One of the unfortunate things about colic is the fact that experts aren’t entirely certain what causes colic. In fact, the causes of colic may potentially vary from one baby to the next. Because of this, it is somewhat difficult to know what the best way to treat colic is for your baby. Having said that, there are a variety of treatments that parents have used over the years, with varying degrees of success. Some of the treatments have worked for some babies with colic, and not with other babies. It may be worth trying out some of these treatments to see if any help your baby with colic. Keep in mind that these treatments aren’t so much a “cure” for colic as they are a way to reduce the frequency or duration of your baby’s crying.

One of the theories about colic suggests that it is caused by problems in the digestive tract. As such, there are a number of ways to treat colic that address this cause. For example, you can give your baby something called “gripe water,” which is essentially a nutritional supplement with certain herbal oils that are thought to help with digestion and gas. Sometimes, switching brands of formula may be the best way to treat colic for your baby. Switching to a soy-based formula might be the best way to treat colic, especially if you have any family history of lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Infant massage may also help to treat colic, as it helps the gastrointestinal tract to move things along.

Sometimes, colic may be caused by environmental factors. A baby may become overwhelmed, and then unable to stop crying because her nervous system is not developed fully. Swaddling your baby might be the best way to treat colic in this instance, as swaddling simulates the warm and secure environment of the womb. Taking your baby for a car ride may do the trick. There are even devices that you can attach to a crib to simulate a car ride. Sometimes, a baby swing will be the best way to treat colic.

There are two important things to remember about colic. First, colic is, for your baby, harmless. Babies with colic continue to eat and grow as other babies do. Second, colic is temporary. Most of the time, colic will stop by the time the child is four months of age.

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