Colic? 94%* Of Parents Who Tried Babywearing Says It Works!

"Discover A Natural, Loving Method Of Preventing And Reducing Colicky Episodes For Good!"

When your baby suffers from colic you suffer too. Your baby's continuous crying is naturally distressing to you as well as exhausting for him. Remember that however bad it gets you're not alone and it will end. You've probably discovered that there is no cure for colic because no one, including the medical profession can be sure what causes colic. Without a cause, there's no cure.

So, as parents the best way we can help our baby and ourselves is to try and prevent the colicky episode in the first place. How do you do that? Well, one one of the most effective ways to prevent colic is to hold and carry your baby.

Carry her against your chest, and she will be reassured by the sound of your heartbeat. Combine this with the familiar, rhythmic movement of your walk and you've recreated the conditions she first experienced in the womb. That in itself will help to calm her and can actually prevent the onset of a colicky episode.

However, carrying her in your arms will wear you out as you've no doubt discovered. Instead what you can do is carry her in a baby sling.

As one mum, Tricia, puts it,

"I didn't babywear with my first baby who was more colicky, and I wish I had. I still remember just holding her and walking around the room for hours. With my second baby, she does have fussy periods, and babywearing helps to keep ME less stressed because it's not as hard on my body. It also does help to put her to sleep. And with her, a lot of the crying is an over tired cry rather than colic, I think."

Some suggestions of positions to carry your baby in and what to do to prevent a colicky episode:

• Carry your baby in a suitable baby sling or carrier in snuggle hold or the tummy to tummy position with her legs 'froggy style' .
• If she also has reflux try carrying her higher up over your shoulder in the 'burp position' .
• If you're not attempting to get him to sleep, kangaroo carry or Buddha position with his legs crossed or knees folded up to his chest can help get rid of excess air.
• Try a variety of speeds of walking and movement to see which works best for your baby.
• Start with gentle rhythmic walking and work your way up to a brisk pace.
• If straightforward walking doesn't work try gentle bouncing and 'dipping' baby as you walk and vary the direction you walk in.
• Put on your favourite music and dance with your baby. It's important for you to enjoy this and really connect with your baby. Singing to your baby as you dance can be helpful too. Experiment with different styles and tempos of music to see what works best.

It's important to bear in mind that even though your baby has colic, it doesn't mean that you have to approach that time with dread. Instead, if at all possible, at around the time she usual shows signs of colic, decide to have fun with your baby. Try one or more of the suggestions above every day until you find some ideas that work.

Many babies can be put to sleep just before the usual early evening colic time and sleep through - missing the entire episode! Other babies will so enjoy the interaction with you and being carried that they 'forget' to cry.

In time you may feel like Julie does,

"My daughter was a very challenging newborn. But, as hard as it was, I look back fondly on the endless neighborhood walks we took together at all hours of the day and night. She would immediately calm down and stop crying while she was cradled to my chest. She loved tummy to tummy with her legs out. "

I also have vivid memories of my daughters colicky period. One time I was alone with my baby, completely at a loss with what to do to help her and so I just sat down on the floor holding her and just sobbed right along with her. I kept telling her I was sorry that I didn't know what to do to help her. It was a horrible experience. I felt guilty and useless. Fortunately my husband and I did figure out how to help her and so most of the time we were not only able to prevent or reduce most of the colicky episodes but we also had fun doing it.

What's the best type of sling to use?

Parents of colicky babies have had success with many types of baby slings and carriers, including pouches, ring slings, Mei Tais and wraps. Whichever sling or carrier you choose, make sure that it can hold your baby in the natural positions you need and can adequately support your baby's neck and head.

For information on choosing and using baby slings and carriers visit our sister site www.aboutbabyslingsandcarriers.com coming soon!

* figures taken from a poll on The Babywearer