Babies with colic are typically miserable throughout the day and night. All the discomfort and crying is certainly not the way they want to spend life. For the parent, colic can create a lot of stress, more the feeling of hopeless and helplessness. However, if you have a baby suffering from colic, you have a number of great solutions to include massage.
For one thing, start by trying to get your baby in a comfortable position. Many times, a baby on his/her tummy feels better because of the pressure. You can also try to place a slightly warm hot water bottle or washcloth on the tummy to see if that brings about any comfort. Even soaking in a warm tub or kitchen sink can help tremendously. Then, provide your baby with a good pacifier, which will often help. For the baby, there is something calming about suckling.
Another possible option for relief is to hold your baby close to your chest, walking around while bouncing him or her just slightly. The motion is found to be soothing, while providing a sense of security. Unfortunately, these things combined, may not be enough to help. For this reason, we now see some parents turning to massage. Not only can this help calm a colicky baby but also it’s a great overall soothing technique.
Simply apply gentle pressure on the baby’s tummy. We recommend you hold the baby in your lap while in a rocking chair or some other type of comfortable chair. While making eye contact with the baby, start at the top of the chest, working down the tummy, moving to the hands and legs. Be careful not to apply too much pressure in that the baby’s skin will be tender and sensitive.
After a few minutes, turn the baby over and begin to massage his head, down the neck, the back, and again, the arms and legs. Many times, the pressure along with the human touch is enough to provide great relief. Even when you are breast or bottle-feeding the baby, you can massage his or her back or arms. A colicky baby is just as frustrated as you are, if not more so. With love and patience, and providing daily massages, you can help your baby get through this difficult time.