General Tips Colic

• Mothers need to be careful what they eat (it is not advised for one too completely to cut certain foods and drink it out without the advice of a dietitian).
• Certain foods can trigger colic :
  • Alcohol
  • Beef
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Caffeine products
  • Cauliflower
  • Chicken
  • Chocolate
  • Citrus fruits
  • Corn
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Green peppers
  • Nuts
  • Onion
  • Shellfish
  • Spicy foods
  • Tomatoes
  • Wheat
• Milk formulas can cause colic (milk allergies or milk intolerance) and should get further advice from their paediatrician.
• Colic can occur if they have too much fore milk (Mothers should give more milk to babies 30 mins after breastfeeding by returning to same breast and complete feed).
• Check if breastfeeding technique is correct; do not stop breast-feeding as it is the best possible start for your baby.
• Try anti-colic teats and bottles
• Try to burp the child after feeds to relieve pressure.
• Try to hold baby upright position to help to pass wind and always ‘burp’ them after each feed.
• Rub the baby’s back or stomach in a circular motion.
• If using bottle feeding, check that it is the correct size; if too large the baby may feed to quickly and gulp in a lot of air.
• The bottle should be held so the teat is always full of milk, otherwise the baby will suck in a lot of air.
• The baby should be sat upright during feeding; this will help the baby from swallowing the air.
• Bathe the baby in warm water.
• Baby oil massage may help.
• Hold the baby during crying or wrap and hold them in a blanket (the idea is to make sure the baby feels he/she is not alone).
• Pick the baby and then putting the baby down repeatedly can aggravate crying, please gently comfort the baby in a quiet, darkened and cool room.
• ‘White noise’ i.e. a sound of washing machine or a vacuum cleaner can be soothing.
• Pushing the baby in a pram or driving in a car for the baby can be comforting.

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Parent or carer if stressed and tired:

• Take turns (with family or friends) to calm the baby down. It can be very stressful.
• Consider the following to reduce stress:
  • Aromatherapy
  • Pilates
  • Tai-Ch
  • Yoga
  • Reflexogy
  • Acupuncture therapy
• Encourage and support is essential. Please see a psychological expert if very severely affected emotionally.

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Natural treatments and tips (DR Axe)