First, chart the times when your baby cries in an attempt to distinguish a pattern of crying. For example, in my latest experience caring for a colicky newborn, I found that the infant would begin crying about an hour after each feeding. This would last 30 minutes to an hour. Then, the infant would rest or fall asleep for about an hour, then wake up for the next feeding. Since the feedings were three hours apart, it was easy to distinguish the hour by hour pattern.
Second, find ways to reduce environmental stimulation. In my infant care environment, I play very soft music, usually ocean sounds, rain sounds or slow and quiet lullabies. I do this even when the children are awake. These calming sounds communicate to the infant that their environment is safe and peaceful. It also sends a signal to adults - shh! - this environment is for the babies so please speak softly, move slowly and touch gently. Also in my infant care environment, I make sure that the lighting is as natural as possible with the blinds open and soft light bulbs are in the ceiling fan above (no florescent). All colors in the environment are muted (walls are tan, carpet is eggshell, cribs are a natural light color of wood, sheets and blankets are pastel). And if another infant becomes upset, their needs are met immediately which reduces agitation to the other infants nearby. Butterflies float naturally on mobiles above the cribs, however, the infants playing in the environment sometimes choose to gaze up at them. These mobiles do not play music and they are not electronic. The natural air flow in the room slowly moves the butterflies about and the children find these appropriately stimulating and calming (these also assist with the development of eye-tracking abilities). Low mirrors are accessible for the infant who is practicing tummy time or lying on their side. Having the ability to observe the other infants or their own face in the floor mirror is soothing and comforting to the infant. Of course, the adult is in the environment as well, providing a sense of security, promoting peacefulness in the environment, and redirecting the infants toward appropriate activities and materials as the infants become ready.
Third, identify ways that your baby is soothed during a colicky episode. I find that swaddling the infant, sitting in a rocking chair away from all other noise (even away from soft music), lowering the lights, holding the infant securely to the chest and rocking while offering the infant with pacifier usually helps. Even when the infant stops crying, I continue to hold her for about 30-45 minutes in case she is only temporarily soothed - I don't want to interrupt her feeling of security by putting her down too soon. And the adult will most likely enjoy this peaceful bonding time with the baby... I especially enjoy this period of time. Here are some other things to keep in mind and try if you're still identifying what works:
- Be consistent. Once you've identified what works, it is important to respond that way every single time. This predictability will bring an even stronger sense of security for your baby and most likely, as you maintain consistency, the soothing of your baby will come sooner and sooner.
- Don't panic. Remember that infants are very sensitive. If your baby senses hightened anxiety, their anxiety will be hightened too. If you are feeling anxious, have a friend or family member give you a break until you feel comfortable coming back to sooth the baby.
- Be gentle. Remember that colic is not your fault nor your baby's fault. Being gentle will go a long way in helping your baby get through the crying spell. Close your eyes and take a deep breath before picking up your baby and remember, never be rough or shake your baby.... the crying is temporary but the effects of shaking your baby are not.
- Be proactive. Infant massage has beneficial affects including the reduction of colic - so massage your baby every day! Changing the infant's formula or your own diet if you are breastfeeding may help. Never allow anyone to smoke around your baby. Go for a car ride before an expected episode as car rides can be very soothing for infants. Provide white noise if this helps your baby - you may choose to play white noise at night instead of lullabies and also during a crying spell to help soothe your baby.
