Newborn baby gets stomach pain called as Colic, which is the most common problem in babies. Babies may cry for hours with pain and discomfort of colic. Even though it’s a temporary condition, it’s not easy for parents to handle it.
When Miss D had her first instance of colic pain, we didn’t understand what was making her cry for so long. She wailed continuously for hours and we tried everything to soothe her but nothing helped.
As first-time parents, we didn’t know about colic and the whole crying episode was a mystery for us. We imagined all possible scenarios like bad dream, gas, body ache, ear pain, insect bite, etc.
When the same thing happened the second time, we decided to discuss this with the paediatrician. That’s when we came to know about colic. Miss D’s colic pains were even worst because of her GERD. Every crying episode included projectile vomiting.
What is Colic?
Colic is characterised by long episodes of crying for no obvious reason. However, it’s not dangerous or chronic. Babies with colic gain weight normally and have no troubles with feeding. Colic usually appears at three weeks and carries on until the baby is three or four months old.
What causes colic in babies?
The exact cause of colic in babies is unknown, and therefore there’s not a clear way to prevent it. Some theories suggest the following causes:
- A growing digestive system with muscles that often spasm
- Gas
- Hormones that cause stomach pain or a fussy mood
- Oversensitivity or overstimulation by light, noise, etc.
- A moody baby
- A still-developing nervous system
What are the symptoms of colic?
With my experience, and after a discussion with the paediatrician, we found that these are the most common symptoms:
- Sudden crying for hours: Babies start crying suddenly and for no apparent reason. However, interestingly, the crying episode starts almost at the same time every day. These episodes may last a few minutes or for a longer duration.
- Posture while crying: Babies clench their fists, draw up their knees and their abdomen appears tensed and tightened.
- Passing wind or gas: The baby may pass wind or gas while crying.
Also read: How to Care for Scalp of Children with Atopic Skin Conditions
Why Ayurvedic home remedies?
As new parents, our first motive to give her instant relief and we resorted to medicines for some time but reading about the side effects of these medicines made us resort to home remedies.
I, now, personally believe that home remedies may be slow and don’t show the results instantly, but they are safe. No chemicals, no extra money, no expensive medicines, no steroids, no antibiotics, no side effects – yet effective and if carried on with discipline, they have lasting effects as compared to medicines whose effects fade as they start wearing out.
What can you do to prevent colic pain in your baby?
As I mentioned above that after giving medicines to Miss D for some time, we resorted to home remedies for reasons that sounded more beneficial for her.
Most effective Ayurvedic home remedies for Colic Pain
Newborn baby stomach pain can be treated and prevented at home. Our kitchens are filled with miraculous spices that are being used in Ayurveda since ages. It’s not a secret that Ayurvedic formulations have powers to heal the ailments effectively without any dangerous side effects.
If your baby has colic, then you must identify the time around which your baby starts crying. Since the pains usually occur at the same time, home remedies are most effective if done right before the colic begins.
Disclaimer(1): I understand that doctors don’t advise giving water to babies before 6 months. You may surely check with your paediatrician before using these remedies. Not more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of water should be given at a time.
Saunf or Fennel Seeds
Source: www.truweight.in
Fennel seeds are known for their digestive properties. Fennel seeds speed up digestion, reduces gas and stomach cramps.
Boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a glass of water till the water reduces to 3/4th. Cool it down and strain. Give a teaspoon of water to your baby at frequent intervals, preferable before feeding.
Hing or Asafoetida
Source: www.devdanfoods.com
Asafoetida is also known for reducing stomach ailments. It’s anti-flatulent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothes an upset stomach.
In a tablespoon bring some water to boil, add a pinch of asafoetida powder or raw granules and mix till it appears like a smooth paste. Cool it down and once it becomes lukewarm, apply the paste around the naval area of your baby. Don’t put it in or on the belly button. Do it at the interval of 15mins till you see relief.
Ajwain or Carom Seeds
Source: www.boldsky.com
Ajwain is known for giving relief from colic, gas and constipation.
Boil a glass of water in a pan and add a ½ teaspoon of ajwain seeds. Boil it for a few minutes. Now cool down the water, strain it and give a teaspoon to your baby at regular intervals.
Alongwith these home remedies, you can use Tummy Roll On by Mother Sparsh. Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll On has a 100% Ayurvedic formula that helps to treat colic and indigestion in babies. Formulated with natural herbs, it’s safe to use and has no side effects. It can be bought from Mother Sparsh website or from Amazon.in.
Benefits of Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll On
- Its 100% ayurvedic formula relieves babies suffering from colic, indigestion and constipation.
- The combination of Fennel Oil and Hing Oil relieves gastric pain and discomfort in babies.
- It’s totally safe to use on babies’ sensitive skin since all the ingredients present in Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll-On are natural and free from toxins.
- Mother Sparsh Tummy Roll On is travel-friendly as it is spill proof, easy to carry while travelling in bags, purses, pockets, etc.
- Doesn’t leave any stain on the clothes. The fragrance isn’t strong enough to cause any discomfort to babies.
I hope you find these remedies beneficial. Do you have another grandma’s home remedy that gives relief to newborn babies from stomach pain and colic? Share with me!
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Disclaimer(2): This is not medical advice. The experiences shared above are my own. I have written this blog referring to my personal experience. If your child shows extreme and unusual symptoms, please consult a doctor before using any product for your child. Even though the product sample was provided, my review has not been influenced by the brand in any way.