The 3 Best Sleeping Positions for Babies with Colic
Colic is a common issue that affects many babies and can cause distress and discomfort. Parents of colicky babies are often left feeling frustrated and helpless, but there are things you can do to help soothe your baby and improve their sleep. One of the best ways to do this is to pay attention to your baby’s sleeping position. Here are some of the best sleeping positions for babies with colic:
So what are the best sleeping positions for babies with colic?
The stomach position: Laying your baby on their stomach is one of the most effective positions for reducing colic. This position helps to reduce the pressure on their abdominal muscles and helps to improve digestion. You can carry your child around, laying on your arm facing downward, that way. It is not recommended to leave infants on their stomachs unattended if they aren’t able to turn around on their own.
The side position: Another good option is to lay your baby on their side. This position can help to relieve pressure on the stomach and reduce colic symptoms. However, it’s important to ensure that your baby is always supervised and never placed in a position where they could roll onto their stomach.
The upright position: Holding your baby in an upright position can also help to relieve colic symptoms. This position allows gravity to help move gas through your baby’s digestive system, which can help to reduce colic symptoms.
It’s important to remember that every baby is different and what works for one may not work for another. My experience showed that babies with colic like it if you change their position frequently. I always thought of it like one of those games where you move the plate trying to get the ball to a certain point. Just now it’s the gas getting out. 😉
When sleeping with a colic baby, it’s important to be flexible and try different positions. Rocking, swaying, or walking with your baby can also help soothe them. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for your baby.
What is colic?
Colic is a condition that affects up to 40% of babies in the first few months of life. It’s characterized by excessive crying and fussiness, particularly in the evenings.
The cause of colic is not well understood, but it’s thought to be related to a combination of factors such as digestive issues, overstimulation, and temperament.
Why is colic in babies worse at night?
Colic is often worse at night due to a combination of factors such as a tired baby and the fact that babies are lying down, which can make it harder for them to pass gas. To help your baby with gas pains at night, you can try gentle stomach massage, burping them more frequently, or using a warm compress on their stomach. Fortunately not all babies with colic experience symptoms every night, but colic often worsens in the evenings.
What are the signs?
The signs of colic include excessive crying, fussiness, and gas.
How do I get my colicky baby to sleep?
To get a colicky baby to sleep, try the above-mentioned sleeping positions and calming techniques to help your baby relax like swaddling, using a pacifier, white noise, or a gentle rocking motion. Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Like I said before: experiment with different positions.
What week does colic go away?
Colic usually starts around 3 weeks of age, peaks around 6 to 8 weeks, and begins to improve by 3 to 4 months. However, some babies may continue to experience colic symptoms until they are 6 months old or older. Some start with colic symptoms later on, like when you start to introduce them to a new diet or they just have it sporadically. However it may feel like it lasts forever, but it’s important to remember that it will pass
Keep in mind
While colic can be difficult to deal with, there are ways to help your baby feel more comfortable and get some rest and it will not go on forever, even when it feels that way.
You know now the best sleep positions for babies with colic, which include the upright position, stomach sleeping with supervision, and the side-lying position.
It’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Therefore, it is important to stay patient, keep experimenting with sleeping positions and soothing techniques, and most importantly, take breaks when you need them.
Caring for a colicky baby can be emotionally and physically draining, so it’s important to take care of yourself too.
However, if you have concerns about your baby’s colic or sleep, be sure to consult with a pediatrician.
Consulting your pediatrician can help you understand the cause of your baby’s colic and rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your pediatrician can also provide additional guidance on how to manage colic symptoms and improve your baby’s sleep.
