Tenang, Ini 10 Cara Ampuh Menidurkan Bayi Kolik dengan Cepat
How do you put a colicky baby to sleep? Colic is a condition where a healthy baby cries excessively and is difficult to soothe. This condition usually occurs in babies aged between a few weeks to about 3-4 months. The cause of colic is not fully understood, but some factors that may trigger it include an immature digestive tract, gas trapped in the baby's stomach, or sensitivity to food consumed by the breastfeeding mother.
Babies with colic often have trouble sleeping because they feel uncomfortable. This excessive crying and discomfort can disrupt your little one's sleep pattern and cause them to wake up more often. As a result, your little one's sleep pattern becomes irregular. However, Moms don't need to worry because everything can be overcome with the following methods.
Understanding Colic in Babies
Before discussing how to put a colicky baby to sleep, Moms should understand more about what colic in babies is. Colic is a condition where a healthy baby experiences episodes of excessive crying that are difficult to soothe, usually occurring in babies aged between a few weeks to about 3-4 months.
Colic often occurs at the same time every day, frequently in the afternoon or evening, and can last for several hours.
The exact cause of colic is not fully understood, but some factors that may trigger this include the baby's immature digestive tract, the baby swallowing air while nursing causing bloating, sensitivity to food consumed by the mother, excessive stimulation, acid reflux, or an imbalance of bacteria in the baby's gut.
Now, Moms might not realize when the baby is colicky. Therefore, watch out for the following signs or symptoms of colic in babies.
- Babies with colic often cry for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, and for more than three weeks.
- Crying often occurs at the same time every day, usually in the afternoon or evening.
- The baby may show signs of discomfort such as pulling their legs toward their stomach, clenching their fists, or arching their back.
- The baby's face turns red during crying episodes.
- The baby is difficult to soothe, even when fed, held, or given other attention.
- Your little one may experience sleep pattern disturbances and wake up frequently due to discomfort.
Colicky Baby, Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Generally, colic does not require medical treatment, but if your little one shows symptoms like those below, do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately.
- The baby appears to refuse to eat or has difficulty eating.
- Your little one is losing weight.
- The baby has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- There is blood in the baby's stool or vomit.
- The baby looks very lethargic or unresponsive.
- When parents, especially the mother, feel very worried or stressed about the baby's condition.
The Right Way to Put a Colicky Baby to Sleep
Putting a baby with colic to sleep can be a challenge, but there are several strategies that can help calm the baby and make them sleep better. Here are some ways to put a colicky baby to sleep that Moms can try.
1. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine
Create a consistent sleep routine every night, such as a warm bath, breastfeeding, or reading a story. This can help the baby feel calmer and ready for sleep. Also, ensure the baby's bedroom is quiet, dark, and has a comfortable temperature. Try using dim lighting or a night light to create a calming atmosphere.
2. Hold the Baby in an Upright Position
Holding the baby in an upright position or rocking the baby gently can help soothe them. Some babies feel comfortable in a baby carrier that allows them to be close to their mother's body.
3. Massage the Baby's Stomach
Massaging the baby's stomach with gentle circular motions can also help reduce gas and discomfort.
4. Play Music or White Noise
Play gentle music or white noise to help soothe the baby. Sounds like the hum of a fan or a dishwasher can provide a calming effect.
5. Ensure the Baby's Sleep Position is Comfortable
Always place the baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Moms can also hold the baby in a tummy-to-tummy position while sitting or lying down. This can help reduce pressure on the baby's stomach and provide comfort.
6. Give the Baby a Pacifier
Some babies feel comforted by sucking on a pacifier, which can help soothe them. Moms can also try wiping the baby's stomach with a warm cloth to help relieve discomfort caused by gas.
7. Pay Attention to the Baby's Feeding Frequency
Feed the baby smaller, more frequent portions to help with digestion. Make sure the baby burps after nursing to release trapped air. If you are breastfeeding, pay attention to the food you consume. Some foods can affect the baby and cause gas or discomfort.
8. Seek Medical Help
If colic is severely disrupting the baby's sleep, consult a pediatrician. The doctor can provide additional advice or may recommend medication or supplements that may help.
9. Stay Calm
Try to remain calm and patient, Moms. Babies can sense the anxiety and tension you feel, so this can worsen their condition.
10. Ask for Support from Others
Don't hesitate to ask for help from family members or friends to take turns watching the baby, so you can also get enough rest.
That is the information that can be considered regarding how to soothe a colicky baby. Now, to avoid potential colic in your little one, choose a baby bottle that has an anti-colic feature like the one in the feeding bottle range from Hegen.
Hegen baby bottles are designed with the Smart Built-In Anti-Colic Air Vent System that reduces excessive air intake so that the baby is protected from digestive issues. Not only that, the feeding bottle from Hegen is also equipped with a soft silicone teat that resembles a mother's breast, so it does not cause nipple confusion.
In addition, the material used is PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) which is BPA-free, FDA-certified, and resistant to extreme temperatures from -18°C to 180°C.
Hegen baby bottles are also lightweight, do not roll easily, and feature Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open™ (PCTO™), which allows the bottle to be closed with one hand and opened easily without worrying about spills.
Available in 4 sizes that can be adjusted to your little one's age, the feeding bottle range from Hegen comes in sizes of 60 ml (0 months/newborn), 150 ml (1-3 months), 240 ml (3-6 months), and 330 ml (6-9 months).
Besides feeding bottles, Hegen also provides other mother and baby products such as teats, straw cups, drinking bottles, breastmilk storage (containers for breast milk and complementary foods), manual and electric breast pumps, as well as complementary accessories that you can get by clicking here.
References:
- By Karin A. Bilich and Tamekia Reece. How to Soothe a Baby With Colic. https://www.parents.com/baby/care/colic/how-to-soothe-a-colicky-baby/
- WebMD. 10 Tips to Soothe Your Crying Baby. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/ss/slideshow-treating-colic
