Your baby is fussy, screams and cries, they scrunch their hands into fists, jerk their legs inwards – and all this despite having done everything you can to make your little one comfortable. The common cause: Your baby is suffering from infantile colic. We have put together a few tips that are good for babies' little tummies.
Take your time to observe your baby carefully and recognise their needs: Are they hungry, perhaps? Is their nappy full? Or do they need some peace and quiet?
A calm environment and a structured daily routine help here. If your child becomes unsettled or screams, don't pat them on the back. Avoid too much movement and loud music or noisy toys. If you rock your baby, do it slowly and calmly.
If it is time to go to sleep, leave your child in peace to do so and don't jump up immediately if they start to cry. Don't lie with your infant to help them get to sleep. For some children it is helpful if their bedroom isn't completely dark and if your child can hear you speaking from the neighbouring room.
Take a deep breath and remember that so far, your child can only express themselves through crying. And try to stay cool, calm and collected even if it's hard sometimes.
In the past, breastfeeding mothers were advised to avoid foods that cause bloating such as legumes, vegetables in the cabbage family and onions. However, there is no clear evidence that this avoidance is beneficial. These days, changes to a breastfeeding mother's diet is not considered helpful in reducing infantile colic. In fact, the meal plan shouldn't be unnecessarily restrictive so that it doesn't harm the mother's nutrient intake from a well-balanced diet.
In specific cases with well-founded concerns, omitting certain foods may be appropriate.
Please consult your midwife or paediatrician first.
... your child is no longer gaining weight.
... they don't like to drink or feeding becomes a problem.
... they spit up a lot and show they are in pain or they overarch their back more and more.
... your baby also starts to have sleep problems
... you feel overwhelmed
... you are worried that the crying will make you so angry and desperate that you will no longer able to control yourself.
Also consult your midwife.
From 6 weeks* on, you can try out stomach massages on your baby. A tummy massage not only helps digestion, the shared experience also relaxes you and your little one, and promotes your understanding of one another.
You will need:
* Important: Your baby's stomach button should be stable internally. Please consult your midwife or doctor first.
If you would like to learn more about allergies and intolerances, the following articles might interest you.
