Following are some forms of treatment:
1. Many researchers have found that colic is caused by an allergy. Babies who are bottle-fed may have clearing of colic by the removal of cow’s milk from the diet.
2. Breast-fed babies may receive antigens through mother’s milk. So, it’s also important that mothers will be placed on a milk-free diet.
3. Various other studies have indicated that cow’s milk is the primary cause of colic, but such foods as chocolate, banana, apple, orange, strawberry, coffee, nuts, shellfish eggs, beef, veal, potato, wheat, navy beans, citrus, celery, sweet potato and onion have been shown to produce allergic reactions. Test for these foods by eliminating them all from the diet, and add back one food every three to four days. If a food eaten by the mother produces colic in the infant it should be left off permanently.
4. Rocking the baby and singing to him may be helpful. An old-fashioned cradle may be just the thing.
5. Automobile rides are soothing to some infants.
6. One mother reports that placing the colicky baby in an infant set on top of a running clothes washer produces warmth and slight vibration which may soothe the infant.
7. Feed the baby in a sitting position, and burp him after each ounce of fluid.
8. A pacifier may be helpful.
9. Formula should be given at body temperature. Do not overheat it.
10. Overfeeding may produce discomfort.
11. Placing the infant on his stomach or right side is often helpful, particularly if a hot water bottle or heating pad is placed under his abdomen.
12. The mother of a breast-feeding infant should use a simple diet. The rates of colic increase in direct proportion to the diversity of the maternal diet.
13. Inserting a Vaseline-coated finger, thermometer tip, or glycerin suppository into the rectum may aid in the passage of flatus and prove beneficial.
14. Several studies have demonstrated that drugs given during labor and delivery have an adverse effect on the infant and may play a role in the later development of colic. This is one of many reasons to avoid drug use during this crucial period of a child’s life.
15. Garlic oil may be helpful.
16. One-quarter of a bay leaf may be boiled in a cup of water for 15 minutes. Let it cool before giving it to the baby. If this does not produce relief, increase the amount of leave to half or three-quarters of a leaf, but do not exceed one leaf.
17. Chamomile tea may be used to overcome colic spasms.
18. Anise seed tea (bruise the anise seed by rubbing them between two hard surfaces, such as the bottom of a drinking glass and the counter top) may be used in colic.
19. Thyme is considered quite helpful in such gastric problems as colic.
20. Charcoal powder given by bottle is very helpful. One tablespoon of the power stirred into four ounces of water is the proper solution. One to two tablespoons of this mixture are adequate.
