Infantile Colic: 5 Natural Remedies For It
Infantile colic causes many worries in parents. Although it usually does not indicate a serious illness, the baby’s long and intense crying can be very unpleasant.
This problem is described as violent crying that can last for more than three hours a day and three days a week. It usually begins when the baby is between two or three weeks old.
The exact cause of infantile colic is unknown. But it is suspected that the air trapped in the abdominal cavity is the culprit.
Most often, it disappears when the baby is between four and six months old, but it can also affect older babies.
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that have properties that can help calm your child. While it is important to follow your doctor’s advice, these solutions can be excellent alternatives.
Natural remedies for infantile colic
1. Warm cloths
One of the homemade remedies for infantile colic is warm cloths. When you get them on your baby’s tummy, it helps eliminate air in the tummy and it has a calming effect.
This is what you need
- A towel or absorbent cloth
- Hot water in a container / bowl
This is what you need to do
- Put the cloth (or towel) in a bowl or container filled with warm water.
- Wrap the cloth / towel around your baby’s tummy.
- Rub your baby’s tummy with the cloth / towel in gentle, circular motions for three to five minutes.
- Repeat twice a day to help your baby soothe flatulence.
Note: Do not use heat bags or heating pads on infants.
2. Mint tea
Mint leaves have soothing properties that may help relieve infantile colic.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon mint leaves (3 g)
- 250 ml of water
Course of action
- Put the mint leaves in a cup of boiling water.
- Cover the tea, let it soak for 20 minutes and then pour off the leaves.
Here’s how you do it
- Give your baby two to three tablespoons of tea. The tea should be lukewarm – it should not be too hot.
- Repeat two to three times a day if you feel it is necessary.
Note: Do not give your baby too much of it as it can be a bit strong. In case of side effects, stop using the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
Chamomile
The relaxing properties of chamomile can relieve upset stomach. It helps relieve flatulence, which is one of the primary causes of infantile colic.
Ingredients
- ½ tsk. chamomile (3 g)
- 125 ml of water
Course of action
- Put the chamomile in half a cup of boiling water.
- Cover the tea and let it soak for 20 minutes.
- Pour off the leaves.
Here’s how you do it
- Give your baby two tablespoons of tea several times a day.
4. A relaxing massage can relieve infantile colic
Giving your baby a relaxing massage can help silence the crying caused by colic. Gently massage your baby’s stomach as it will stimulate the expulsion of air in the stomach – this relieves pain.
This is what you need
- Baby oil or essential oil (eg lavender)
This is what you need to do
- Put a few drops of oil on your hands and rub them against each other to heat the oil.
- Then massage your baby’s tummy with gentle, circular motions clockwise.
- Massage for three to five minutes until your baby calms down.
5. Tea made from fennel seeds
Another homemade remedy for relieving infantile colic is tea made from natural fennel seeds and chamomile. Both ingredients have digestive properties that can regulate flatulence and stomach cramps that affect the appearance of colic.
Ingredients
- ½ tsk. chamomile (3 g)
- ½ tsk. fennel seeds (3 g)
- 250 ml of water
Course of action
- Put chamomile and fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water.
- Cover the tea and let it steep for about 20 minutes.
Here’s how you do it
- Give your baby two to three tablespoons of hot tea (it must not be too hot).
- Repeat if the discomfort persists.
Note: Limit your intake to a maximum of three times a day.
Infantile colic is normal and it can occur several times a month. Do not worry and try to be patient. Remember that it is recommended that you talk to your doctor before trying these natural remedies.
