Everything starts out wonderfully. You have a brand new baby who is absolutely adorable. And then IT happens. Around three weeks of age, he starts screaming and there is nothing you can really do to help him calm down. This screaming can last for hours and usually happens at the same time of day every day. Both you and your baby are very stressed. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a colicky baby.

Colic will rear it's ugly head in about 25%25 of all newborns and the causes can be very varied, from immature nervous system to an immature digestive system. The colic will slowly disappear, usually around the age of three months, but the time between three weeks and three months can cause many tears and much stress for both the baby and the parents.

For the formula fed baby, a main cause of colic can be a sensitivity to the protein in cow's milk or, in fewer cases, the sugar in milk based formulas. The baby may not have enough of the enzyme required to break down milk protein which results in a build up of gas in the intestines. This build up can cause the intestines to go into painful spasms.

If you formula feed, there are some steps you can take to help alleviate the colic. Many times changing the type of formula you are giving your baby can make a dramatic change. Be sure to keep the communication with your pediatrician open during this colic period. She will be able to make sure that cause for the colic type behaviors is not a more serious illness.

Please note: It can take up to a week for the formulas to create a change in your baby. Rapidly changing from one formula to another will most likely create a temporary situation where the colic is worse, not better. Also know, that there may be a day or two where the colic seems worse instead of better while your child's system gets used to the new formula.

One of the first formulas you can try on your quest for a less colicky baby is Carnation Good Start. This formula has "Comfort Proteins" and the proteins are then broken down into smaller pieces, within the formula, to be easier to digest in baby's? stomach.
If you baby has a true sensitivity/allergy to the proteins in cow's milk then the particular formula will not be effective. Either your baby will be much better after you start using this formula or the screaming will get much worse. Unfortunately there is no real way of telling which result you will have until you try it.

The next step on the formula trail is to move onto soy based formulas. This may work for some babies, but about half of the infants that are allergic to cow's milk will also have a reaction to the proteins found in soy based formulas.

If the above formula changes don't work for your baby, there is a third type of formula to try. Hypo allergenic formulas like Nutramigen and Alimentum can make a huge dent in the colic symptoms. The major down side of these formulas is the cost. A can of Nutramigen can cost around $22.00, very expensive but well worth if it helps calm the colic.

In an attempt to defray some of the cost of these formulas, it is highly recommended that you sign up for their mailing lists. They send coupons out every so often that can make a substantial difference in the cost of a can of the formula.

Another suggestion is to buy the formula in bulk. A store, like Babies-R-Us, sells Nutramigen in a case and the cost comes out to about $3 less a can.

If you meet the income requirements, you may be able to get this formula through WIC, a Federal grant program. You need to check it the WIC offices in your state and you may have to get your pediatrician to write a prescription for Nutramigen, because WIC will most likely provide Carnation Good Start otherwise.
by: Vickie Barnes

Vickie Barnes is a colic veteran of two colicky babies. Please visit her website ColicHelp.com, for more support and resources for dealing with colic.

Many parents become frustrated when their newborn develop colic. The continuous screaming every night for hours on end, can't help but be disturbing. New mothers often feel they must be doing something wrong or worse yet that there is something wrong with their baby.

Most new mothers are not aware that almost all babies develop a fussy period and the actuality of colic is present in one form or another. Colic is not an illness or a physical disorder. Doctors define colic as 3 or more hours a day of continued crying. The baby's persistent crying is generally not due to any obvious signs such as: hunger, wet diaper, or gas, and in many cases, the child cannot be comforted or soothed. There is good news though, colic generally does not last beyond the first three months!

Several studies that involved more than 12,000 babies have indicated that mothers who smoke during pregnancy face almost twice the risk of having a baby with colic. Exposure to second hand smoke also appears to increase the risk for colic.

Parents dealing with a colicky baby need to be observant and patient. Experimenting may be required to find ways to comfort your baby. Holding your baby is notably the most effective way to calm him.

Interestingly, one doctor commented that "the more hours they are held, even early in the day when they are not fussy, the less time they will be fussy in the evening." Holding your new baby does not spoil your child! Swinging, rocking or singing lullabyes can also be effective.

Over the years, there have been many stories about foods breastfeeding mothers should avoid. What do the facts show? Breastfeeding mothers who eat gas producing food DO NOT induce gas or crying in their babies. The gas mothers may get from gas producing food comes from the undigested part that remains in their intestines. The portion that enters the blood stream and then makes its way to the breastmilk is not the part that produces the gas in the first place. It was mentioned that a single glass of wine in the evening may be good for both mom and baby. Foods that should be avoided would include caffeinated beverages, chocolate, nuts and possibly some dairy products or spices.
Caring for a colicky baby can be exhausting for the already worn out mom. Colic is no-ones fault, so don't burden yourself with extra stress and guilt. Do your best to relax and remember that your baby will outgrow it.

If you are ever unsure whether your baby's crying is colic or a symptom of another illness, check with your pediatrician, by all means!

by: Karen Zastudil

Karen is a graduate of of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.

When you are a new parent you hear about a lot of different specialists and authors of great books, but sometimes you wonder who these people actually are. It's good to question these supposed authorities on babies. One specialist you may have heard about is Dr. Harvey Karp. He has written a book called The Happiest Baby On The Block and has been working with babies and their parents for more than 25 years. Dr. Harvey Karp has done extensive research into crying and colic and provides parents with some great information in his book. Crying and colic is something that every new parent can use some help or advice with, so if you haven't picked up his book yet, you might want to do so.

Dr. Harvey Karp is quite the celebrated pediatrician. He trained with the well-known Dr. Brazelton who is often considered a true authority on child rearing. Dr. Harvey Karp is also a professor at UCLA School of Medicine where he continues to educate up and coming doctors on children's health. Dr. Harvey Karp has had a continuing passion for children's health and breastfeeding since he began practicing. In 1981 he was given the prestigious Ehrman Fellowship to study colic and crying, and from those studies he has gleaned some important information that he passes onto parents in his book and other publications.

Dr. Harvey Karp is well known for his 5 S's for children who are suffering from colic or gas. The 5 S's are a strategy that shows new parents how to comfort their children. Through studies the doctor has learned that all children respond to these things, especially if they have parents that use these things regularly. The 5 S's is something that many other pediatricians use and believe in, and pass onto their patients. Any doctor that can get the backing of other pediatricians is exceptional, and Dr. Harvey Karp truly is.

It's rare to find a pediatrician as celebrated as Dr. Harvey Karp, but his dedication to finding relief for babies and families suffering from are undeniable. Dr. Harvey Karp continues to practice today in his private practice in California. He has children of his own, so he knows how important valid information about infants really is. If you can trust anyone, new parents can trust Dr. Harvey Karp. If you have a baby that suffers from colic or you'd just like to know how to effectively soothe your crying baby, Dr. Harvey Karp can help you out. The Happiest Baby On The Block really should be considered a must read for all new parents as it can really help you achieve maximum comfort for your baby and minimum stress for you.
by: Vickie Barnes

Vickie Barnes is a colic veteran of two colicky babies. Please visit her website ColicHelp.com, for more support and resources for dealing with colic.

It's true. Colic is MUCH harder on the parent than the infant. My daughter survived six months of colic unscathed. My husband and I are a different story. We have deep psychological scars that send us scurrying for the nearest exist every time we hear a baby cry.

As parents, we were newbies. We had never even changed a diaper when we brought our bundle of joy home from the hospital. I had heard a few horror stories about babies with colic, but never thought in a million years I would be the proud owner of a colic baby. So, imagine our horror, when on about our third week of parenting, our daughter started screaming every day around dinnertime. And, I'm talking blood-curdling, "I'm-in-severe-pain" sort of screaming. Screaming that lasted four hours and drove everyone in the household to tears.

We thought for sure something was horribly wrong.

A doctor appointment later, I was assured that my daughter was fine, and she probably just had "a little colic." Not to worry, that the colic would pass within a "couple of months".

Yeah, right. Define a "couple of months".

Those of you who have a baby with "a little colic" know there is no such thing. Experiencing a colic episode is extremely traumatic. You feel helpless, angry and frustrated when everything you try to stop the crying fails miserably. You feel like you're a bad parent or that your baby hates you. But, don't despair. Empower yourself! There are tons of strategies, tricks and products out there to help you deal with a colicky baby.

A guaranteed colic-buster we used time and time again was white noise. "What is white noise?" you might ask. Good question. Here goes.

White noise is the full spectrum of sound frequencies a human ear can hear combined together all at once. Huh?

Okay, again in layman's terms. Have you ever been in a crowd full of people, for example, at a sporting event? Everyone is talking at the same time. You can't decipher every single conversation, but you do hear the roar of the crowd (it happens to make me sleepy). That is white noise. Oh, yeah, I get it now!

Now, do me a favor. Put your hands over your ears and listen. Do you hear a roaring? What you are hearing is the white noise your own body produces within. The same noise your baby heard for 40 weeks or so while in the womb.

So, for a second, imagine you are a baby in the womb. You've spent most of your existence in a place warm and dark, where you were well fed and had no distracting noises, lights or outside stimuli. Then suddenly, you burst on the scene and have a whole big world to absorb. The stimuli eventually stresses you out, and since you can't communicate very well, the only way you know how to blow off steam is to cry and cry and cry some more. This is the latest scientific explanation of the cause of colic. Your baby is over-stimulated throughout the course of the day. To relieve stress, they cry uncontrollably for several hours. Oh, man.

So what can you do as a parent?

Recreate for your baby the feeling of being in the womb. Lower lights, reduce visual stimuli, swaddle the baby and turn on some white noise. Babies seem to be positively effected by the noise frequency of a hair dryer, clothes dryer and vacuum cleaner.

Unbelievably enough, this works! When I first heard about this theory, I was extremely skeptical. But out of desperation one day, I pulled out the vacuum cleaner and plugged it in. It was like turning off a water faucet. Immediately, our baby quit screaming. If you unplugged the vacuum, she started screaming again. It was weird. But, it worked.

Wait, though! Don't just plug in your vacuum cleaner and run it for several hours. The noise decibels will damage your baby's hearing. You need to be able to control the volume of the white noise your baby is hearing.

White noise downloads and white noise CD's are available for purchase almost everywhere. Just go on Yahoo! or MSN and do a search for "white noise baby". For just a few dollars, your baby can have the comfort of white noise, and you can have your sanity back.

by: Cherie Stirewalt

Cherie L. Stirewalt is a colic baby survivor and shares her colic experiences on her website Colic-Baby-Bootcamp.com. The site offers a one-of-a-kind white noise download and white noise CD to help frustrated parents cope with their fussy baby fast!

Recreating the "whoosh" in the womb.

The crying - oh, the crying. A colicky baby can really drive you to the edge. Failed attempts to soothe her crying may leave you wondering if you are cut out to be a parent after all. But, don't worry, you are. You just need to arm yourself with some tools to battle each colic-crying outburst.

But, first, let's define why your colic baby cries.

The most popular theory from scientists lately is an underdeveloped and immature nervous system. I know all women who have given birth can attest to the fact that a baby has a big head. Right?

Wrong. Actually, a baby's head isn't big enough to house a brain that is mature enough to have all the survival tools a human infant needs. Their brain is only the size of an apple. The birth canal cannot handle a bigger head (thank God). So, when a baby is born, the only inherent survival skills are sneezing, sucking, swallowing and….CRYING!

Most babies (80%25, that is) are capable of crying for a reason, and then calming themselves down. These are usually what I call "the good sleepers" or "easy babies". They are awake for awhile to learn and accept stimuli. Then they sleep to recover and awake to take in more stimuli.

Unfortunately, a colicky baby is usually NOT a "good sleeper" or an "easy baby". They are high-maintenance. Their nervous system is overloaded with all the sights and sounds of a new world. And by about dinner time, they've had it. The crying begins. Once they start crying, they lack the mechanism to calm themselves down. In my experience, most mothers with colicky infants tell the same story. Their baby fights going to sleep. They won't take a nap. They won't stay asleep once they do finally go to sleep. These poor babies never take the time to recover from all the stimuli they have taken in over the course of a day.

So this is where you, as a parent, step in. Reduce the environmental stimuli and recreate the feeling your baby had while in the womb.

Remember, in the womb, your baby was packed in tightly. It was dark. It was warm. And the prominent sound she heard was the "whoosh" of blood flowing through the placenta. This "whoosh" is a little louder than the noise of a vacuum cleaner running.

Of course, a vacuum cleaner white noise cd can be purchased to recreate this "whooshing" sound for your baby. They are effective for extreme colic cases.

However, there are other items you might have around the house that can lull your over stimulated colic baby to sleep. Most babies can be soothed by rhythmic, monotonous, low-pitched, humming sound that repeats at 60-70 pulses per minute. Here are 10 such items for you to try:

1.A shower running
2.A fan
3.A running dishwasher
4.A running washing machine
5.A very loud, ticking clock
6.A bathroom fan turned on with the light off
7.A metronome set a 60 beats per minute
8.A radio tuned to static
9.A tv tuned to static
10.Smooth jazz or easy listening stations

While listening to these rhythmic sounds, it is best to lower the lights, and make your baby comfortable. Remember, we are trying to recreate the feeling of being in the womb.

Finally, it is true what you read. Baby colic does eventually come to an end. As your baby grows, and their brains increase in size, all of the circuits mature and they learn the survival tools necessary to cope. It only takes about three to six months. In the meantime, when you feel a crying outburst about to happen, turn off the lights…and turn on all your household appliances.

Just kidding!

by: Cherie Stirewalt

Cherie L. Stirewalt is a colic baby survivor and shares her colic experiences on her website Colic-Baby-Bootcamp.com. The site offers a one-of-a-kind white noise download and white noise CD to help frustrated parents cope with their fussy baby fast!

Baby colic is one of the most common conditions for week-old to 3-month old infants. Definitive causes of the ailment have not yet been identified, however, it is not a matter of serious concern. Babies outgrow colic by the time they reach the age of 6 months.
The "Rule of Three" is often used to determine whether or not the infant is suffering from colic. I will attempt to give you a picture of what is meant by "rule of three", then observe your child's behavior. If a baby cries for three hours or more, thrice a week for three consecutive weeks, then he is most likely to have this condition. The healthy yet distressed and inconsolable baby usually becomes irritable and cries for no apparent reason usually after meals or in the late afternoons and evenings.
The discomfort of crying too much may cause the infant's face to turn red. Gas releases become more frequent. The stomach or abdomen becomes bloated, causing the baby to bring its legs towards its chest.
Other contributing factors for baby colic include the maturity and development of their digestive and nervous systems. It can also be triggered by the activity of the baby's surroundings. For breast-feeding infants, the mother's diet and quality of food intake may also cause allergenic effects on the baby's digestive tract that can result to bloating.
Colic prevents the baby from getting enough sleep and can also place a certain degree of stress and exhaustion on the parents. Some parents may even lean towards depression, as they may feel unequipped to give what their child needs. Thus, it is important that family support remains solid and constant throughout this phase of a baby's life.
There is no single recommended treatment as different babies react differently to certain treatments or medicine. Homeopathic or alternative medicine such as Colic Calm has made its way into the market, which gives parents an option for providing relief for their child. Others have suggested that medicine is unnecessary and leave the condition to disappear over time.
To prevent baby colic make sure that you feed your baby on a regular basis. It is recommended to use a baby sling and take the child with you for a walk or while doing other activities around the house. Limit the amount of light and noise in the room during sleeping time to allow your kid to have a good night sleep. If symptoms persist, it is always best to consult your pediatrician for any dietary changes for the baby or if need be, for mothers as well.
by: Jason Rickard
Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health for more articles.

Baby colic is a condition where a baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods without any apparent reason at all. The condition usually appears within the first few months of the baby's life and will almost always immediately disappear as quickly as it had arrived at around the time the baby nears its eight months of existence in the outside world. Baby colic is more common in bottle-fed babies, but may also occur in breast-fed infants. The crying frequently happens during a specific time of the day which is often in the early evening.

Since the cause of infant colic has not yet been fully established as well as the amount of crying differs between babies, there is no general agreement on the definition of infant colic. But parents should bear in mind that it is just a condition that can pass away in time and not a disorder that may need immediate treatment. The only way to distinguish if the baby is colicky is by ruling out other causes of the crying. An accepted of thumb is if the baby cries intensely more than three days a week, for more than three hours on every bouts of crying, and for more than three weeks every month.

Although the actual cause of infant colic is not known as of the present, medical professionals have made some observations as to why the condition might be experienced by newborn infants. When born, babies may still have an immature digestive system that has never started on processing food.

The gastrointestinal system is literally just starting to learn its function. Digestive muscles may have not yet developed the proper rhythm for moving food efficiently through the digestive tract. This might cause frequent and uncomfortable stomach upsets in infants and might be able to explain why there is such a condition as infant colic and why almost all infants outgrow colic within the first six or seven months of life.

Another explanation for infant colic may involve the mother. There4 may be certain foods eaten by lactating mothers that may contain unsafe chemicals and allergens that can result in colic discomfort and digestive upset in babies.

Through lactation, trace elements of cruciferous vegetables and other gas producing foods may be passed on to the baby through the mother's breast milk and cause gas and bloating in the infant. Babies often swallow air while feeding or during crying, which might further increase gas and bloating and further adding some discomfort to the baby.

There is currently no generally-accepted medical treatment for infant colic. Medical professionals may take different approaches in trying to treat the condition. Many doctors believe that infant colic is currently untreatable, and is best left to normally run its course. What mothers can do is try to make the baby comfortable. Soothing measures, such as the use of pacifiers and gentle rocking can be effective in calming the baby during crying periods.

Some parents can take turns holding the baby upright which also seems to lessen the pain and crying of the infant. Certain homeopathic remedies can also be utilized as an excellent option for treating infant colic symptoms. Homeopathic treatment is considered safe and completely allergen-free with no known side effects. It will be up to the parent to consider such an alternative as long as they find it very effective in handling the colic symptoms.
by: Pj Germain

Pj Germain

Colic

Corporate Gifts

Digital Photography

Many mothers choose to feed their babies formula because of hectic schedules and the difficulty with pumping milk. As a result, formula is a great option for many mothers. However, lots of moms regret the choice of feeding their babies formula when the baby develops colic. It will help mothers to realize that many babies, no matter whether breast fed or formula fed, will simply suffer from colic. So, if your baby is suffering from colic don't second guess yourself because most babies that develop colic simply develop it.
When you became pregnant you were probably really excited and started making plans. These plans may have included the choice to feed your baby formula and even if you did a lot of research to find the "right" formula you probably were unaware that each baby has different needs and that your baby might actually develop colic. Many mothers have heard of colic, yet don't realize what it really is until it happens to their baby. But, once it affects your baby you will become more concerned about the best formula for your baby that might help them feel better and suffer less.
There are some signs that will let you know if changing formula is a good idea. One of these is if your baby has stomach and gas pains after a feeding. If this is the case and you and your doctor believe a new formula will help then changing is a good idea. However, keep in mind that colic frequently worsens before it gets better so when changing formula be prepared for a couple of rough days before being able to determine if the new formula is working better than the old one. Also, don't change formulas frequently if it is not necessary because this could make your baby worse.
If you have decided to change formulas then you might consider Carnation Good Start. The company markets this formula as having "comfort proteins" that are easier for the baby to break down and as a result have less gas pain. However, this brand really only works for babies that tolerate cow's proteins because the formula is made from this. Many babies do have a sensitivity or even allergy to cow's proteins, as well as others, that parents never realize until they switch formulas with different proteins and the baby gets worse.
In the case your baby does not react well to Carnation's Good Start then you might want to try a soy based formula. About 50%25 of baby's that are allergic to cow's proteins are also allergic to soy proteins, but 50%25 are not so it might just work for your baby. You certainly don't want to try a formula your baby is allergic to, but you also don't want them suffering because you are too scared to try a different formula. So, talk to your doctor to see if a soy protein formula is a good option for your baby and if so which brand might work best for baby.
In the instance that neither Carnation Good Start or soy formulas work for your baby then a hypoallergenic formula might be your last option. These formulas are great for babies with a sensitive digestive system, however they are certainly expensive, and because of this most parents only use them in the case that their baby cannot tolerate any other formula.
Colic is no fun for baby or the parents, however with a little patience and trying different formulas you will be successful and help your baby find comfort. So, talk to your doctor about what formula might be best for your baby to try when colic appears and then take it from there.
by: Vickie Barnes
Vickie Barnes is a colic veteran of two colicky babies. Please visit her website ColicHelp.com, for more support and resources for dealing with colic.

You have probably heard of colic before and pray that your baby will never suffer from it. However, up to 25%25 of all babies do so you should be aware that it is a possibility. As a new mother you might not be an expert on babies or what symptoms of colic might be, but it helps to educate yourself so that you are aware what is happening with your baby in case he does develop colic. Remember as well that most families have as difficult a time dealing with colic as the baby does so try and identify the symptoms as early as possible in order to help find your baby some peace.

Many times doctors won't tell you that your baby has colic because it is difficult to diagnose simply because it is frequently a mixture of symptoms rather than one condition. In fact, some doctors don't even have the term "colic" in their vocabulary, but if your baby is suffering from it you will know it. There are a variety of symptoms that might represent colic that include red faces and clenched fists, reflux, grunting, hiccups, moaning, pushing and grunting, spasms, contractions, and lots and lots of crying. If your baby presents some of these symptoms or even others accompanied by inconsolable crying then your baby just might have colic.

Another sign of colic is these symptoms are frequent after a feeding and can last until the next feeding seeming like a never ending period of suffering and crying for your baby. Most doctors don' use the word colic, but do acknowledge that after eating many babies experience digestive problems due to kinked intestines that have not straightened out enough for easy digestion. Most parents that have babies with colic are sick with worry because their babies are obviously miserable and they can do nothing to soothe them or take the pain away. However, babies with colic are simply miserable with gas and do not have a fever, diarrhea, weight loss, or other symptoms at all. Because of this your baby is not really sick, but has a problem with digestion that makes them feel awful. Knowing this is important even if it doesn't make you feel much better as a parent of a colicky baby.

If your baby is one of the up to 25%25 of babies that develops colic you probably will become aware of the condition around six weeks of age. Then at three months the problem usually resolves itself. Of course, this seems like an impossible length of time for you and baby to go without any good sleep or comfort, but many babies and families have survived and yours will too if colic happens.

You will hate that your baby has colic and neither you nor your doctor has a miracle cure. However, knowing that your baby is not really sick and should be better in a few months will help you deal with the situation even if you feel awful about not being able to help your new bundle of joy. So, do everything you can to bond with your child and let them feel your support and do your best to make it to the three month mark when hopefully your baby is cured. If not, visit your doctor for additional tests of other potential digestive problems.
by: Vickie Barnes

Vickie Barnes is a colic veteran of two colicky babies. Please visit her website ColicHelp.com, for more support and resources for dealing with colic.

Dr. Harvey Karp is a well-known pediatrician that has long had a passion for understanding colic and crying. Since 1981 when he received the prestigious Ehrmann Fellowship to study colic and crying Dr. Harvey Karp has been one of the leading experts of finding relief for babies that suffer from the mysterious condition known as colic. Dr. Harvey Karp is also an advocate for breastfeeding, and has written a very famous book entitled The Happiest Baby On The Block.
In his book The Happiest Baby On The Block Dr. Harvey Karp teaches parents the 5 S's to help parents learn how to calm their baby. The 5 S's are helpful when your baby is crying, suffering from colic, or just feels uncomfortable. The world is a scary and overwhelming place for a new baby, but with the help of Dr. Harvey Karp new parents can learn how to quiet the cries of their babies in very little time. The combination of all five elements will help you and your baby get through your first days and weeks better than you ever thought possible.
What are the 5 S's?
They are:
* Swaddling. This is the art of snuggly wrapping your baby to provide warmth and security. Babies are often calmed when they are wrapped tightly as this sort of mimics the way the baby felt in the womb. Swaddling is one of the most effective ways to calm and quiet your fussy baby.
* Side/Stomach position. The side/stomach position is the best way for your baby to sleep in his or her crib. Not only is it the safest, it's the most comfortable for your little one. If you put your baby to sleep in this position him or she is less likely to work their way out of the wrapped blanket.
* Shushing. Most parents do this; they just don't do it loud enough. The shushing is the normal "shah" noise that we all instinctively make when a baby cries, but babies really do like this noise. This noise mimics the noise in the womb, so babies will feel calm and safe. Dr. Harvey Karp has demonstrated that doing this noise right next to the baby is often very effective.
* Swinging. Swinging, whether it's in the arms of the parent or in an infant swing, swinging is highly effective in calming a baby. Again, swinging motions are comforting to the baby because they are similar to the way the baby would move from side to side in the womb when the mother would walk before birth. Swinging is a great way to calm your baby!
* Sucking. Sucking often allows babies to work out their aggression so it is a great resource for parents that are trying to calm their agitated baby. Sucking can be done on a pacifier, bottle, or the breast. Sucking is natural and babies are often able to work out gas and colic pains through sucking.
The 5 S's seem too easy to actually work, don't they? But, these are all effective ways to calm your baby, just ask any mother that has several children or any mother that has purchased Dr. Harvey's book. If you haven't tried the 5 S's with your baby yet, what are you waiting for? It'll be the best thing you've ever done for yourself or your baby!
by: Vickie Barnes
Vickie Barnes is a colic veteran of two colicky babies. Please visit her website ColicHelp.com, for more support and resources for dealing with colic.