9 Tips for Surviving Your Colic Newborn

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Colic… even just the word still gives me horrible flashbacks. My daughter was extremely colic, I kid you not… she cried for 3 months straight yet within 24 hours of a new formula she was simply a completely different baby. Seriously… that was all it took? Unfortunately, I think that helped a lot, but time also played a big factor. My youngest who is now almost 10 months old had a mild case of colic due to acid reflux, but having the experience under my belt I made sure to have all the items we needed at hand.

For those of you who haven’t had a colic baby, just imagine your precious newborn who cries for hours, weeks, possibly even months on end.

My daughter was colic right from the get-go. That first night in the hospital she cried literally all night long. The following day we had to send away our newborn photographer because there was no way we would get any photos besides of her crying. As time went on I spent countless hours on google, made sure she always had a clean diaper, was fed and got good naps. Even with all of that she just continued to cry for what seemed like no reason. After trying everything we could, when Colic was born I had countless remedies in my back pocket ready to go.

These worked best for me –

1.White Noise

White noise has been a lifesaver in our house. Both kiddos currently sleep with a white noise machine in their rooms, and I hear it through the monitor so now I am not able to sleep without it. My son the white noise was a must for him, but what we used was a hairdryer. Yes… a hairdryer. A friend recommended the hair dryer to use, and we were amazed when it worked instantly. Our hair dryer actually broke because we would leave it on for hours…. The things you will do to get your baby to sleep. When we were in the car and he was crying, I would turn on the AM radio, with all static… and it was instant calming.

The one we use in Colton’s nursey is a life savor. Head over to Amazon!

2. Movement

Bouncing and rocking back and forth was a must. We would go around the house and bounce everywhere. An exercise ball to bounce on was the perfect amount for our little, and plus you get a nice workout in at the same time!

A baby swing is also a must-have item for your baby that constantly needs movement. I recommend this swing, and it’s a plugin so you won’t have to buy stock in batteries. We use the Fisher Price Snugapuppy swing, and Colton would take the best naps in it during the day.

3. Swaddling

My daughter constantly needed to be swaddled, my son could have cared less. When we wrapped up my daughter it would calm her down and let her fall asleep and when she would jump it wouldn’t wake her up because her hands were tucked right in.

We love the Love To Dream Baby Swaddle. It keeps there hands in without a fight!

4. Babywearing

Another opposite of my children, my daughter hated every moment of being worn but my son cannot get enough of it. Wearing him in my Tula he is so at ease and relaxed. Babies seem to really love the closeness to their mothers, and I know we love it too!

We have a Ergo & a Tula, but I prefer our Tula and so does Colton!

Check out Amazon to get your Tula!

5. Addressing tummy issues

When you do a google search for colic, a lot of answers will say it could be a cause of gas. To help relieve the gas pains, we would constantly to the bicycle movement with their legs or push their legs up to their chest. A tummy massage works wonders and we would try a heating pad on low on their stomachs.

One thing that worked well with us, and almost instantly was Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water. It seemed like as soon as I gave it to them, almost immediately they would be calmed right down and smiling. You’ll want to get stock in gripe water.

6. Dietary Changes

This is usually one of the first changes you can make as a breastfeeding mama. Babies tummies are super sensitive and something you are eating may be upsetting their stomach. Try eliminating dairy from your diet, and see if this helps. Dairy takes two weeks for the protein to fully leave your system. Any foods that such as broccoli, beans, chocolate, or really anything that will make you gassy.

7. Ask For Help

Being a new mother, I wanted to be superwoman… and do everything myself. My husband worked during the day so I was home with our first born and she would cry all day long, and all night long. Finally, I hit my breaking point and knew I needed to ask for help. My husband is super supportive and would help out a ton, and during the day when he was gone, family was my go to. Pretty much anyone willing to hold or rock my screaming baby.

It’s so important to have a support system and ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, share your struggle because your friends may have been there. Join a mom community on Facebook to just vent or get advice. You are definitely not alone, and I felt talking to friends about it helped so much… plus you may get tips that you have not tried yet.

Have someone watch the baby, go walk around Target or get a manicure… do something for yourself. A happy mama is a happy baby.

8. Visit your pediatrician

Never be afraid to call your pediatricians office to get some advice or make an appointment. If there are any other symptoms going on that may have another answer to what is going on such as a tongue tie or reflux, you will be able to get answers. Reassurance from your provider can truly give you the peace of mind that you may need.

9. Time

This may be the most frustrating tip of all, but time really helps. Your little crying baby will not cry forever, and just remember that every baby is so different and just because one thing worked for one baby, it may not work for another. It may seem like it will never end, but it will. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this mama.

Mamas who have had a little one with colic, what advice would you give?

**This not a substitute for a professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor if your baby displays any fever, diarrhea or other symptoms that cause concern.

Xo,

Ashley