) or Lacteeze (lactase enzyme) is not recommended in colic situations, as no positive impact has been observed in young babies. However, the use of fennel seems to help calm crying.

After all your efforts to make them feel better, don’t start doubting your parenting skills. Only time will “mature” your baby. If you lose patience, you should ask for help from friends and family during difficult periods. Go outside, take some air or take a relaxing bath. If you’re alone and at the end of your rope, put the baby in their bed, leave the room, inhale, exhale, calm down before going back. For most children, colic will pass over time without any aftereffects on their development, temperament and on the parent-child relationship between age three to five.

Here is a toll-free number you can use to get help when you need it:
LigneParents at 1 800 361-5085.

Marie
The Baby Expert

Updated article : April, 2024.