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What is the Best Colic Medicine for Babies?
It's normal for babies to cry, but colicky ones cry more than normal regardless of their health. Parents can feel frustrated with this, but it's important to remember that colic is temporary, and many other parents are going through the same situation. It begins around three weeks after the baby is born and ends when the child is three to four months old. Frequent bouts of crying characterise the condition; it usually occurs at night, lasting three hours or longer, on a regular basis. Keep reading to find out the best colic medicine for your baby.
How do you treat colic? (Colic medicine for your baby)
There is no single treatment for colic since there is no clear cause. A pharmacist may suggest some methods of calming your child. Each one can be tried one at a time. After a few days, if one doesn't work, try another.
Colic will go away on its own. It may take about 4 months for your baby's fussiness to go away.
Below are some of the steps you can take to soothe your baby:
Let them lie on their tummy
Place your baby on their stomach, on your lap, or across your tummy. These positions may help soothe a colicky baby. If your baby has gas, you may also want to rub their back, which is soothing and may help get rid of it. Additionally, tummy time strengthens your baby's neck and shoulders.
Always place your baby on their tummy under supervision when they are awake.
Carrying them can work as a good colic medicine for your baby
Holding a baby with colic is often helpful. It is comforting for the baby to be close to you. Early in the day, you might be able to reduce colic in the evening by holding your baby longer. Carrying your baby around in a baby carrier enables you to keep your arms free while keeping the baby close.
Practice the repetitive motion
You may be able to soothe colic by keeping your baby in motion. Try driving around with your baby or swinging them using a baby swing.
Hold your baby upright after feeding
Some babies with colic may suffer from acid reflux, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease experience heartburn when formula or breast milk is refluxed into their oesophagus. After feedings, babies should be held upright to minimise symptoms of acid reflux. The baby may become cranky after lying on their back or reclining in a car seat after they've eaten.
Thickening milk using infant cereal
Breast milk or formula can be thickened with infant rice cereal. It has been recommended as one of the ways to help minimise acid reflux episodes in babies suffering from GERD. Rice cereal can be added to pumped breast milk or formula in the amount of one tablespoon. To accommodate thicker liquid, you may need to enlarge your baby's bottle's nipple hole. It is best to consult with your paediatrician prior to trying this tip since it has several risks associated with it and is not recommended by most paediatricians.
Switching formula
Your baby's colic may also be caused by allergy or a milk protein intolerance, though this is unlikely if fussiness or crying is the only symptom. A formula with a different protein source might be easier to digest, such as one with an elemental formula.
The final take on the best colic medicine for your baby
Observe what soothes your baby (or what doesn't). You can then figure out the most suitable solution to restore peace to your home and comfort to your child. Make sure to talk to your paediatrician about any symptoms your child may be experiencing. If you are considering alternative treatments, such as gripe water, talk with them first.
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This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.