All babies cry, but when it feels excessive, or your baby cries constantly for more than three hours for three consecutive days, it could be colic. Colic refers to excessive crying, fussiness, and discomfort in the baby. The exact cause of colic is unknown, although it is believed to be related to digestive issues or gas. It may also occur due to intolerance toward substances present in breast milk. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the baby's internal energies (doshas) to ease colic symptoms. In this blog, we'll explore symptoms and some simple Ayurvedic home remedies to help ease your baby's colic troubles.
Symptoms
Babies often start crying, usually at the same time every day. You may also notice these symptoms:
- Crying for no particular reason, unlike crying to express hunger or for a diaper change.
- Physical signs may include clenched fists, curled legs drawn up over the tummy, an arched back.
- Other indicators encompass facial discoloring, such as a bright red or deeper shade after prolonged crying, and episodes occurring predictably, often in the evening.
- Additionally, a hard, swollen abdomen and a painful look on the baby's face contribute to the range of colic symptoms.
Natural Home Remedies for Quick Relief from Colic
Burp the Baby: You should burp your baby after each meal. Most babies swallow air during eating, which can lead to pressure that causes uneasiness for them. Once you've finished feeding your baby, lift them onto your shoulder, ensuring proper support for the shoulders and neck. Gently rub or pat the back until you hear a burp. This will help them relieve gas and prevent the trapping of air inside the belly.
HING: Hing is a very popular home remedy for colic in babies. It relieves acidity and gas and aids in digestion. Add a pinch of hing to a small amount of water, then boil it. Apply this mixture around your little one’s navel. For babies who have started eating solid foods, mix some hing into their water or food.
Carom Seeds (Ajwain): Boil a teaspoon of ajwain in a cup of water. After allowing it to cool and straining, offer your baby a teaspoon of the lukewarm tea. The inclusion of carom seeds in the tea aids in reducing gas and alleviating indigestion for your baby's comfort.
Gentle Tummy Massage: A warm oil massage using Natural Ayurvedic Oils can be beneficial for relieving colic in babies. Massage the baby's belly gently in a clockwise direction. Additionally, lay your baby on their back and simply do belly exercises like leg cycling. This soothing massage can provide comfort and gently alleviate colic symptoms.
Warm Fennel Water: Boil half or one spoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water. After cooling it, offer your baby a teaspoon of this warm fennel water. Known for its digestive benefits, fennel helps alleviate gas, bringing relief to your little one's colic.
Place Them on Their Tummy: Place the baby on their belly; sometimes, a change in position helps calm the colicky baby. Despite this, gently rub the baby’s back, which will help release gas and may be comforting. Always do this while the baby is awake.
Cuddle and Comfort: Sometimes, all your baby needs is comfort and warmth. Comfortably hold your baby close to you; this skin-to-skin contact can have a soothing effect.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic home remedies can help you provide relief and comfort. By understanding your baby's needs and incorporating these remedies, you can help your little one to manage the colic. Remember, everything takes time, and you can consult guidance from a doctor if the problem persists.
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FAQs
1. What are the symptoms of Baby Colic?
Ans. Crying for no particular reason and Physical signs may include clenched fists, curled legs drawn up over the tummy, an arched back.
2. Can gentle baby massages relieve baby colic?
Ans. Yes, warm oil massage using oils like coconut or sesame can be beneficial for relieving colic in babies.
3. When should I burp my baby?
Ans. You should burp your baby after each meal. Most babies swallow air during eating, which can lead to pressure that causes uneasiness for them.
4. How to use Hing to relieve baby colic?
Ans. Add a pinch of hing to a small amount of water, then boil it. Apply this mixture around your little one’s navel. For babies who have started eating solid foods, mix some hing into their water or food.
5. Which type of Oils are suitable for massaging?
Ans. Oils like coconut or sesame can be beneficial for relieving colic in babies.
