Colic: what parents can do to soothe baby
Colic is one of the great mysteries that comes with having a baby because the cause is not yet known.
Babies who have colic can cry for what can feel like no reason at all over long periods, which can be very tough for everyone involved.
If you think your baby might have colic, the first thing you should do is take them to the doctor for a check-up. They can rule out any other causes of distress, like an allergy, nappy rash or an infection.
Breastfed babies
One thing that is though to help reduce crying is probiotics.
“If your breastfed baby has colic, it might help to start using drops containing the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri,” says the Raising Children website.
“Note that only the Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic has been shown to help breastfeeding babies cry less,” they write.
Not all probiotics are suitable for babies, so one aimed at breastfeeding mums could help.
Based on Tell Me Baby postnatal vitamins & supplements reviews, here’s a couple of products our community loves.
(You can also read our supplements & vitamins for mum comparisons to find the top-rated products.)
Life-Space Probiotic for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
A popular choice for Tell Me Baby parents, Life-Space Probiotic for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding contains 15 different strains of premium quality beneficial bacteria.
“Using these again while breastfeeding my second bub. I find it really helps her stomach too! I notice a difference if I miss a few days or run out of a bottle as she will start to get squirmy overnight,” said one reviewer.
Read Life-Space Probiotic for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding reviews.
Life-Space Breastfeeding Probiotic
Another probiotic from Life-Space, the Life-Space Breastfeeding Probiotic contains ten strains of beneficial bacteria, including two strains of bacteria naturally found in breastmilk, combined with Iodine and Vitamin D.
Read Life-Space Breastfeeding Probiotic reviews.
Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding contains the patented probiotic strain Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716, originally isolated from breast milk.
One mum wrote: “Recommended this when pregnant, I started Qiara at early onset mastitis and was able to avoid antibiotics and keep feeding.
“Bubs also needed Willbys colic mix, and they advised that Qiara would also be helping bubs immature gut .. and the colic relief was awesome. Highly recommend to my mum friends.”
Read Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding reviews.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Vitamin supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.
Bottled fed babies
For bottle-fed babies, parents can try an anti-colic baby bottle. Sometimes babies can take in too much air when feeding, and an anti-colic bottle could help reduce this.
Read our best bottles for colic comparisons to find the top-rated products.
Over the counter colic remedies
Unfortunately, over-the-counter mixtures aren’t proven to do anything for colic.
“Over-the-counter colic mixtures from pharmacies have no scientific basis. These mixtures aren’t recommended as a way to deal with colic because they don’t work and/or haven’t been thoroughly tested in young babies,” says the Raising Children website.
When to see a doctor
If you have any concerns about your baby, make an appointment with your GP, paediatrician or another child health care professional.
You should also make an appointment with your doctor if your baby:
- has lost colour and appears listless
- is having trouble feeding or is losing weight
- has a temperature
- is experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea.
Read more:
