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Treatments and Remedies for Colic

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Unfortunately there is no universal treatment for colic. There are many people who believe that the condition is untreatable and is best left alone to run its course. However there are several treatments that some doctors will prescribe such as anti gas medications. These treatments are not across the board solutions for every case of colic however. They can work and suppress the colicky crying spells in some babies but in others they won't even seem to help. Listed below are some of the treatments that are used to treat colic:

• Simethicone: This is an oral medicine prescribed by doctors to treat bloating and discomfort felt by excessive gas trapped in the stomach.
• Colief: These over the counter drops that are added to a baby's milk to reduce the symptoms of colic. The Colief drops contain a naturally occurring enzyme called lactase and they are safe to use from birth until the time the colic subsides.
• Pacifiers: Several parents give their colicky infant a pacifier to try to help sooth the baby. This along with rocking the infant can help to alleviate some of their crying spells.
• Making a Change: For breastfeeding babies with colic a simple change in the mother's diet may help the colic disappear. Often time's babies develop an allergy to something that the mother is eaten and then transferred through the breast milk. In babies who are formula fed sometimes changing formula's can do the trick. Some infants are unable to digest certain formulas and need to be switched to a soy based product. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician before changing your baby's formula.
• Slow Down Feedings: Feeding a baby too much at too fast of a pace can cause excess gas in their stomach and could be what causes the colic episodes. Try feeding the baby slower taking more breaks to burp and also reduce the amount of breast milk or formula at each feeding and try feeding more often.
• Warm Bath: Often times giving a colicky baby a warm bath will help to sooth it.
• Lay the Baby On its Tummy: Of course this must be done at all times in the presence of an adult. Babies are not to be laid on their stomachs to sleep due to an increased risk of SIDS. But while the baby is awake lying he or she on their tummy can help reduce pressure and gas. You can also drape the baby tummy down over a beach ball while securely holding the baby and slightly roll the ball back and forth. This can also help to reduce gas pressure.

Next Page: How Colic Can Affect the Family

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