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Baby massage: A Cure for Colic
Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will know that there is almost no pain like it – the physical and vocal response to the problem can be highly tiring and its very difficult to stand by and cope as a parent. It’s often tough to ask –...
Baby’s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones
Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question: “When should my child start wearing shoes?” There is no clear consensus. Some parents buy shoes as soon as their baby pulls herself into a first tentative stand; others wait as long as...
Extra-Cute Baby Outfits
Parents live vicariously through their children and play dress-up.
One of the joys of being the parent of an infant comes in the form of choosing cute outfits for the baby to wear. Over the years, parents have narrowed this down to an art, finding...
How to Give Birth Safely
While a woman is pregnant and awaiting the time for her to give
birth, it is said that one of her feet is at death's door.
This, however, proves false as most mothers through the course
of time have given birth to healthy babies.
It is...
Unique Baby Shower Gifts: Diaper Cakes
All of us know that when we are about to attend a large party, especially a baby shower, we want to bring the perfect gift that will stand apart from the rest. You don’t want the recipient to go through the gift book register later in order to...
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Coping With Colic
A new baby with colic is one of the most difficult problems a new parent has to cope with. Most new parents are under pressure trying to deal with a new routine and lack of sleep, the added burden of a crying infant you seem powerless to help can be overwhelming. The only comfort that can be offered is, with 1 in 5 babies developing colic, many other parents are suffering too and that by the time the baby is four months old the problem normally disappears.
The normal symptoms of colic are continuous loud crying, flexing and extending the legs, clenching fists and often a distended tummy. Very often this occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, although it can happen at any time.
So what is colic and is there a remedy for it? There are many possible causes, but initially the most important thing that a parent must do is establish that the child is actually suffering from colic and there is not another reason for the crying. Colic, however distressed the baby seems, is not life threatening, but it is essential not to assume a crying baby has colic, check with your doctor immediately.
Once colic has been diagnosed you should try to identify the cause. If you are breastfeeding avoid foods that are likely to cause gas. Make a note of what you are eating, baby may be intolerant to something in your diet, including dairy products. If the baby is bottle fed your doctor may suggest a change of formula. Don't overfeed the baby, we all know that bloated feeling when we have overeaten, so why shouldn't baby
feel the same. Try hard not to get stressed, I know this isn't easy but many experts believe that babies are sensitive to stress around them and react. It's a catch 22 situation, the more crying the greater the stress. Try to take turns in dealing with the crying baby, even rope in grandparents or a close friend so that you can walk away for 30minutes.
A continuous soothing sound such as a washing machine or tumbledryer often works. There are CD's available that can help and I found that a tape of sea waves worked well, particularly when gently rocking the child.
Seek your doctor's advice on medicines, he may recommend some colic relief. If colic has been diagnosed but there is any change in the baby's behaviour, go straight back to your doctor, it's better to err on the safe side.
Finally remember that it will pass, in a few months that screaming bundle will be toddling about getting into more mischief than you can possibly imagine!
This article is for information only. You should always consult your doctor before commencing any treatment and no liability is accepted.
About the Author
Margaret Tye runs the FromTots2Teens website that offers information on supplies for children of all ages as well as advice on health and other child and teenage relatedproblems.
You are welcome to use this article as long as it is not altered and credit is
given to the author, with a link back to this site.
FromTots2Teenshttp://www.fromtots2teens.com
Please pay the site a visit.
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