Every aspect of newborn care can feel intimidating for new parents, but dealing with colic can be especially daunting. Because your baby is crying longer than normal without an obvious reason, it can be difficult to determine your next action. Here at Kiwi Pediatrics, we want to help parents in Berkeley and serving Oakland, CA, manage colic better. Work closely with Dr. Robin Winkour, Dr. Nanci Tucker, or Dr. Benjamin Jarrahi to address that matter effectively.
How Do You Soothe Colic in Babies?
After confirming that you have a colicky baby, you can take the necessary steps to manage that condition. Start by taking actions that can help your newborn relax. Carry them in your arms or swaddle them in a blanket while gently rocking them to sleep. Rubbing different parts of your child’s body may also promote relaxation and colic relief.
You can also manage colic by putting your baby in a stroller and taking them around your home. If that doesn’t work, you can drive around town with your baby in a secure seat and harness and see how that affects their propensity for crying.
Sometimes, babies also cry uncontrollably because of overfeeding. Space your baby’s breastfeeding sessions out further so they don’t feel excessively full. Nursing mothers may also have to alter their diets because certain substances in regular foods can trigger colic.
It’s also worth checking if your baby will use a pacifier. Not all babies take to using pacifiers naturally, so it’s not a potential solution for everyone. If your child likes pacifiers, it may help them calm down.
Should You Consult a Pediatrician if Your Baby Is Colicky?
Now that you know more about colic, you might assume that any instance of excessive crying is related to that issue. While that is a possibility, there’s also a chance that your baby is crying because they are experiencing some form of distress. It’s your duty as a parent to determine if your baby has colic or a different condition.
Take your child to the pediatrician so they can perform a thorough evaluation. Hopefully, they will rule out the more problematic causes of your child’s crying. You can also develop a plan for managing colic with the help of your pediatrician.
Lasting Relief for Colicky Babies and New Parents
Dr. Winkour, Dr. Tucker, and Dr. Jarrahi of Kiwi Pediatrics can help you with newborn care and the onset of colic. Get in touch with them today to schedule your consultations. You can reach them at the Alcatraz Avenue office by calling (510) 652-1720, so call today.