Any parent with a colicky baby will quickly tell you that if there is anything you can do to ease your babys pain you will try it. One method that brings relief to some colicky babies is infant massage. It might sound strange, but it really does work. The reason why it works is because colic is more than likely due to an immature digestive tract. So, if you massage the belly and get digestion going then the colic symptoms will ease. In addition, your baby will probably have a lot of trapped gas that is causing additional pain. If this is the case then massage will help the baby pass the gas which in turn will reduce the painful symptoms.

If your baby has colic and you are interested in trying massage to see if it helps then the following moves will be most beneficial.

Massage Move # 1 The Paddlewheel is a popular massage stroke that provides relief for may colicky babies. The way you perform the paddlewheel is to place your baby on his back and your hand on his chest. Your fingers should be pointing up towards his chin. Then, gently yet firmly rake your hand down your babys belly all the way to the groin. As your hand is halfway down begin with your other hand for constant stimulation. Do this five to 10 times remembering to be gentle yet firm.

Massage Move #2 This move requires a little finesse because the baby may not want to work with you. However, pull your babies legs into a sharp angle so his heels are touching his bottom. Then, keeping the legs bent push the thighs down to his belly. Be gentle when moving babys legs into this position. Then, grab your baby by the ankles and begin moving the legs up and down so that his knees gradually unbend and end up straight again. Do this five or 10 times.

Massage Move #3 The next massage move is great for getting the baby to pass gas. This is also a good move for constipation in anybody. Simply place your palm and fingers on the babys belly and move them in a circular clockwise motion. This helps get the gas moving in the right direction. As soon as the baby passes gas he will feel much better.

There are other massage moves as well that work to help a baby with colic. If these moves dont work for you then you might want to try some other types of massage or other methods to help relieve your babys colic. Just keep in mind that even if the massage doesnt work most babies outgrow colic by three or four months of age so while it will be a long three or four months it will get better.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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