A few days ago we saw a simple way to avoid infant colic But even if we follow each step, we may find some days are better than others. Fortunately, since I've been following the technique I mentioned to you to avoid colic, I have rarely had to run into themHowever, whether because I was more tired or because the baby was more eager to feed, sometimes I had to spend an afternoon fighting off those little gasses that tormented him.
When the baby cries inconsolably Due to the pain caused by the accumulated gases, we tend to lose patience, we do not know how to help him, etc. Today I tell you how we can relieve you with simple games and techniques that will help you to expel them with ease.
Get your legs up!
My baby loves this game, it's simply about laying him on his back and lift her legs as far as possible. I started doing it to my baby with the intention of showing him his feet because they caught his attention a lot, however, I discovered that doing it lightly press the belly And the little gasses come out on their own, so when I see he's a little upset, we start playing. He laughs a lot, the discomfort disappears, and we can continue the day without crying in pain.
Pats on the belly
This is something that gives him a lot of relief. I saw it in a pediatrician's video, tried it, and it became the foolproof technique with my baby. It involves standing up and picking up the baby in your arms, but upside down, so one hand goes between his arms (he will rest his head on your arm) and the other between his legs and, with the hand that goes between his legs, we give him tapping on the bellyThey should be smooth but dynamic.
Belly massage
It is the most classic technique to relieve colic. We will warm the room a little so that the baby is not uncomfortable and we will give him a belly massage with the help of some moisturizing oil. The massage will be done in clockwise direction and we must make sure that our hands are also at a comfortable temperature.
What are colic and how to identify them?
The infant colic are episodes of intense crying in healthy babies, often in the evening. They are usually associated with digestive immaturity, gas accumulation, hypersensitivity or environmental stimuli. For more information, see the 3-month-old baby development. To guide us, the well-known Wessel rule asks if the baby:
- Cries ≥ 3 hours up to date.
- ≥ 3 days a week.
- During ≥ 3 weeks, being otherwise healthy.
If it responds to this pattern, we speak of colic. Even so, it is advisable to rule out hungry, dirty diaper, cold hot or occasional discomfort before labeling the crying.
More games and movements that work
In addition to lifting your legs, try the soft bike (alternate flexion and extension of hips/knees) and the double push-ups gently bringing both legs towards the abdomen and slowly releasing. These gestures stimulate the intestinal transit and facilitate the expulsion of gases.
Another option that usually works is the prone position on forearm with rhythmic rocking. The gentle support of the abdomen and the constant movement are soothing and help release trapped air.
Specific massages: ILU strokes and abdominal sequence
With the baby on his back, put a small amount of oil in your hands and warm them. Trace the sequence on his tummy. ILU (known as "I love you"): first a I from the upper left side of the baby's abdomen downwards; then a Inverted L starting on the right and going down to the left; and finally a inverted u from the bottom right side, up and down the left. Repeat between 5 and 10 times with gentle pressure.
You can also combine with an abdominal routine in clockwise and breaks of knees to chest: gentle circles, bend your legs for 3-5 seconds, and release. In receptive babies, the method sun-moon (a full circle with one hand and a half moon superimposed on the other) adds a very relaxing rhythmic stimulus.
Environment and containment: what calms the most
El rhythmic swaying in a rocking chair, the port and the walks in cart or car They provide constant movement that promotes sleep and reduces discomfort. warm bath or coo with a thin blanket reduce overstimulation. If you use White noise, Keep it away from the baby, Low volume and by short times; never place the baby on electrical appliances.
El pacifier may offer extra comfort to some infants, especially if breastfeeding is already well established.
Feeding and taking: small adjustments that help
If you breastfeed, take care of the deep grip (mouth wide open, good portion of areola) and favors upright postures after feeding for burping. With a bottle, keep the teat filled with milk and the bottle inclined to reduce air swallowing, respecting pauses. Avoid overfeed It also improves comfort.
In selected cases, the pediatrician may assess formulas with hydrolyzed protein if sensitivity to cow's milk protein is suspected (especially in the case of bloody stools, eczema o persistent vomiting). If you are breastfeeding and there is suspicion of sensitivity, a hypoallergenic diet professionally guided temporary.
What about probiotics?
Some families report less crying with L. reuteri DSM 17938 in breastfed infants. Although it is generally safe, the evidence does not support it for prevent colic, and its effectiveness varies; if you decide to try it, consult your pediatrician first.
Safety and when to consult
Seek medical evaluation if you observe fever, bilious vomiting, persistent diarrhea, blood in stool, absolute rejection of intakes o excessive sleepinessWhen you feel helpless, ask for respite: caring for the caregiver reduces the stress the baby perceives. And remember: never shake the baby.
More Information – How to avoid infant colic
Photos: Pablo Soldevila Lominchar.
Most babies It improves progressively. Adjusting your diet, offering support, and using techniques such as ILU, bicycle, or face-down support often make a difference within a few days.
