Colic Baby - Oklahoma City,OK

I work at a pharmacy and we carry Gripe Water it's made by the company Baby Bliss. One of the women I work with swears by the stuff. Her daughter was colicky and she used it with her, now she has 3 grandchildren and uses it with them. It might be worth a try.

Try similac soy formula. It's very easy on the baby's tummy. That's what my doctor recomended to me with my baby.

Hi A.,
I know you've already gotten a lot of responses, but I don't think anyone has mentioned the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block", yet. You can find it at the library, but yeah right, like you have time to go to the library, so in a nutshell, here's the advice it gives. Basically, it says to do ALL of these things at the same time:
- swaddle the baby very tightly
- put him or hold him on his side or stomach
- make some white noise (either saying "shhhh" or shaking a rattle, or a CD, or whatever -- I found that this noise had to be louder than my baby's crying for her to even hear it)
- rock, jiggle, or sway the baby
- let him suck on something
My baby was colicky, and this advice worked a lot of the time. Good luck!

Sorry to hear that...my daughter did the very same thing and it's horrible! I used a soy based formula when I was not breastfeeding. There is not much you can do. My daugher liked to be held in my arms with her face looking at the floor. This put pressure on her tummy and would calm her. She also liked her bouncey, message chair, but mainly I just had to hold her and let her know I was there. Good luck...there is an end to it. Another key thing is accept help when offered...a nap here and there will help out alot!

Hey A.!

Bless your heart! :) I know you'll get a lot of advice on this topic and I'm not sure if what I say will help much because I have no experience with a colicky baby but I have friends & family who do. So, I'll just share from them.

My sister's 1st baby was VERY colicky for months. She breastfed for about a week or so then had to switch to formula b/c of circumstances. It wasn't until then did her son become so fussy. They had to switch him from to a very different formula b/c it turns out he was allergic to the milk-based & soy-based formula. So maybe check with your PED. to see about a different formula just for babies with colic. (some tips from her experience: they ran the vaccum cleaner and the hair dryer & this seemed to help him sleep better & she used the swing ALOT too -- she pumped his legs to try to get out trapped gas, she burped him very frequently during eating & afterwards, kept him upright for about 15-20 min. after eating, also massaged him too -- she took her 2nd baby who had a touch of colic to the chiropractor)

I know you mentioned you weren't producing much breastmilk but maybe you might could try that again (it may be the formula that's aggravating his tummy). (my sis had to do this with her 2nd one too) I'm not sure if you nursed your other children & you may have experience with nursing but if you're having trouble I'd suggest to contact a LaLeche League or a lactation consultant to get some help. I know in the first few weeks that I would pump I didn't get very much either but it got better in the weeks to follow.

They make natural COLIC remedies -- check out COLIC CALM @(http://www.coliccalm.com/) click on the colic tab for some really great info. & help :) I've had friends who had good results from using GRIPE WATER and homeopathic colic tablets.

So, I guess my advice breaks down to DO ALOT OF PRAYING, step out of the house for just a minute of quiet for yourself so you can stay sane :) Give breastfeeding another try (if possible), try some homeopathic remedies, make a trip to the chiropractor (it does help), switch formula, and do some more praying. :)

Best of luck to you & your husband -

M. :)
(sorry for the long response)

A., it sounds like the baby has colic, and there really is not alot you can do for it, the baby will eventually grow out of it. I know it can be very frustrating, stay patient and it will all work out. My prayers are with you and your family.

I would try soy formula and see how that goes. it worked with me! Good luck!
--S.

It could be a protien allergy causing your baby to have colic. Look up Neocate infant formula online. Some babies aren't yet ready to digest whoele milk and soy protiens found in normal infant formulas. You might find the information they offer interesting. http://www.shsna.com/pages/neocate_inf_formula.htm

I am so sorry to hear about your frustration. I don't normally respond to things like this but I can totally relate. My 2 year old twin girls were like that when they were babies. I also had to stop breastfeeding after 4 weeks because I was not producing enough milk. I had to switch to several different types of formulas. You may want to try a lactose free or soy formula. That is what I ultimately had to do. It did help quite a bit. I hope that helps some & you find some relief soon.

Ask your doctor to prescribe the acid reflux med, try that & if that doesn't work... then try switching to a soy formula! My son just needed the soy vs. milk products.

Good luck!

I am sorry--that is so hard when your baby is upset so much. It is hard to figure out what is the problem. One thing that helped my daughter a lot was wearing her around in the sling--it is like swaddling, holding, and walking all in one--only better. It often helped her get to sleep & sleep more-as you know they really need it. Another fairly common cause of frequent crying in little babies is reflux--see if you think that might be the issue. If it is, he may cry during or after feedings, arching the back, sticking out the tongue, and also cry when he spits up or has wet burps.

My 6 year old was like this, and it turned out nothing was my fault, my milk was fine! The doctor diagnosed him with acid reflux, or gurd. They gave us some liquid acid reducer and he was fine, a whole new loveable baby! Take him to the pediatircian and they can help you! You may try mylicon drops until you can get in. They help tons with the gas.

Good Luck and If I think of anything else we did, I will let you know!

My first one was colic. We used GOOD START too & it helped w/the gas big time but we also gave her gas drops after each bottle. Carried her around face downward w/her laying on our arms. When feeding & trying to get to sleep- Go to a quiet room- she was my first one but she just couldn't tolerate any commotion/tv going etc.

My husband & I would take turns sleeping. I would do early mornings & he would stay up late etc. The baby can really feel your tiredness so that doesn't help- one of you try getting some sleep.

I then would have to rock -usually singing to her w/soothing low voice. (yes she would be wailing thru it all )but i wouldn't let go- i would keep a hold of her she would usually dose off after awhile- sometimes i wouldn't even try to lay her down- i would just rock for an hour & half just to get her used to the idea of napping etc.

Once they get the nap thing down- i would rock her to sleep (they go into deep sleep after 20 min of falling asleep) So don't lay him down til after rocking for 20 min.(at 40min they start to come out of deep sleep-per my doctor)

Have his bed warmed w/heating pad while you rock him & have someone slip heating pad out before putting him down in the crib. This really worked for us b/c before the baby would wake when we put her into the cold crib.

I also used the lavender scent johnson & johnson bath soap.
Humming fan helps drown out the other kids noise too....

Also, you have a lot of kids- you need help- don't be afraid to ask for help while you 2 get some sleep & start fresh again in the morning. Good luck....!

PS: I stopped rocking my kids once the colic went away- usually about 4mos. All my kids go to sleep on their own wide awake now. Don't think you will spoil them if you rock them now....
A.- i just read your 2nd question...get some help asap. you sound really depressed/anxious & that can REALLY affect your baby- your baby feels what YOU feel!!!! so if you are anxious/upset boy your baby is going to be too! trust me. I went on anti depressents w/my last 2 kids for about 8mos afterwards -should've w/my first child b/c she was the colic one but i didn't know about it.

If you go to a church- makes some calls- talk to a pastor & tell them you need help w/babysitting for now til you get some sleep b/c i am thinking your husband isn't a big help right now.... God is always there for you. I will say a prayer for you. Call a church! if no one helps at that church- call another. Ask a neighbor you trust to watch baby while you sleep.

My son was colicky too. I know exactly how you feel. He also had acid reflux b.c he spit up a lot. Other than that I don't know what to tell you except maybe try some soothing music when you put him to bed to see if that calms him down. It seemed to work with my son.

Try wearing him tight against your chest. When I say wearing, I mean putting him in sling, mai tai, or even a baby bjorn (or something like that). My son cried a lot and having him on me all day was the only way I got rest. For some reason having him up right helped too. For places that sale them go to your local baby store or thebabywearer.com. Also yahoo has a group, just search baby wearing. Trust me he won't get spoiled by it that easy. This will pass soon.
Good luck and congrats.
Oh and go find a MOPS group. When I had my son, they saved my life. I had bad post partum depression. YOu can find a group at Mops.com I promise you will find a great group of support and friendship. And there is no excuse for cheating. He needs to hang in there with you. There will be a great reward for his efforts in the end,.

I would definitely speak with your doctor about this problem. My son cried for the first two months before we realized he was having problems digesting proteins. This required the use of specific formulas (there are only two - we used Nutramigen.) It is expensive and smells horrible, but we couldn't believe the difference it made. If this doesn't work, then there are a number of other possibilities - I would talk to your pediatrician.

First off (((((HUGS)))))

I have been there done that with my second child. Try switching your son to a soy based formula to see if that helps him some. He may have a sensitivity to milk proteins as my son did. It could also be that he has colic and a milk protein sensitivity in which case should you switch to the soy formula you may notice some improvement but still will go through the screaming spells. Colic usually resolves itself around 4 months. You can give him some Mylicon gas drops or the store brand equivalent which are way cheaper. They are safe for any age. You would give him the smallest dosage which I believe is 0.4 but I am not certain. Another thing your son could have going on is reflux. Some infants will get acid reflux where their spitting up goes beyond just what is typical. You should take him in to your doctor and discuss what is going on. If it is acid reflux they can put your son on medication to help control it and that my help him to feel better and ease the screaming if that is what your son has going on. Some things suggested to us that worked sometimes that I will pass on just so you have more things to try if necessary:
-walking with your son outdoors-something about outdoors is soothing to babies sometimes
-a baby swing as the rhythmical steady sensation is sometimes soothing
-a vibrating baby bouncer chair-the vibrations can soothe a baby and we found it to be the only way my husband could get our daughter to take a bottle when she was a baby
-placing your son on his stomach on top of a heat pad wrapped in a towel on the lowest setting being sure that it isn't too hot-this can help soothe an upset tummy
-some people swear by sitting on one of those large yoga/exercise type balls and bouncing slightly while holding their baby on their lap
-laying baby across your legs on his stomach and bouncing your legs slightly or swaying your legs slightly side to side while rubbing his back
-pushing your son around in a stroller in the house-for some reason this worked at a church nursery for some babies that were otherwise inconsolable
-white noise-run some steady noise in the background like a bathroom fan or get a white noise CD to play on a CD player-it reminds a baby of the constant noise it heard while inside the womb-your breathing and heart rate
-some stores sell something called a womb sounds bear that has an actual recording of womb sounds that play softly when the bear is switched on to soothe the baby

For you....You need to find a little time to get out and de-stress occasionally so that you can stay sane. Find someone you trust very well to leave your son with like your parents or his dad and get out even if it is for a quick cup of coffee or a run to the store. Just take a breather and get away briefly. It will help to clear your mind and make you better able to handle the stress. If that is not possible there is absolutely nothing wrong with putting your son down in the crib and walking to another room or out on the porch for a bit to get a short break. Just as long as he as he has a clean diaper, has been fed, all his needs have been met, and he is safe it is ok to leave the room and get a moment to yourself so that you can de-stress and stay calm. Above all remind yourself that this is not your fault and it is nothing you are doing wrong. Some children are just fussier than normal and more sensitive to things. I wish the best of luck to you and hope that it is a simple solution and it passes over soon. ALso remember that the first six weeks are always the most difficult as I am sure you know with multiple children ;) It will get better! Feel free to contact me on here. I am here to listen and have been there.

S.
mom to Holly 4, Hayden 2, and Zane 11 months.

Hi A.,

Well I have a few tips to give you.

You might Enfamil Gentlease, this is what my daughter is on. She contantly fussed while on the regualer Enfamil.

You could also try a Dr. Browns bottle, they allow alot less air in babies tummy. After you have fed him have him sit upright for about 30 minutes or so, even in a swing or his carseat or a bouncy seat. Also when you are feeding him keep him so he is more sitting up to drink his bottle not laying down.

And no matter what bottle you are on check nipple flow, he could be working so hard to get formula to come and it is not fast enough for him or it may not be slow enough for him.

If you have fed him and trying to get him to go to sleep here is a few tips...
1) put him in the swing (if you have one) and turn it on as fast as it will go, once he ios settled down a bit slow down the speed to where you want him to swing at and then leave him be. There were some nights thats where my daughter slept, I don't know what the problem was but that was the only thing to soothe her, lol.
If you don't have a swing, buckle him in his carseat and rock it back and forth as fast as you can, once again until he gets calmed down. Or even turn on the dryer and put him in his carseat on top of the dryer.
If you are trying to lay him down in his bed or a bassinet try this....take 3 recieving blankets and roll 2 of them up like logs, place one on each side of him right under his arm pits. Take the 3rd one and cover him up with it and tuck it under the others. Hence the saying "snug as a bug in a rug", some babies don't like the sleep sacks or the swaddle blankets. But you could try these also.

And they do make colic tablets but I don't know at what age you can give him some, you can get them at any store like walgreens or CVS.

Well thats about all I can think of, I hope you find something that works for you W..

my son had the same thing going on with him. they have colic medicine that you can buy over the counter at walmart or ne other store. i got the medicine from a dr. also peppermint water works too. it not only helps with the gas but also sooths them. let me know how it works. and i hope you get some sleep. god bless, R. pardee

I don't have time to read all of the responses so maybe someone already suggested this...

He could have acid reflux. They say there is always a reason for colic, and most of the time it's reflux.

I have twin siblings, 7 months old, and they screamed 24/7. It ends up they had AR and once they switched formula, they were perfectly fine!

Take your child to the doc right now and have him tested for gastric reflux. My twins had it and it sounds exactly like what you are going through with your son. It's simple to test for, and simple medictions. My twins were different babies within 3 days. GO NOW! You'll be gad you did. Don't let the doc tell you it's colic---4 week old babies don't get colic. It happens when they are about 3-4 months old and only happens an hour or two a certain time of day. I'd bet it's gastric reflux.

Hi A.,
I would check to see if something in the formula is affecting the baby what kind of formula do you use you might need to try a soy product

put a litte cereal in milk

All the previous people have given great advice. My second baby (who is now 5 months) had colic. We tried everything! What ended up working for us is Gripe Water. I highly recommend it. You can buy it at a health food store. You can give your son 1 tsp. 3 times a day. It also rids hiccups. It was my saving grace.

Good luck! I hope you'll find something that works very soon.

Our second son did this I stood and walked with him a lot or he was in the swing a lot. Yours is kind of young but I finally put our boy on juice No one would listen to me but when I took him off the milk he got better but like I said your son is very young to put on juice. Our son was four months old. Please give more info is he only doing this at night or certain hours of the day? I know you said 24/7 and I am sure it feels like that but you need to journal exactly when it is happening Our son would sleep in the livingroom better then his room so that is where we let him sleep. If he will sleep while you are holding him get one of those baby carriers and wear him with you always. You didn't mention but I am thinking you have had him to the doctors. If you have tried all of the above your son needs to go to the doctor and if the first doctor is no help find one that will listen. My understanding is colic happens when they are a little older then your son. so something is making him uncomfortable which you already figured out. i would try different sleepers my son loved to have on one of those gowns that tied at the bottom so he could pull his feet up close. try different rooms try different sound, music always playing in the background. another trick is to wrap him up in a blanket snug but not to tight but even tuck in his arms. My sister in law had baby sleeping bags babys R us have them. It is possible he just is missing the warmth of the womb and is having sensory over load to his world around him. And, get someone else to come over and sit with him while you sleep if you are stressed from all this he will sense that too.

same thing happen to me.. OH I was sooo upset.... I wanted to nurse him.. but oh well...

hey.. I used the Gentalease formula.. IT was sooooo good!!! Helped like over night PLUS I used the VentAir bottles!! Talk about wow!!! he was 100% New baby!!!!
Target sells their brand of Gentalease formula too ** In the purple can!! It works great!!!

But the bottles they are the key!!!! I sware!!!!

Also Sorry about the sleep.. That is like I said SOOO My son!!!

I went to the wraps!!! Let me get you a link... http://www.mamatoto.org/Default.aspx?tabid=89 Ok.. go to this page...

Now look on the left Look for HOW TO MAKE one.. they are sooo easy!!!! Heck are you in Bloomington??? or near by... IF SO I have the materal I can give you I dont use it anymore I got a bunch picked up in colors.. I did not use..

This page will show you how to put them Up in the holds... I would not do alll them yet. baby still Little.. but it will keep baby close to you...

Also try one of those sounds machines that has like the ocean.. or the Heart beat.. that could help.....

It did help my son.. but the formula and bottle did the most..

sadly.. he is 22 months now.. and still not a big napper!!!!! GOODNESS!!!!!

Goodluck!!! and Hugs!!!! you have your hands full!!!

Do let me know if you want the materal ok.... I can help you out a bit on the stuff you might even be able to still use it on your 22 month old..

Hugs!!!

T.

All the tips on helping a colic baby are great. Here are somethings that helped with my son: warm towels on the belly, wrapping him tight in a blanket, and most of all, holding him. He liked to be held belly down on my fore arm with his head on my hand. I had to get my husband to do this b/c my arms would give out. My son never really slept until he was old enough to role over on to his belly.

We had a really hard first 6 months with him. We tried everything. He was also our first, so we didn't know what we were doing. It sound like you are going through about the same thing.

What helped us the most was when we just accepted Abe as he was. We knew it could be worse, and that we could make it through. Please, please read up on "high needs babies". Adopting the "attachment parenting" style of parenting was what saved our family. You can find information on these topics at wwww.askdrsears.com

Also, do you "wear" your baby in a sling or anything like that? It was the only way I could get anything done around the house. It also helps burn calories.

You can do this!

Also, your husband needs to step up and focus on you and the family. There is no excuse for cheating on a spouse.

My daughter just went thru this VERY thing with her baby. She tried breast feeding but the baby wasn't getting enough. The doctor had them change formula three different times and kept telling them that the baby had collic. After five weeks of NOTHING but crying day and night. They decided to take the baby to a pediatrician instead of a family M.D. The Pediatrician said right away that he thought she had Acid Reflux. They gave her a drop of medicine for it before they headed back home and from that drop of medicine on,, which it has been a month and half since then, she has been a happy fun baby. Only crys now when she is hungry or wet. The medicine was prevacid or something like that. I think they had also tried Zyrtec or something like that. I can't remember the actual names of the medicines but it was for Acid Reflex. She gets a little pill that they put in her nursery water to disolve and then she gets that each morning. The doctor told them to keep her in an upright position as much as possible so that her food dont back up into the esophaugus as much. They use the Dr. Brown bottles to help with the amount of air she gets from a bottle. I would STRONGLY suggest that you find someone to prescribe this medicine for the acid reflux. IT made a world of difference for my granddaughter.

I would try using Dr. Brown's bottles and formula for baby's with sensitive stomaches. Call your pediatrician... they can tell you which formula is best. Dr. Brown's bottles are the BEST!!! Everyone I know who has used these bottles has said they are a lifesaver. You might try a mother's day out once a week too if it doesn't get any better... just so you can get some rest. BDOs are cheap and usually VERY nice. Good Luck!