Any new parent will tell you that there is almost nothing more unnerving than a baby that won’t stop crying. Those glass-shattering howls that keep parents up at night can make it seem like your baby is inconsolable and can be a difficult challenge for exhausted new parents to face.

Colic is one of the great mysteries of baby life, and no one knows why some babies have it and others don’t.

To help you determine if your child has colic, here are some common signs:

• Loud crying, often for two to three hours and the baby can’t be comforted. • Crying at roughly the same times, either late in the afternoon or night, and usually once or twice a day. • The baby pulling his feet up under his body and clenching his fists. • The baby’s stomach rumbling severely and producing a lot of gas.

Here are some tips and tricks to consider:

Swaddle your baby

This technique of wrapping your infant in a cozy blanket can help them feel safe and secure. Try swaddling them during feedings or wrapping them up before a usual colicky period so they feel comforted.

Buy a remedy

One solution for sleep-deprived parents is Cocyntal, a homeopathic medicine from Boiron used to relieve abdominal pain, cramps, spasms and intestinal gas in babies one to six months of age. The water-based formula contains no sugar, dyes or preservatives so it is gentle on the baby’s developing digestive system.

Keep in mind, this homeopathic medicine may not be right for everyone, always read and follow the label. More information and tips on how to relieve colic symptoms is available at the “Homeopathic Medicine Finder” App at www.boiron.ca or if you’re in the Montreal area, visit Retour aux Sources, a local natural product store that can recommend other products. www.retourauxsources.ca

Stay prepared on the go

Single, drinkable unit doses and easy-to-carry pouches of treatments like Cocyntal are simple to administer and mean you will not be fumbling when you’re out for a walk looking for spoons or measuring cups.

Go for a drive

The movement, noise and vibration of a car can be very soothing for a baby. Buckle them into their car seat and go for a drive for a change of scenery. New signs, sights, sounds and smells can be a distraction and even help them fall asleep. Sounds and music from the radio can help calm your baby and you as well.

Ease a gassy stomach

While gas doesn’t cause colic, it’s something that many colicky babies suffer from. Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a circle to ease the pain and pressure. Also remember to burp your baby often.

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Tips and tricks for coping with a colicky baby by Kevin Anderson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/tips-and-tricks-for-coping-with-a-colicky-baby-7400814.html.