So, one of the little girls I watch has colic. I immediately went home and talked to my Mom because I remembered her saying one of my sisters was colic-y. So here are some things I have found that help.
1. Diet: a lot of times their stomach is upset due to a reaction to something they ate. If you plan to continue nursing, this means YOU need to change your diet. Try no dairy, more vegetables... see what makes a difference. If you want to use bottles there are certain formulas for babies with colic.
2. Keep the baby at angles. Put a triangle wedge pillow under their mattress to angle their bed slightly. Let them sleep in a swing or bouncer where they are angled. Don't lay them flat on the ground, they have these circular pillows that are great to support and keep them at an angle while on the ground. These pillows can also be used on your lap while feeding to keep them at an angle and make your arm less tired.
3. Bouncing. This seemed a little backwards to me, but it works with the girl I work with. Bouncing while walking, or sitting on an exercise ball and bouncing on it while holding her works.
4. Car rides- the girl I watch loves being in the car and it puts her to sleep.
5. Burping. When they get fussy, patting them firmly helps.
6. Face down. Most of the time she was on her back when I started watching her. My mom suggested holding her so her stomach is on my arms, and her head in one of my palms... kinda like a cradling position but with the baby face down. Make sure her head is sideway on your hand and away from you so they can breathe. You can also hold them straight out, with their stomach on your arms, but that makes your arms more tired.
7. Pat their stomach. If they are on their back, patting their stomach lightly, can help.
8. Shhh.... sounds. For some reason it seems to be more soothing when I sing. Running water also helps. When I do shhh sounds I vary the rhythm with different songs in my head, but I think that's more for my own enjoyment, the baby doesn't seem to care one way or another. Also clicking sounds with your tongue may help- the girl I watch likes it.
9. Consider consulting a doctor for medicine. The girl I watch requires medicine once a day. She really likes it, and is less fussy when she takes it- it makes a huge difference!
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