One of the most difficult things to deal with for many new parents is when their new baby has gas or colic. It is such a terrible feeling to have tried everything to comfort your screaming baby, and nothing works. Your baby may not have any obvious symptoms to let you know what is wrong. On the other hand, many babies will cry as if in pain during or immediately after a feeding, draw their legs up to their bellies which are sometimes hard and swollen, or have difficulty passing gas. Trying such things as breastfeeding (babies love to breastfeed for comfort as well as nutrition), rocking, swaddling, or diaper changing may help, but there are also a number of remedies you can try at home to relieve your baby’s discomfort.

1. Check your diet (for breastfeeding moms): cut out spicy foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, and dairy. If that does not work, cut out gas producing veggies, beans, and wheat. You will figure out what the problem is with trial and error, but if you find the culprit, you will be a much happier mama with a much more content baby.

2. Infant massage: Infant massage has many benefits, including stimulating the digestive system to help with discomforts. I am a certified newborn massage instructor and would be happy to help you with learning this wonderful and very useful skill.

3. Catnip & fennel tea or tincture: give to Mom first before giving directly to baby if breastfeeding.

4. Chamomile and/or mild peppermint tea from a dropper (NO honey or sugar).

5. Highlands brand gas tablets: these are homeopathic tablets and work great for many moms.

6. A chiropractic adjustment: Does wonders with gas/colic for many babies. 

7. Children’s Acidophilus: giving 1/2 of the recommended children’s dose may work very well when there is an upset stomach with the gas. *Note – this is not considered a “natural” remedy and should be considered only after other options have been tried. Also, a doctor should always be consulted when you are unsure of the dosage, it is very important not to give too much.

by Brenda Minica, CD (CBI)

Brenda is a certified doula and homeschooling mom of 6 children living near San Antonio, TX

http://www.doulasanantonio.com