However, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the best sleeping position for a gassy baby—and every baby—is on their back.
Though it can be tempting to place your baby on their stomach or side while sleeping in the crib, remember the only true safe sleeping position is flat on the back with no loose covers, pillows, or toys around. It's also always a good idea to talk to your baby's pediatrician regarding their colic symptoms.
On the back. Place your baby on the back while moving their legs as if they were cycling. On the back is also the best sleeping position for a gassy baby (and the best and safest sleeping position for all infants until their first birthday).
Hold your baby up over your shoulder, supporting them with your hand on the same side. When they're upright, gently pat or rub their back with your other hand. Sit your baby up on your lap and lean them forward slightly with their tummy against your hand. This gentle pressure may help your baby to bring up their wind.
Sometimes known as the 'colic carry' or 'aeroplane hold', placing your baby on their belly along your forearm can help to soothe them. As your arm will place a light amount of pressure on their stomach, this can help to ease their discomfort.
Colic is often defined by the “rule of three”: crying for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, and for longer than three weeks in an infant who is well-fed and otherwise healthy.
Colic babies typically experience the "Rule of 3s" - crying episodes that last at least 3 hours a day, occur more than 3 times a week for more than 3 weeks. In contrast, the crying of a high needs baby starts at birth an increases in intensity throughout their life.
What time of day is colic the worst? Typically, colicky babies cry most frequently from 6 pm to midnight (a period of time often referred to as “witching hour”). Parents often describe these cries as louder, more high-pitched, and more urgent than normal wails.
One reason colicky babies can fuss more at night, he explains, is that serotonin levels peak in the evening. This imbalance, the theory goes, naturally resolves when babies start making melatonin, which relaxes intestinal muscles.
Swaddling can be especially helpful for a baby with colic. Because the incessant crying can cause parents stress and anxiety, finding ways of not only calming baby but of getting a break from the fussiness are paramount.
Also, babies with colic may burp frequently or pass a significant amount of gas, but this is thought to be due to swallowing air while crying, and is not a cause of colic. The face may be flushed. The abdomen may be tense with legs drawn toward it.
Excessive crying usually occurs at the same time every day: Although colic can happen at any time, day or night, most babies experience it later in the afternoon or at night, and it will usually happen at the same time on most days. Parents often refer to this as the “witching hour.”
Extremely fussy/colicky infants generally sleep less throughout a 24hour period than infants with no colic. (11.8 hours vs 14 hours per day) Colicky infants sleep less during the day, evening and night but the biggest difference is at night.
Episodes of colic usually peak when an infant is about 6 weeks old and decline significantly after 3 to 4 months of age. While the excessive crying will resolve with time, managing colic adds significant stress to caring for your newborn child.
Colic is a relatively common condition that affects up to 1 in 4 newborn babies. It typically starts within the first 6 weeks and goes away within 4 months, although it may last up to 6 months.
Your baby's healthcare provider can suggest some things to do that may help to calm your baby. It's important to know that colic is a common condition in young babies. It will go away on its own, often by age 3 months. In most cases it is gone by age 6 months.
Colic is similar to cluster feeding because it can come on suddenly and may seem at first like your baby is just hungry. The difference is that a baby with colic usually cannot be soothed by breastfeeding alone. Whereas a baby that is cluster feeding would normally be happy and content once he or she begins to eat.
If she cries for over 15 minutes, however, pick her up and again try the soothing activities. Prevent later sleep problems. Although babies need to be held when they are crying, they don't need to be held all the time.
These bouts of crying may last for three hours or more and occur mostly in the afternoons and evenings. The baby seems to be suffering from abdominal pain. Colic affects around one in three babies. Usually, cuddling or trying to soothe the baby's cries does not work.
It's not just sucking to soothe colic but it helps reflux symptoms too. Babies who suffer with acid reflux, also know as gastro-oesophageal disease (gord) can benefit from using a dummy.
Skin-to-skin contact is best. But wearing baby in a safe infant carrier for several hours a day also cuts crying and provides constant sound, temperature, and motion that signal comfort. Use a pacifier, even if the baby has just eaten. Some colicky babies will spit a pacifier right out, but others may calm down a bit.
LI4 on the back of the hand, between the thumb and pointer finger helps colicky babies and relieve migraines. Guidelines: Use acupressure 1-3 times each day, and for no more than 15 minutes total. Massage the acupressure points with gentle pressure in small circular motions.