Newborn Colic – 5 Home Methods

Newborn colic is the bane of probably every new parent. Although this condition usually does not harm the baby’s health, it causes prolonged and heavy crying, and thus also anxiety and increased parental nervousness.

This condition is also known as three-month colic, or simply “100 days crying”, as it most commonly occurs between the 2nd and 16th week of a baby’s life. As already mentioned, colic in a newborn is manifested by paroxysmal tears that are difficult to relieve.

In general, bouts of infantile colic begin when the baby is about 2-3 weeks old. So far, scientists have not been able to determine the exact cause of this ailment. However, many studies indicate the immaturity of the child’s intestinal barrier and the leakage of air into the abdominal cavity – hence the appearance of gases.

Fortunately, there are many natural methods of dealing with infant colic. They were already successfully used by our mothers and grandmothers. See for yourself that they bring relief to your baby quickly and effectively, and thus also to you.

Discover the best home remedies for infant colic! However, remember to seek advice from your pediatrician if they are really frequent and strong.

Newborn colic – home remedies to alleviate it

1. Warm compresses

One of the most effective antidotes for infantile colic is undoubtedly warm compresses. You should put them on your baby’s aching tummy. They will help to relieve gas and pain, and will also perfectly calm the baby and curb his crying.

What will you need?

• A towel or absorbent cloth
• Warm water

How should I proceed?

• Dip a towel or cloth in warm water, and then apply a compress to the baby’s tummy.
• To improve the healing effect of heat, additionally perform a gentle massage with circular movements of your fingers for 3-5 minutes.
• Repeat the procedure twice a day. This way you will make it easier for the gas to be expelled from the baby’s intestines.

2. Infant colic – an infusion of mint leaves will bring relief

Just make a cup of tea using good-quality mint leaves. See for yourself that colic in a newborn baby will pass quickly after using it.

Needed ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint leaves (3 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

A method of preparing

• Pour boiling water over the mint leaves, then let it brew for 20 minutes.
• Finally, strain the infusion.

Dosage

• Give your child 2-3 tablespoons of mint infusion 2-3 times a day.
• You should judge for yourself whether your baby is in need of support or not.

Note: The menthol contained in the mint leaves can be a bit strong for the newborn, so use this herb carefully. If you notice any adverse reaction, stop the infusion immediately and contact your pediatrician.

3. Chamomile infusion

Chamomile flowers have a strong antispasmodic and relaxing effect. The infusion of them will be great when a newborn has colic.

The chamomile infusion facilitates the expulsion of gases and soothes the accompanying pain.

Needed ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried chamomile (3 g)
• 1/2 cup of water (125 ml)

A method of preparing

• Pour boiling water over the dried chamomile, then cover and let it brew for 20 minutes.
• When the infusion has cooled down, strain it.

Dosage

• Give your little one 2 tablespoons of the infusion several times a day, as needed.

4. Relaxing massage – colic in a newborn will pass quickly

Gently massaging the tummy can also be extremely useful when a newborn has colic. Slow, circular movements of the fingers excellently stimulate the processes of gas expulsion, and also greatly relieve abdominal pain and have a relaxing effect on the child.

What will you need?

• Children’s olive oil (can also be fragrant: lavender or rose)

How should I proceed?

• Put a few drops of the olive on your hands and then rub it to warm up nicely.
• Massage the baby’s tummy for 3-5 minutes.
• Finally, massage in a circular motion in the opposite direction to before.
• Massage until the baby calms down and you will notice that the massage has brought the desired result.

5. Fennel seed infusion

Another very effective way to fight baby colic is also fennel infusion. Perhaps it is he that you associate the most with this ailment. For toddlers, however, the best solution is to give it in combination with chamomile.

Both herbs have strong properties that improve digestive processes, which greatly support the elimination of gases and other stomach ailments that may contribute to the appearance of colic.

Needed ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried chamomile (3 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds (3 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

A method of preparing

• Pour the fennel seed mixture with dried chamomile into a glass of boiling water.
• Then cover and let it brew for 20 minutes.

Dosage

• Give your child 2-3 tablespoons of the infusion when it reaches room temperature or slightly above.
• Use the treatment until the symptoms subside.

Note: Do not give the infusion to your child more than 3 times a day.

Remember that colic in a newborn is completely normal and shouldn’t be of too much concern. Most often it resolves spontaneously after about 3 months. Therefore, one should approach it with patience and great understanding.

Also, be sure to check with your pediatrician before using the natural colic remedies listed here.