We love chatting with Chantal Murphy about the way she deals with these issues, and her expertise is our favorite when it comes to learning all about newborns. Keep reading below to learn more about what you can do about colic and reflux!
What Is Colic?
Babies with colic cry excessively and frequently, and crying may last for several hours. You may notice your baby’s face becomes flushed and they may clench their fists, draw their knees up to their tummy, or arch their back. Colic often stops by four months of age or by six months at the latest. If your baby has colic, they may appear to be in distress. However, the crying outbursts are not harmful and your baby will continue to feed and gain weight normally.
How to comfort your baby:
- Skin-to-skin: This helps to calm and soothe fussiness and ease crying. He/she will be reassured by your warmth, your smell, and the familiar sound of your heartbeat. Skin-to-skin also encourages your baby to latch on for breastfeeding.
- You can try wrapping them snugly in a wrap or baby sling. Try different positions such as on your shoulder or over your lap.
- White noise is very soothing for a fussy baby, it is proven to improve sleep and lengthen nap times. The louder the better – similar to the sound of the water running in the shower! I recommend “white noise lite – Heavy rain” (free to download on any device), or a white noise machine that has the ability to stay on for the duration of the entire sleep/nap. If using a phone/iPad/tablet ensure you have it on flight mode as this will Reduce EMF exposure.
- Always burp your baby after a feed. If your baby doesn’t always burp you can speak to the pharmacist as to what treatments are available.
What is Reflux?
- is when babies spit up milk through their mouth or nose. It can be caused by a loose sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach by air bubbles trapped in the stomach, or by your baby drinking milk too quickly. Certain foods can trigger reflux or colic. If breastfeeding, this relates to the food a mother eats or drinks. Dairy foods can affect some babies while others are affected by so-called gassy foods such as onions, broccoli and beans.
How To Minimize Reflux:
- Hold your baby in an upright position, not lying down, while you feed them and burp them several times during each feeding.
- Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding
- Baby wearing can be beneficial during times of fussiness
- Check with your GP if you can elevate the mattress to avoid your baby laying complete flat.
I recommend: Willby’s Wind and Colic Mix is the only 100% natural colic remedy tailored to your baby. They offer a comprehensive advisory service centered around wind, colic and reflux in babies. 40% of newborn babies will experience colic symptoms so you are not alone. Over the last fifteen years Williby’s has offered support to thousands of mums with unsettled newborn babies with a stunning rate of success in symptomatic relief.
While you’re here, check out Chantal’s guide to baby sleep and why your newborn might be crying.
