The use of an anti-colic bottle is essential to fight against this scourge that disrupts your child's daily life from birth. But in this article, Elhée has chosen to compile for you 20 additional tips to implement in order to relieve your baby from these digestive issues and minimize the risk of colic.
1. Massage the belly to reduce colic
To relieve your baby from stomach aches, you can trace small circles with your fingertips around their belly button after laying them down on their back. To make the massage easier, use organic oils such as coconut, olive, calendula, or sweet almond oil.
2. Hold baby upright after every feeding
To help your baby burp, it is best to hold them upright in your arms for at least 20 minutes. This technique also helps reduce spit-ups and the development of internal reflux, which can be very painful for your little one.
Make sure your baby’s head is positioned high enough on your neck so that their stomach rests against the hollow of your shoulder, at your collarbone level. The pressure applied will help facilitate the release of digestive gases.
3. Use a slow-flow physiological nipple with your anti-colic bottle
When using your anti-colic bottle, make sure the nipple has a slow flow to limit the amount of air entering your infant’s mouth. It is often said that breastfeeding reduces the risk of colic in infants.
Breastfeeding allows the baby to regulate the flow themselves. However, some breastfed babies will still experience colic, while others who are bottle-fed will not suffer from it at all.
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4. A hot water bottle on your baby's belly
While being careful with the temperature (neither too hot nor too cold), also ensure you do not soak your baby's onesie because of an improperly closed cap. You can heat the contents of a hot water bottle and place it on the baby's stomach to relax their abdominal muscles.
This tip is also highly appreciated by women during menstruation, especially during endometriosis flare-ups. You can also calm contractions that occur during your postpartum period in this way.
5. Lay baby on your arm during colic episodes
This well-known grandparent technique consists of placing the baby face down on your forearm. Baby can move their legs and pelvis more easily, which helps relieve their discomfort by aiding the release of trapped air in their intestines.
Feel free to walk around the house singing lullabies. If the ambiance is a bit dim, it will help your child relax. But be careful not to trip over the rug!
6. Eat healthy while breastfeeding
When breastfeeding or pumping, certain foods should be avoided as they increase the risk of colic in your baby. Coffee, cow’s milk dairy products, and spices should be avoided…
Limit fatty foods such as french fries or saucy dishes, and choose green vegetables (beans, peas, spinach, salads, etc.).
When you feel like snacking, go for dried fruits. In addition to decreasing your vitamin, fatty acid, and trace element deficiencies, they are a much healthier alternative to cakes and cookies.
7. Use a baby carrier or baby wrap
All around the world, babywearing is a very common practice.
It has numerous benefits: it reduces your baby's anxiety and helps them relax. This action noticeably decreases the risk of colic. Additionally, your baby can sleep snuggled against you and have access to the breast on demand, which encourages breastfeeding and lactation. No more chasing after your child—they’re right there with you…
Babywearing is also an excellent transportation option! Say goodbye to the hassle of a bulky stroller that you constantly need to fold, unfold, or lift over steps, and where it’s not always easy to see what baby is doing.
8. Try osteopathy sessions
Osteopathy, which is strongly recommended for women who have just given birth, helps reposition certain muscular or skeletal parts of the body to correct posture and reduce possible pain.
For babies, it can also work wonders. The baby’s prolonged position in the womb doesn't always allow their digestive organs to be well positioned, and air can have difficulty circulating properly.
Sometimes, the passage during birth itself can trigger changes to your child’s skeleton. The use of suction or forceps can also be traumatic for both mother and baby’s body.
With very gentle manipulations, an osteopath can help your child release tension by correcting their posture.
9. Consult a homeopath
Whether you believe in it or not, homeopathy for babies comes in the form of small pellets to be dissolved in a little water or in a bottle, preferably made of silicone.
You can ask your midwife or infant care specialist about which plants may help relieve your baby's infant colic. (Chamomilla Vulgaris 5CH, Colocynthis 5CH, Lycopodium 5CH)
These natural treatments are both preventive and curative—they can be used before a long car ride that might stress your baby, or in cases of digestive upset, insomnia, separation anxiety, shock, or bruising.
10. Give baby herbal tea using their anti-colic bottle
Infusions aren’t just for old ladies! And yet, this is indeed a grandmother’s remedy… Fennel and lemon balm are plants that soothe your baby's digestive spasms. Try giving some in a little milk if your baby does not accept the taste of this decoction. You can also grow and dry your own herbs.
11. Start introducing solids before six months
But not before consulting your pediatrician! Introducing solid foods can reduce colic in your baby. As new parents, it is a real relief when the crying stops and nights get better.
12. Green clay juice in your anti-colic bottle
We know it as a facial mask… But did you know that letting a tablespoon of clay settle in a glass of water for 24 hours produces a juice that is very effective against colic?
The amount your baby ingests should not exceed a few milliliters. Otherwise, it could cause constipation since it's also a great remedy for diarrhea.
You can use a dropper to give it to your baby. The powder should not be consumed. Choose a clay, preferably organic, from an herbal store.
13. Order julep gommeux
Julep gommeux is a very old preparation made of limewater and gum arabic. You can give a spoonful to your child before each feeding.
Julep gommeux can be ordered at a pharmacy or made at home. It keeps for a week in the fridge and also helps with your baby’s reflux.
14. Get a prescription for probiotics
The purpose of probiotics is to restore the intestinal flora. In babies born, for example, by cesarean section or prematurely, this flora has not had time to be colonized by the mother’s vaginal flora. It may be worth consulting your local health center if you are in one of these situations.
15. Orange blossom water in an anti-colic bottle
If you're not convinced by the previously mentioned methods, maybe adding a few drops of orange blossom water to your child's bottle will restore your hope! Its pleasant fragrance and comforting properties also promote children’s sleep. Don’t use more than half a teaspoon per day.
16. Practice skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact is one of the first experiences you have as a mother. Most often in the maternity ward, skin-to-skin establishes the first connection between mother and child outside the womb. Body warmth instantly calms intestinal discomfort. Cuddled against their mother, baby almost forgets their pain! And after all, that’s the whole point, isn’t it?
17. Change infant formula
Sometimes, powdered formula may not be suitable. You may need to try several brands before finding the perfect match. It is also possible that your child is intolerant to cow's milk protein (CMP). In this case, you will need to choose a different formula after consulting your doctor.
18. Anti-colic positioners
Some brands offer anti-colic positioners equipped with a tummy belt system. This device acts as a massager and applies pressure to the baby's belly while they sleep, thus relieving their discomfort. Some models have pouches designed to hold a small hot water bottle. The baby’s legs are generally elevated by a foam roller.
However, these positioners are often criticized by health and child care professionals. According to them, using these accessories could increase the risk of SIDS. Elhée therefore recommends only using these systems under constant supervision.
19. The “little Buddha” position
This position consists of “curling up” your baby, sitting in your arms facing outward. One hand rests under their bottom and the other is placed across their chest, your thumb and index finger supporting their chin and shoulders to keep the head from tipping forward. The rest of your fingers can gently massage their little belly.
This position is reminiscent of the fetal position and is comforting to newborns. For curious babies, it is also an excellent way to distract them by letting them face new things.
20. Get equipped with an anti-colic bottle
This is the ABCs of reducing colic in your infant. But if you are not yet equipped, it is still not too late to invest in an anti-colic bottle, preferably in medical-grade silicone (BPA- and Phthalate-free).
Note that different sizes are available depending on the age. It is dishwasher safe and can handle bottle warmer temperatures. Thanks to its excellent grip and anti-colic system, Elhée’s innovative bibRond prevents your little one from swallowing air.
It mimics a breastfeeding-like suction thanks to its nipple that matches the shape of your nipple. Its ergonomic design also promotes your baby’s development.
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By choosing an anti-colic bottle, you significantly reduce the risk of colic in your child. As a secondary measure, remember to use all the tricks mentioned in this article to overcome it! These symptoms tend to dissipate once solids are introduced. Of course, if you have any doubts about the cause of the symptoms, promptly seek medical advice.
