If your baby has colic then you know all too well the desperation it can cause not to mention the questions of what can be done to solve it. One question parents frequently ask is how can they feed their baby to lessen the symptoms of colic. The best answer is to feed the baby in a way that reduces air getting into the babys belly.

When your baby is drinking from a bottle make sure no extra air enters the nipple. You dont want your baby to drink down any more than air than is necessary because it will cause gas and make the colic worse. There are a variety of bottles out there that are made for colicky babies and that help eliminate air. These are the best bottles to use if you have a colicky baby.

Another tip is to feed your baby before he is ravenous. Watch for hunger signs like putting hands to the mouth, rooting, sticking the tongue out, as well as other signs. Feeding your baby before he is really hungry means he will begin eating without being too frantic. When babies are frantic they gulp down their food, with a lot of air, and make colic worse. Or, they begin crying, gulp down more air, and have worse gas. Just keep in mind that crying is a sign of hunger, but a late sign, so you want to try and identify your babys hungry as early as possible.

Also, feed your baby with his head above his belly. Sometimes gas is worse when the baby is reclined or lying down and they will not eat in this position. So, try and keep your babys head above his belly during a feeding.

Additionally, if you find a method for feeding your baby that reduces his colic symptoms then by all means go for it. Any relief you can find for your colicky baby will be worthwhile, so just keep your eye out, and keep trying! If nothing works just remember that your baby will outgrow colic sometime!

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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