Infant colic: natural approaches to soothe your baby

Infant colic is a source of stress for many parents, with frequent and intense crying often occurring late in the day. While the exact cause of colic remains unclear, some babies seem more susceptible to gas or uncomfortable digestion. The good news? There are many natural approaches to providing relief for your baby.

1. Understanding baby’s microbiome

The bacteria in our gut play a key role in digestion. In some babies, a less diverse gut microbiome can lead to increased sensitivity, leading to colic. By choosing foods rich in probiotics, parents can support a healthy microbiome.

Supporting Baby's Microbiome

- For breastfed babies, the mother can enrich their diet with fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir or fermented vegetables.

- Bottle-fed babies may benefit from a probiotic suitable for infants. Medical advice is always recommended before starting.

2. Assess the mother's diet

If your baby is breastfed, certain foods in your mother's diet can contribute to colic. Dairy products, in particular, are often associated with colic symptoms in some sensitive babies.

Adapt your diet

- Try cutting out dairy for a week or two to see if your baby's symptoms improve.

- Cruciferous vegetables, spicy foods and coffee can also sometimes increase baby's discomfort.

3. Soothing plants for babies

Some carminative herbs, such as chamomile, fennel, and lemon balm, can help soothe mild digestive pain in infants. These herbs promote relaxation and help reduce gas buildup in your baby's digestive system.

How to use these plants

- For breastfeeding mothers, consuming these herbs in the form of herbal tea may be beneficial.

- Infants can also benefit from drops made from these plants, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional before administering anything to your baby. At Audrey's Antidotes, we have the product Colidotes , specially designed to relieve baby colic.

4. Abdominal massage: a gentle and effective approach

A gentle massage can help release tension and improve baby's digestion. One popular technique is the "I Love U" massage, which follows the natural path of baby's digestive system to help release gas.

Tips for massage

- Warm your hands and massage baby's belly in a clockwise direction.

- This moment can become a soothing ritual, strengthening the parent-baby bond while contributing to the child's well-being.

5. Create a calming environment

Sensitive babies can also benefit from a quiet environment, with soft noises, dim lighting, and a consistent routine. A warm bath or skin-to-skin time can soothe baby.

Colic can be difficult for parents, but by incorporating these natural solutions into your daily routine, you can help soothe your baby while strengthening your bond. Remember that every baby is unique; what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, and don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if colic persists.

I hope this article will bring some comfort and some natural ways to calm down parents who are dealing with their baby's colic!

Sources:

Understanding Baby's Microbiome:

The Role of the Microbiome in Infantile Colic (PubMed): (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Dietary Modifications and Infantile Colic: (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25850748/)

Impact of Maternal Diet on Colic and Infantile Crying: [La Leche League](https://www.llli.org)

Herbal Treatment of Infant Colic: (https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2019/09/23/peds.2019-1457)

Natural Remedies for Infant Colic:(https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/ss/slideshow-colic-remedies)

Herbal Medicine in Pregnancy and Lactation: ( https://www.mayoclinic.org )

Baby Massage and Infant Colic:

(https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/massage-your-baby/)

Massage: (https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-massage/)

(https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2019/02/11/peds.2018-3734)

The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Infant Health: (https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-to-skin-contact)

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