A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates say that between 15-25%25 of infants are born with Colic. Although it is not believed to effect a baby's development it is still a struggle for parents to cope with. Babies with colic most often cry for several hours at a time with diaper changes and feedings having no effect.
Some of the symptoms that your little one may have colic are (but not limited to) as follows:
1.) A high pitched cry that does not let up in intensity, sometimes for hours at a time
2.) Pulls their legs towards their chest or holds them straight out
3.) Face becoming flush and warm while legs feel cooler
4.) Held breathes
5.) Painful facial expressions
Unlike many other childhood ailments, there is no one specific reason a baby may have colic. There are several factors however that may exasperate colic.
They include:
1.) Lack of Burping
2.) Food Allergies
3.) Swallowing Air
4.) Overfeeding or Eating too fast
5.) A tense home environment
The good news is that the symptoms usually disappear at about the 4 month mark. In the meantime here are some tips on minimizing those symptoms.
1.) After each ounce or few minutes of formula, burp them.
2.) Do not feed them while they are lying down
3.) Go for a ride in the car or try a gentle rocking while walking.
4.) Play white noise for them. There are many options in white noise now including lullabies playing in the forefront. Constant noise like Vacuum Cleaners and Fans are also very helpful in some cases and can be purchased on CD to avoid drafts or other issues. These can be purchased from the author of this article at www.yourfavouriteshop.com
5.) A warm bath with a few drops of chamomile essential oil to the water to help them to relax further.
6.) Change to a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy based one.
7.) If you are breast feeding, avoid tea and coffee
Above all you should always consult your physician to discuss the different symptoms. You should always be aware that the symptoms listed above may also be indications of ear infections, allergies, etc. so it is important to discuss everything candidly with your pediatrician.
by: Jason Rickard

Jason Rickard is the owner of http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - European Reseller of White Noise and Relaxation CDs * Article may be reprinted provided it is not altered and links are live.*

When babies cry for more than three hours per day, they are said to have colic. This period of excessive crying differs from baby to baby, but usually occurs when a baby is around three weeks of age and wears off when a baby is in between the age of four to six weeks. During this period of extreme disturbance, the parents usually get little or no sleep.

Most doctors believe that colic occurs to a child in order to psychologically awaken, and prepare the parents of the newborn child, for a new life. This sense of awareness created through colic, is said to make the parents understand that a new member is now in the family. It is just as though the child is announcing their presence. If not for colic, doctors say that the normal way of life will resume and the parents will need more time to adjust to their new beginning as parents.

Usually what most parents would want is for the child to meet their demands. If the parents want to go out they would expect the child to stay quiet for the sitter, when they want to sleep they would imagine that the child would also fall asleep with them. This is not the case as the colic introduces a lot of change into their current active life. This helps the parents adjust their lifestyle to accommodate the newborn child instead of the newborn complying to parents lifestyle for each other. Reason for this belief has risen due to the fact that when parents have adopted a new lifestyle accommodating the newest member of the family, the colic stops.

Also what parents should understand is that colic is not a disease or an illness of some sort. It is very normal for a child to go through this period. The crying in some children will be more than others but this soon all this will go away. It is just another sign that the child is growing physically and mentally healthy.
by: Jason Rickard

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health for more articles.

For most parents, the search for the best possible care in ensuring that their baby's needs as far as attention and material needs are satisfied will always be at the top of their agenda. One typical sign that causes alarm for most parents is the usual crying of babies, signaling a certain shortcoming that needs to be attended to since these infants are unable to express in the usual means of what they need and what is bothering them.

Excessive crying is only natural for babies. These are usually referred to as colic issues. Colic is usually referred to as the extreme end of normal crying behaviors of babies usually in the span of 3 weeks and 3 months of age. Some people would often mistake or misdiagnose colic for excessive crying of babies, but the main difference can be identified for babies who are diagnosed to be healthy yet continuously cry despite consoling efforts of adults. Colic is usually at its worst for a span of about 6 to 8 weeks but would slowly decrease on its own in the succeeding weeks. Physician would term this as colic exaggerated infant crying behavior, something that can be expected for a newly born infant that is trying to find its way into the new world and environment that he finds himself in.

The degree of intensity to which most off springs would cry excessively depends as well on inherited nervous systems from the genes of their parents. Sometimes these would be traced as hereditary which is only normal. There should not be any cause for alarm, and other abnormal behaviors related to health such as vomiting and diarrhea are in no way closely related to colic issues. In such cases where health related problems are becoming recurrent, it would be best to relay this issue towards the family physician for consultation. But to identify this as related to colic child behaviors may be incorrect. This is something that misleads most parents into believing that there is an abnormality as far as the upbringing of a child. Treating such issues is only normal, since being newly born infants; parents are naturally concerned about the sensitivity of their child to the new environment they may find themselves in.
by: Jason Rickard

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise CDs - Visit Health Information for more articles.

You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy 2 week old baby. You and your spouse have both now gotten into a routine that is comfortable concerning nightly feedings, changing and enjoying your new little one. Your life seems perfect.

Then all that changes as your baby begins to cry uncontrollably and you can not find a reason. He will not take a bottle, he doesn't need a diaper change, he is not running a fever, but he will not stop crying. What could be wrong? The answer more than likely is colic.

All babies cry, but babies with colic cry more than usual for their age and this usually happens around the same time each day. This does not mean they will cry each and every day. Remember, colic and its causes are still a mystery.

The symptoms are basically the same for any baby with colic and is if your baby starts suddenly fussing and crying without any known reason which last more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and for more than three weeks. Your baby's face may turn red and the area around his mouth may even appear pale. His stomach or abdomen area can be swollen and hard. Most infants with colic curl up in a ball and make fists with their hands. The colic episode may end when your little one is exhausted and falls to sleep.

Colic is not considered an illness, disease, and there are no known real cures. It can occur during the second or third week of your little ones life and can continue to occur until 6 months of age.

There is no reason to worry as about 20 percent of all babies have colic. It is not something you or any caregiver has done.
by: Jason Rickard

Jason Rickard is the owner of http://www.yourfavouriteshop.com - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs

Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell you that colic is one of the most excruciating experiences ever imaginable. Nothing is worse than seeing one's baby in pain and not being able to help take it away. Finding relief for colic quickly becomes a top priority. There are many different colic remedies that may come to the rescue for your particular baby. Each baby is unique and may only respond to some or a combination of colic remedies. Unfortunately, parents may have to use the old trial and error method to determine which provide the greatest amount of relief for their little colic sufferer. One thing is certain, the days of waiting it out are long gone for those determined to find an answer. There is no need to suffer needlessly along with baby. If you have tried all proper feeding and burping techniques and baby is still crying, try the following list of the most effective remedies available:

%26lt;strong%26gt;#1 Music / Sound%26lt;/strong%26gt; - Traditional lullabies, classical music composed for infants and heartbeat/womb CDs are very popular external remedies that relax many babies suffering from colic. You can find some particularly good ones at the Slumber Sounds web site. Some parents have had great success by placing baby in car seat on top of running dishwasher, washing machine, dryer or near running vacuum cleaner. A gentle shhhhhhhing sound in the ear can work magic, as can soft whispers and humming or singing.

%26lt;strong%26gt;#2 Diet%26lt;/strong%26gt; - Bottle fed babies with colic may show improvement if switched to a different formula, such as soy. The mothers of breastfed babies may have to pay close attention to their own diet to make sure that babies are not having negative reactions to certain foods. Try eliminating the following common culprits one at a time for a week to see if there are any signs of improvement for baby: dairy, caffeine, chocolate and gas-producing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, melons, tomatoes, citrus fruits, beans and peanuts.

%26lt;strong%26gt;#3 Gripe Water%26lt;/strong%26gt; - Be sure to check the ingredients before buying a gripe water. Many claim to be natural but include artificial ingredients and preservatives. Colicky infants' digestive systems certainly do not need any of these potential irritants. Some gripe waters are not very helpful. There is a new, very effective and safe gripe water on the market, which you can purchase online at Colic Calm Gripe Water.

%26lt;strong%26gt;#4 Warm Aromatherapy Bath / Massage%26lt;/strong%26gt; - Add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath and follow with the soothing touch of massage. Focus massage on the tummy area to relieve painful trapped gas. You can research baby massage techniques on the web or pick up a book on the subject. A good one to try is The Practical Art of Baby Massage by Peter Walker. You can buy lovely lavender, chamomile and fennel massage oils specifically designed for baby massage on the Web. There is also a popular baby massage tool called Snukkles which may work well for you.

%26lt;strong%26gt;#5 Swaddling%26lt;/strong%26gt; - Babies are often soothed when swaddled or held close to a parents chest and heartbeat since they are reminiscent of the comfort and safety of the womb. Newborn babies are soothed in nurseries with swaddling. Techniques on folding soft, stretchy blankets are easy to learn. Find instructions and diagrams online or pick up a book/ magazine on the topic. A good ready-made wrap to try is SwaddleMe. It is easy to find on the Web.

by: J.J. Courtiol, M.A. Ed.

None

Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell you that colic is one of the most excruciating experiences ever imaginable. Nothing is worse than seeing one's baby in pain and not being able to help take it away. Finding relief for colic quickly becomes a toppriority. There are many different colic remedies that may come to the rescue for your particular baby. Each baby is unique and may only respond to some or a combination of colic remedies. Unfortunately, parents may have to use the old trial and error method to determine which provide the greatest amount of relief for their little colic sufferer. One thing is certain the days of "waiting it out" are long one for those determined to find an answer. There is no need to suffer needlessly along with baby. If you've tried all proper feeding and burping techniques and baby is still crying, try the following list of the most effective remedies available:
1. Music / Sound - Traditional lullabies, classical music composed for infants and heartbeat/womb CDs are very popular external remedies that relax many babies suffering from colic. You can find some particularly good ones at the SlumberSounds web site. Some parents have had great success by placing baby in carseat on top of running dishwasher, washing machine, dryer or near running vacuum cleaner. A gentle "shhhhhhh"ing sound in baby's ear can work magic, as can soft whispers and humming or singing.
2. Diet - Bottlefed babies with colic may show improvement if switched to a different formula, such as soy. The mothers of breastfed babies may have to pay close attention to their own diet to make sure that babies are not having negative reactions to certain foods. Try eliminating the following common culprits one at a time for a week to see if there are any signs of improvement for baby: dairy, caffeine, chocolate and gas-producing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, melons, tomatoes, citrus fruits, beans and peanuts.
3. Gripe Water - Be sure to check the ingredients before buying a gripe water. Many claim to be natural but include artificial ingredients and preservatives. Colicky infants' digestive systems certainly do not need any of these potential irritants. Some gripe waters are not very helpful.
4. Warm Aromatherapy Bath / Massage - Add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath and follow with the soothing touch of massage. Focus massage on the tummy area to relieve painful trapped gas. You can research baby massage techniques on the web or pick up a book on the subject. A good one to try is The Practical Art of Baby Massage by Peter Walker. You can buy lovely lavender, chamomile and fennel massage oils specifically designed for baby massage on the Web. There is also a popular baby massage tool called "Snukkles" which may work well for you.
5. Swaddling - Babies are often soothed when swaddled or held close to a parents chest and heartbeat since they are reminiscent of the comfort and safety of the womb. Newborn babies are soothed in nurseries with swaddling. Techniques on folding soft, stretchy blankets are easy to learn. Find instructions and diagrams online or pick up a book/ magazine on the topic. A good ready-made wrap to try is "Swaddleme", easy to find on the Web.
6. Motion - Walking, rocking and movement are very comforting to most infants. The good old rocking chair may be all it takes. Some parents have been known to push stroller or drive around in car until baby falls asleep. Try putting baby in an infant chest carrier or sling so that your hands can be free. Walk with baby facing down across arm with hand under abdomen,applying gentle pressure. This position is often referred to as "the colic hold". Many babies like to be outdoors. Almost all babies love swings. Try a combination of the above to see what helps soothe baby the best.
by: Jacqueline Courtiol
Jacqueline Courtiol is the founder/co-developer of Colic Calm Gripe Water a natural homeopathic remedies for relief of infant colic and gas that is recommended by pediatricians, doulas and lactation consultants. More information about colic can be found here: Colic Information

Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell you that colic is one of the most excruciating experiences ever imaginable. Nothing is worse than seeing one's baby in pain and not being able to help take it away. Finding relief for colic quickly becomes a top priority. There are many different colic remedies that may come to the rescue for your particular baby. Each baby is unique and may only respond to some or a combination of colic remedies. Unfortunately, parents may have to use the old trial and error method to determine which provide the greatest amount of relief for their little colic sufferer. One thing is certain, the days of waiting it out are long gone for those determined to find an answer. There is no need to suffer needlessly along with baby. If you have tried all proper feeding and burping techniques and baby is still crying, try the following list of the most effective remedies available:

#1 Music / Sound - Traditional lullabies, classical music composed for infants and heartbeat/womb CDs are very popular external remedies that relax many babies suffering from colic. You can find some particularly good ones at the Slumber Sounds web site. Some parents have had great success by placing baby in car seat on top of running dishwasher, washing machine, dryer or near running vacuum cleaner. A gentle shhhhhhhing sound in the ear can work magic, as can soft whispers and humming or singing.

#2 Diet - Bottle fed babies with colic may show improvement if switched to a different formula, such as soy. The mothers of breastfed babies may have to pay close attention to their own diet to make sure that babies are not having negative reactions to certain foods. Try eliminating the following common culprits one at a time for a week to see if there are any signs of improvement for baby: dairy, caffeine, chocolate and gas-producing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, melons, tomatoes, citrus fruits, beans and peanuts.

#3 Gripe Water - Be sure to check the ingredients before buying a gripe water. Many claim to be natural but include artificial ingredients and preservatives. Colicky infants' digestive systems certainly do not need any of these potential irritants. Some gripe waters are not very helpful. There is a new, very effective and safe gripe water on the market, which you can purchase online at http://www.coliccalm.com

#4 Warm Aromatherapy Bath / Massage - Add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath and follow with the soothing touch of massage. Focus massage on the tummy area to relieve painful trapped gas. You can research baby massage techniques on the web or pick up a book on the subject. A good one to try is The Practical Art of Baby Massage by Peter Walker. You can buy lovely lavender, chamomile and fennel massage oils specifically designed for baby massage on the Web. There is also a popular baby massage tool called Snukkles which may work well for you.

#5 Swaddling - Babies are often soothed when swaddled or held close to a parents chest and heartbeat since they are reminiscent of the comfort and safety of the womb. Newborn babies are soothed in nurseries with swaddling. Techniques on folding soft, stretchy blankets are easy to learn. Find instructions and diagrams online or pick up a book / magazine on the topic. A good ready-made wrap to try is SwaddleMe. It is easy to find on the Web.

#6 Motion - Walking, rocking and movement are very comforting to most infants. The good old rocking chair may be all it takes. Some parents have been known to push stroller or drive around in car until baby falls asleep. Try putting baby in an infant chest carrier or sling so that your hands can be free. Walk with baby facing down across arm with hand under abdomen, applying gentle pressure. This position is often referred to as the colic hold. Many babies like to be outdoors. Almost all babies love swings. Try a combination of the above to see what helps soothe baby the best.
by: Jacqueline Courtiol, M.A. Ed.

Jacqueline Courtiol is a veteran teacher and mother who has lived through the trials and tribulations of a colicky infant. She is the developer of Colic Calm Gripe Water. For more information visit http://www.coliccalm.com

Colic is basically uncontrollable crying in a healthy baby. It can come as early as two weeks and last as long as three months. Typically they will cry for hours at a time and may do this a few times a week. If your baby is crying like this and appears ill of course seek medical attention. If you think your baby has colic but are worried or not sure don't hesitate to seek a diagnosis. Crying is the only way a baby has to communicate and the crying doesn't always mean colic. If your child is hungry or tired this can definitely produce a crying baby. Check to see if your baby is comfortable. Take into consideration your baby's personality some babies just like to be held. If all else fails there is a chance it is colic. I will say it again if you're concerned seek professional advice. Colic is stressful on you and baby but thankfully it does not last forever. Dealing with a colicky baby can be a true test on your physical stamina and emotional stability. I was lucky enough to endure it twice. At times I felt like I was going to begin crying uncontrollably my self.
There is no medically proven treatment to cure colic but there are things that can be done to treat the symptoms of colic and to help console your child. No two babies are the same and it may take trying several things before you find what comforts your baby. Sometimes infants with colic will experience gas symptoms which can cause tummy pain. Some physicians will recommend using infant gas drops. They are non prescription and can be purchased over the counter. A common brand is Mylicon yet many major retailers or drug stores will have a store brand that is more affordable. I used it with both of my colicky babies and did see some benefit. But keep in mind it only helps the gas symptoms your child still may keep right on crying. Before giving your baby any kind of medicine you should consult their physician first for proper dosing instructions. While there is no proven cause for colic some suggest that for bottle-fed babies the formula can be the cause. Your physician may suggest changing formulas. Some infants exhibit a sensitivity to the proteins in cows? milk similar to a food allergy. Sometimes the physician will replace the baby's formula with a soy formula or a hypo allergenic formula. Although there is nothing proved that soy formula helps with colic I did use it with my first colicky baby and I did not see much improvement but that is not to say it won't help your baby. I used the hypo allergenic formula for my second colicky baby and it worked wonders. Within days I noticed a dramatic change in the crying, he had less gas and fewer bowel movements. He has done so well with this particular formula we still use it. The down side to the hypo allergenic formula is they are quite costly. For me it was well worth the price. Keep in mind you should never change your baby's formula unless under the direction of the doctor.
Aside from the medical interventions here are some things you can do as a parent to try and comfort your little one.
·burp them often during feedings
·wrap them snugly in a blanket
·make use of a swing
·a relaxing bath if they enjoy bath time
·a car or stroller ride
·vibration or sound from washer or dryer
·rocking them
·pacifiers
These are just a few suggestions it may take several tries to find something that works for your baby so be patient and don't give up.
Besides the stress colic puts on a baby it can be just as bad for the parents. Frustration can set in but remember your baby can sense these feelings and in return could make the crying worse. Don't take the crying personally. The crying is not the result of something your doing. During this time you need to take breaks. Mom and dad can switch off taking care of the baby. Utilize friends and family. Believe me it helps. They were a life saver for me. You need to take time away and enjoy a bit of quiet time. Remember this will not last forever and before long you will have a bright-eyed smiling baby on your hands.

by: Tammy Pinarbasi

This article was written by Tammy Pinarbasi, Owner of the Parent Super Site, http://www.parentsupersite.com. You are welcome to reprint this article or use it on your website, however, a link back to this site is appreciated….

While colic seems like an incurable situation there are some options that will offer comfort and soothe your baby. Many of these remedies happen to be natural, yet many parents don't turn to these first even though they might work better. Regardless, many parents turn to natural colic remedies when they can find nothing else to soothe their baby. Most doctors don't have any suggestions that will help you soothe your baby's colic, so natural remedies might be your best option. When you can no longer stand sleepless nights and a crying baby you might want to try some of the following natural remedies for colic.

One natural remedy that has amazing results with many babies suffering from colic is herbal tea. This might sound strange to you, but herbal tea helps adults feel better and babies as well. Doctors will even approve four ounces or more of herbal tea daily for babies suffering from colic. The different elements in herbal tea helps baby feel better and soothes the symptoms of colic. However, don't feed your baby too much herbal tea because you want him to still have an appetite for breast milk or formula that has all of those important nutrients. Don't make the tea too strong either. Remember, you are making the tea for a baby so weak is fine. Teas like chamomile, catnip, ginger, and even peppermint seem to work the best.

Other remedies for colic include herbal remedies you can find at your local drugstore. Humphries and iBaba are both herbal remedies that are natural and have a calming affect on your baby. Most of the time when you give your baby one of these herbal remedies you will notice a calming effect quickly as the medicine works to calm the intestines, relieve gas, and simply make the baby feel better. These remedies are generally small dissolvable pills that can be placed in the baby's cheek or else dissolved in water and given to baby.

Yet another natural remedy includes massage and chiropractic adjustment. Both of these natural remedies work to relieve colic and help your baby feel better. You can learn some basis massage techniques from baby massage books and on the Internet as well as visit a baby massage therapist. If you believe your baby's colic is from misalignment you might want to visit the chiropractor.

There are many natural remedies for colic as you can see and you may be surprised at some of them. However, all of these natural remedies work for different babies so if you try one and it doesn't work you just might need to try another and another until you find the best natural remedy for 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.

Any parent will tell you that colic is one of the most excruciating experiences of early parenthood. The baby cries as if in dire pain, and there just seems to be nothing for a parent to do. A baby is suspected to have colic if, around the age of three weeks, the baby starts crying inconsolably for hours at a time. The condition is termed 'colic' because it was assumed that babies were crying due to stomach pain. Doctors are no longer sure that a stomach ache causes colic, but the term continues to be in use.

The first step is to ascertain the cause of distress. Newborn babies often cry because of hunger, earache, wetness or cold. If these factors can be safely ruled out, crying can be attributed to the mysterious colic. Sometimes little tummies do not agree with the protein in traditional baby formula or from a mother's milk. After consulting your doctor, change the formula. Switch to a soy-based formula. Even in breastfed babies, an excess of cows' milk products in the mother's diet can cause tummy aches. Root vegetables and highly acidic food products like chocolates, tomatoes, or grapefruit in the mother's diet can also upset the stomach of a feeding infant. Gas producing food like broccoli, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, peppers, and citrus fruits may all become suspect at such a time. Your doctor may advise you to go on an exclusion diet for some time. Most newborns outgrow their sensitivity to food and become naturally vigorous and robust within three to six months.

If the baby is being breastfed, it is necessary to feed on demand. The evening hours see a decline in production of milk. Feeding the baby often during these hours will ensure an abundant supply of milk. If the baby is being bottle-fed, care must be taken to hold the bottle properly, so that there is no swallowing of air. Patting the baby gently on the back after each feeding is another effective method of releasing gas. With the increasing incidences of cot deaths, doctors advise parents to put their babies to sleep on their back. However sometimes babies with colic like to lie on their stomachs. This is safe, so long as you are awake and vigilant.

Doctors sometimes attribute colic to maternal stress. It's only natural for mothers to get stressed when little babies cry until they are red in the face. But babies are very sensitive to stress and a mother whose nerves are frayed cannot calm a distressed baby. At such a time, mothers should get extra help and spend some time away from the scene. Take a warm bath or go for a stroll.

Traditionally, colicky babies have been fed with gripe water approximately half an hour before feeding. But these products should be checked for their ingredients. Some may contain artificial ingredients and preservatives. Sensitive digestive systems of colicky infants can definitely do without such irritants.

A warm aromatherapy bath calms and soothes the baby. Add a few drops of lavender to warm bath water and gently massage the tummy. This will help relieve painfully trapped gas. Babies also like to be in water.

Small babies need a lot of warmth and security. Swaddling the baby in warm clothes and holding it against the steady soothing rhythm of a parent's heartbeat can sometimes soothe the baby's pain. Walking, rocking, and repetitive movements also have a calming effect. Applying gentle pressure on the abdomen will help relieve stomach ache. This position is known as the 'colic hold.'

Finally, remember colic is a stage in the growth of your baby. This too will pass.
by: Gray Rollins

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for AboutColic.com. To learn more about colic remedies and colic relief, visit us.