There's not many parenting challenges that are harder than experiencing colic. Watching your precious little one in pain and feeling helpless to console their crying is extremely hard. However, there's hope!
In this guide, we'll discuss the best formulas for colic, the best bottles for colic, and the best colic drops available. We'll also discuss some incredible tips that you can do to soothe your baby's colic symptoms.
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Moms Can Handle A Lot
We know as parents that there are plenty of struggles we will have to face with our newborns. In an ideal world they would be healthy as could be and sleep like little angels, but real life is rarely that perfect.
We moms can handle a lot, and I mean a lot: constant spit up or even acid reflux (see our guide), endless interrupted nights of sleep, blowouts, tummies with lots of gas (see guide), and even the occasional claw marks from the little one.
As chaotic as all of this can be, we handle it like a boss because our little one is our main priority.
Dealing with all of these challenges is possible because we simply want our children to be content and healthy.
Colic is Tough!
There are some challenges in motherhood that can really test your sanity and overwhelm you with worry. I’m referring to the one thing that all mothers hope that their little one can avoid during those beautiful months of infancy: colic.
When your sweet baby has colic, it can feel like the end of the world. As mothers, we try to keep our little ones safe, healthy, and happy. Despite all of our tremendous efforts though, our little ones can end up struggling with the issue of colic.
Some children deal with a mild case of colic while others can suffer from a severe case. Despite its intensity, it’s painful for your child, and it’s painful for any mom to watch her little one go through it.
Colic is actually very common among many babies, so the great news is that plenty of moms have experience getting rid of it.
In addition, there are some wonderful methods and products that can have your little one back to his or her happy self in no time, and you can once again return to the beautifully chaotic routine of everyday motherhood.
We hope this survival guide helps you soothe your baby and relief the pain of colic. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments at the end of the article. We'd love to hear what worked for you!
What is Colic in Babies?
Colic isn’t diagnosed as a syndrome or an illness, but more of a series of “episodes.” It refers more to the behavior of your little one rather than his or her health.
Colic is a severe abdominal issue within your child that can cause his or her behavior to be much different than the norm.
It’s often caused by extreme gas or a blockage within the intestines, which can cause your child to be inconsolable. Moreover, it typically lasts for weeks at a time, and it’s definitely a challenging time for both baby and mom and dad.
When Do Babies Grow Out of Colic?
Most babies grow out of colic by the time they're 3 to 4 months old. Although, it can seem like forever!
How Can I Tell if My Baby Has Colic?
There are several signs you can be on the lookout for if you think your little one is suffering from colic. The most obvious sign will be crying.
The crying won’t be like the usual wails that come from your child. They will be ear-shattering shrieks that often go on for hours. If your child is crying for hours on end and it’s a cry that you’ve never heard before, it is quite possible your child may have colic.
The best thing to do at that point is to take him or her to the doctor to confirm. Excessive crying can be caused by other potential illnesses, so it’s better to be sure.
In addition to those heartbreaking hours of screaming there are other symptoms your child will display if he or she has colic (most of which will occur during the crying session):
1. Crying at the same hour nightly
2. A red face during cries
3. Arching of the back while crying
4. Clenched fists
5. Your child can’t be consoled as usual
6. Clenched tummy muscles, or if your little one brings the knees up to the tummy
There’s no mistaking colic once you experience it, although lots of parents get confused between colic vs gas. Your child’s screeches will be all telling. Colic outbursts are extremely challenging for both baby and parents, but it will eventually pass.
Just hang in there and try to find a method that eases your child’s colic as fast as possible.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, where I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Can I Do Anything to Sooth My Child’s Colic?
Yes, you can! Thankfully, there are ways for you to help your ease your child’s discomfort during this rough time. The first of these is directly related to what they are fed. Below, we'll discuss some of the best baby formulas for colic.
Best Formulas for Colic
Sometimes a child’s colic can be directly related to the type of formula that is being consumed. That’s why it’s important to choose a formula that is gentle on your child’s stomach and doesn’t give him or her painful gas.
Let's discuss some of the best formulas for colicky babies.
Enfamil Gentlease formula is a wonderful option for any baby who is suffering from colic symptoms. For a lot of parents, it's known as the best baby formula for colic.
Enfamil Gentlease Formula is more gentle on the stomach than a traditional formula, but it's still a milk-based formula. It claims to help relieve crying and gas within just 24 hours!
The Enfamil colic formula is definitely a great option to try at the start of any fussiness.
Discuss your experiences in the comments below! Did it work for you?
If you’re a fan of Earth's Best, a non-gmo organic brand, then you will be happy to know that they offer a sensitive formula for babies who have issues with gas and fussiness.
This formula is reduced in lactose to help those little ones who might struggle with a lactose sensitivity. It's a great baby formula for colic.
Gerber has really stepped up its game when it comes to formula. Many moms reach for Gerber's Good Start Formula simply because it’s non-gmo, which is fantastic.
However, the real reason moms love this is because of its reduced-lactose ingredients. It only contains 30% of the lactose compared to regular formula, and the protein has been broken down so that it is easier to digest.
Many parents rave about how this colicky baby formula helped ease their child’s colic symptoms in no time at all! It could be the perfect option for your little one.
This formula is designed for those babies who suffer from colic. It’s marketed toward relieving your child of his or her systems, and claims to start making a difference within 48 hours!
Enfamil Nutramigen is lactose free. The protein found within cow’s milk has been extensively broken down so that it is no longer recognized as such, and will not affect your little one’s tummy.
Many cases of colic are due to the fact that a baby has a sensitivity, or is allergic to lactose. If you suspect that this might be the culprit of your child’s discomfort then you can try reduced-lactose, or lactose free formula.
Similac Sensitive Formula is a reduced-lactose formula, so it’s meant for the tummies that have a hard time digesting lactose. It's one of the most popular colic formulas if you suspect lactose is part of the problem for your baby.
Alternative: Soy Based Formulas
All of the colic baby formulas above are excellent options if you are hoping to switch from your child’s current one. There is one other alternative if you find that none of these are getting rid of your baby’s colic.
It’s possible that your little one has a complete intolerance to lactose and cow’s milk. If so, you can try one of the soy based formulas for babies with colic. Before making the switch make sure you speak with your baby’s pediatrician to go over any issues you may encounter when doing so.
Use Colic Bottles
Changing your child’s formula is a great start to combat the woes of colic. Another important step is to evaluate the bottles you're using.
Using the right type of bottle, or one that focuses on preventing colic, can be crucial to keeping your little one free of painful gas.
Let's discuss the best baby bottles for colic and how they can help.
Best Bottles for Colic
You may not be as familiar with this brand as others, but you’ll soon see why you should be. Moms are raving over these bottles online.
The Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottles are a wonderful option for moms who breastfeed and are looking for a more natural nipple.
They have two anti-colic vents built into the nipple of the bottle, preventing colic, gas, and reflux. Plus, they’re adorable! 🙂
For these reasons, they're one of the best bottles for colic and gas.
I’m not going to lie, I am a bit biased on these particular bottles.
They're my favorite, and I personally think that they are the best baby bottles for gas and colic. That being said, these bottles are amazing.
The overall structure of the Philips Avent Anti Colic Bottle is phenomenal. The simple shape makes it a breeze to clean, and many children enjoy the texture of the nipple.
Although that’s all awesome, we’ll focus on its performance at preventing or curing colic. These particular bottles have an anti-colic tube built right into the nipple itself.
When your baby drinks, any air that builds up is sucked to the back of the bottle due to the venting tube. This keeps your little one from ingesting any extra air, and helps keep colic at bay.
Mam anti colic bottles are loved by moms because in a medical study in 2011, they reduced colic symptoms in 80% of the babies involved!
The Mam Anti Colic Bottle has a unique design is what makes them ideal for combating colic. Rather than simply having “holes” in the nipple to prevent colic, these have an entire base dedicated to doing so. It's why it's one of the best anti colic bottles available.
The vented base controls the milk flow while keeping air and foam from building up. The absence of foam and air is what keeps your little one’s tummy free of gas, and keeps him or her smiling.
These bottles are also affordable, so there’s no reason to not give them a chance at ridding your baby of any colic.
Do you have any experiences to share with this bottle? If so, feel free to post about your experience in the comments below!
Here's another amazing option for your little one. These bottles for colic are BPA-free like the others listed, and are designed specifically to prevent colic in your baby.
The Playtex Anti-Colic Bottle also has a vented bottom, which keeps air from being swallowed by your baby. In addition, it has a unique shape meant to prevent ear infections. That’s definitely a bonus! No one has time for colic and an ear-infection!
Colic Drops Can Help!
You’re likely to see a drastic improvement in your little one if you switch the formula and bottle you use.
However, if the colic seems like it just won’t go away, you can try some colic drops. These drops will help your little one feel better, and may be the answer to everyone sleeping peacefully once again.
Well, as peaceful as you can with a baby.
What Are Colic Drops?
You’ve heard of saline, gripe water, gas drops, etc. Well, these are drops that should also be in your arsenal of remedies. They may just be the much-needed answer to stopping those angry tears and painful tummy.
Baby colic drops are a liquid that are given to your child orally. They are sometimes comprised of an ingredient known as simethicone, which is amazing at breaking up any gas in your little one’s tummy.
However, there are plenty of options that stick to a more natural method.
Colic Drops vs Gripe Water
You may be wondering what the difference is between gripe water and colic drops for newborns, and the answer is not much. They are very similar, but colic drops seem to be much stronger.
Gripe water is also said to be organic and all natural. However, many parents found that using gripe water was doing little for their baby, and found relief once they switched to using a form of colic relief drops.
Best Colic Drops
I know this one’s a bit confusing because it has the words gripe water in there. It technically is a gripe water, aimed at getting rid of colic.
Parents rave about this stuff all over the internet. Many claim that their child felt better and showed symptoms of relief within only hours. Do you have any experiences to share? If so, feel free to post them in the comments below!
Colic Calm is FDA approved, gentle on the stomach, and completely free of harsh chemicals, including simethicone and animal products.
Here's another great option to try. Gerber Probiotic Drops are meant to be given five times a day, and are marketed for breastfed, or partially breastfed babies. You can find lots of positive gerber colic drops reviews online.
Gerber's approach is that colic is often caused by a lack of good bacteria in a baby. The drops have a probiotic that helps soothe colic while introducing a friendly bacteria, which helps your little one’s digestive system.
Gerber Colic Drops has been shown to reduce crying by 50% over 2 weeks! You can also find these drops at most pharmacies and big stores.
Mommy’s Bliss is a wonderful brand for drops and vitamins, so it’s no surprise that parents love their gripe water.
It's made in the USA, is free of harsh chemicals, is made from fennel and ginger, and 100% vegan. It's easy to see why it's super popular.
If you ask most moms, Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water is the one of the best products available.
Additional Tips to for Colic Relief
Now that you have your mommy arsenal filled with the right formula, awesome bottles, and miracle drops, you’re ready to rid your little one of colic and do everything in your power to keep it from coming back!
Here are some amazing tips and tricks you can do to keep colic at bay, and to keep your little one’s tummy rested.
1. Use a warm towel
For a quick attempt at relief, place a warm towel on your little one’s belly. This can help break up any pesky gas.
2. Skin to Skin ladies
Having some skin to skin contact may help sooth your baby during those awful bouts of crying.
3. Baby massage
Gently massage your little one’s tummy in small circles to break up gas and help it flow in the right direction! You can make this a full body baby massage to help soothe him or her.
4. Bicycle kicks
Moving your little one’s legs as if he is riding a bicycle can also help gas move along. You can also very gently press baby’s knees into the stomach to relieve gas.
5. Warm Bath
Soak your little one in a warm bath- A warm bath can actually be very soothing for your little one, which can help calm him or her during those terrible nights of colic.
6. Turn on some white noise
Some moms find relief from the constant crying by turning on some noise. Oddly enough, it often causes the baby to calm down as well. White noise works best to try to soothe your baby.
Conclusion
Hopefully you never have to deal with colic. The pain your little one is in, the ear-shattering shrieks, and the stress from lack of sleep can really take a toll on the whole household.
It’s important to remember that it will pass though, and to just do everything in your power to keep your sweet baby as comfortable as possible.
In this guide, we discussed some great formulas for colic as well as the best baby bottles for colic and gas. We also discussed drops for colic. What do you think? Any suggestions or recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!
It’s heartbreaking to watch your little one in such pain, but he or she will have that smile back sooner than you think, and you’ll know it’s not just gas!