This article is about dealing with Colic and Gas problems in babies and we will talk about home remedy for Colic and Gas in your baby.
If your baby cries non-stop for more than 2-3 hours for 3 or more consecutive days, you can conclude that they have colic or gas. Babies suffering from colic arch their back and draw their knees back while crying. Their abdominal muscles are usually tense, thus, making them flatulent.
Colic starts at about 3 weeks and goes away by the time the baby is 4-6 months old. The exact cause of colic is unknown although gas or indigestion are common triggers. It may also happen due to intolerance toward substances in breast milk.
You don’t need to have your pediatrician’s number on speed dial if your baby frequently suffers from colic. You can easily handle things by yourself. So here’s a list of couple of homemade remedies that will help your little one seek relief from colic or gas.
Give a warm bath: Start off with this basic method of giving your baby a warm bath. This method has been proved effective as warm water relieves the pain. You can gently massage the abdomen area of your child during the bath time.
Apply a warm compress: A warm compress provides a quick relief from gas. You can use a warm towel and put it over your child’s abdomen for sometime. You can even gently rub your child’s tummy with the towel.
Massage: Take some olive oil or coconut oil in your palms and gently massage your baby’s tummy with it. It not only relieves gas but also aids digestion.
Pedaling exercise: Simple but effective, place your baby on their back, hold their knees together and gently push their legs back, towards their tummy. Make them exercise as if riding a bicycle, making pedaling movements with their legs.
Burp your baby: This is the most common practice that mothers do after feeding their child. After you feed your baby, put them on your shoulder. Supporting their neck and shoulders, gently rub or pat their back till you hear a burp.
Use asafoetida: Asafoetida or hing is a commonly used ingredient in our kitchens. You can take a pinch of it, add in water and boil it warm. The warm paste can be applied onto your baby’s navel.
Longer feeding on each breast: Ensure that your baby feeds longer on each breast rather than alternating between each breast. The hind milk that comes out after the baby has sucked on a breast for a while is more nutritious than the fore milk that comes out in the beginning. Hind milk contains more fat, which promotes digestion and soothes the stomach. Too much fore milk can cause digestive distress.
Concoction of basil leaves: Tulsi or basil leaves has anti-spasmodic properties, which helps deal with gastrointestinal issues. Add a few basil leaves to water, and bring to a boil. After it cools down, give it to your baby to drink. You can even grind the paste and apply it onto your baby’s navel.
Fennel seeds: Add a few fennel seeds in water and bring it to boil. Strain the water and allow it to cool. Feed the water to your baby in smaller quantities until the gas is relieved.
Apple cider vinegar: This helps cure heartburns and fight yeast infections. Take a spoonful of apple cider vinegar and add in water. Allow the water to boil and cool it down to lukewarm temperature. Feed your baby the water in regular intervals until they stop crying, which indicates seeking a relief from colic or gas.
Following these remedies, you can treat colic and gas in your baby at home. If 1 remedy does not seem to be working, try the other. But if things don’t seem to be brought under control, consult a doctor immediately.
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