Colic Soothers

• Reflux or Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Since the circular band of muscle where the esophagus joins the stomach in babies is not fully matured yet, it allows stomach acid to flow into the esophagus and this causes heartburn and irritation in the lining.
• Symptoms: Babies cry a lot and are inconsolable. They spit up after feeding, writhe in pain, have frequent wet or sour burps and cannot sleep properly.
• Cure: Breast milk easier to digest and will reduce the chances of reflux, hence, nurse as long as possible. For colic babies, give half the amount at once but twice as often. Especially in bottle-feeding, it helps to digest milk better. After feeding, keep the baby upright elevating his head for about 30 to 45 degrees for at least half an hour. If your baby still remains colicky, the doctor may prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid.
• Allergy: A component of a formula or something in a mother’s diet who is still breastfeeding may act as an allergen for the baby.
• Symptoms: Apart from symptoms of GERD, the other symptoms of allergy may include diarrhea and raised rashes on the face and body of the baby.
• Cure: Feed your baby more frequently and in smaller amounts. If you are bottle-feeding for the baby, try a hypoallergenic formula. Cow’s milk is the most common infant allergen, so you can eliminate it for a week from a breastfeeding mother’s or baby’s diet and see whether it improves the condition of your baby. Other things that may act as allergens for the baby are soy, wheat, eggs and nuts.