As a Wimbledon newborn photographer and Mum to two, I didn’t want to admit my eldest baby had colic. It made me feel like I was doing something wrong or there was something wrong with my baby, so I just ignored it. Instead of looking for a solution. It took me a while to figure it out, but I’m glad I did in the end. I’m here to help you as someone with experience of this, so you don’t have to struggle on your own.

A challenge a lot of parents face when babies are colicky or fussy is that you find yourself at the mercy of relentless crying and seemingly unexplainable discomfort.

In this blog post, I’m sharing …

• How to identify if your baby has colic
• Effective strategies to navigate this trying phase
• Tips to soothe your baby
• How to take care of yourself when your baby won’t stop crying. 

Is It Colic or Something Else?

You’re not alone in wondering whether your baby’s fussiness is due to colic or something else entirely. 

Colic is typically defined as intense, inconsolable crying in a healthy baby that lasts for at least three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or more. 

However, it’s essential to rule out other potential causes of fussiness, such as hunger, discomfort, gas, or illness. 

If you suspect colic, it’s always a good idea to consult with your paediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and ensure there are no underlying issues.

What Causes Colic?

While the exact cause of colic remains a mystery, several factors may contribute to its development. 

These can include gastrointestinal issues, an immature digestive system, sensitivity to stimulation, or even parental stress transferring to the baby. 

It’s important to remember that colic is not caused by something you did or didn’t do as a parent. It’s simply a phase that many babies go through and eventually outgrow.

Source: 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic

Riding the Waves of Colic: Tips for Soothing Your Baby

When your baby is experiencing colic, finding effective ways to soothe them can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

But there are strategies that may provide some relief. 

Holding and Rocking: Sometimes, simply holding and gently rocking your baby can help soothe them. Babies often find the rhythmic motion comforting, which might help alleviate some of their distress.

Swaddling: Swaddling can provide a sense of security and warmth for your baby, which may help to soothe them.

White Noise: Some babies find white noise, such as the sound of a fan or a white noise machine, soothing. It’s thought that this can replicate the constant noise they were used to in the womb.

Warm Bath: A warm bath can be soothing and may help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with colic.

Gentle Massage: Massaging your baby’s belly in a gentle, clockwise motion might help to relieve some of the tension and discomfort. Always be gentle and watch your baby’s reactions to make sure they’re comfortable.

Bicycle Legs: Gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion can help to relieve gas, which is often a contributor to colic.

Changing Feeding Positions: Sometimes, adjusting your feeding position can help to minimize the amount of air your baby swallows, which can reduce gas and potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of colic.

Feeding and Burping More Frequently: Smaller, more frequent feedings can help prevent your baby’s stomach from getting too full, which can cause discomfort. Burping your baby regularly can also help to relieve any built-up gas.

Using a dummy/pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can provide a calming effect for many babies.

Using a Baby Carrier or Sling: Some babies find being carried in a sling or baby carrier soothing. The close contact can be comforting, and the movement as you move around may help to calm them.

Consider talking to your doctor about using gas drops, too!

Experiment with different soothing techniques to find what works best for your baby’s unique preferences.

Gentle Massage: Massaging your baby’s belly in a gentle, clockwise motion might help to relieve some of the tension and discomfort. Always be gentle and watch your baby’s reactions to make sure they’re comfortable.

Bicycle Legs: Gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycle motion can help to relieve gas, which is often a contributor to colic.

Changing Feeding Positions: Sometimes, adjusting your feeding position can help to minimise the amount of air your baby swallows, which can reduce gas and potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of colic.

Feeding and Burping More Frequently: Smaller, more frequent feedings can help prevent your baby’s stomach from getting too full, which can cause discomfort. Burping your baby regularly can also help to relieve any built-up gas.

Using a Pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can provide a calming effect for many babies.

Using a Baby Carrier or Sling: Some babies find being carried in a sling or baby carrier soothing. The close contact can be comforting, and the movement as you move around may help to calm them.

Consider talking to your doctor about using gas drops too!

Experiment with different soothing techniques to find what works best for your baby’s unique preferences.

Seeking Support: Finding Comfort in Community

Reach out to fellow parents, join online support groups or local parenting communities, and share your experiences. 

Connecting with others who understand firsthand what you’re going through can provide immense comfort and valuable insights!

Reaching out to a community midwife really helped me to understand the commonness of a colicky baby. The reassurance that it would one day settle and stop kept me going through the crying.

Self-Care for Sanity: Taking Care of Yourself

Caring for a colicky baby can be emotionally and physically draining, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. 

It’s crucial to prioritise self-care during this challenging phase. Take breaks when you can, lean on your support system for help, and don’t forget to prioritise your own well-being. 

Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, finding small pockets of self-care can make a world of difference in your ability to cope.

Take it from me, the colic stage won’t last forever. I know it can feel like it right now, though!

You’re doing an incredible job, and every effort you’re putting in right now is making a difference. Keep trying different soothing techniques, reach out for support when you need it, and don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Soon, this challenging phase will be just a memory.

Feel free to look through my other helpful blog posts for mums in SW London, Kingston upon Thames, New Malden, Surrey and Wimbledon – from your Wimbledon newborn photographer.

If you are interested in booking a newborn photoshoot near Wimbledon, take a look at my portfolio and studio pages to find out more! Or if you would like to have a chat, feel free to get in touch!