Feeding a colicky baby can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. You’ve tried everything—different bottles, countless burping sessions, and maybe even a special diet—but the fussiness continues. While colic is often a mystery, there are a few lesser-known tips that might make feeding time a little smoother for both you and your baby. Here are five surprising tips to consider.
1. Experiment with Different Feeding Positions
The position in which you feed your baby can have a significant impact on how well they digest their milk. For colicky babies, feeding in an upright position may help minimize the amount of air they swallow. Try holding your baby at a 45-degree angle or experimenting with a “laid-back” breastfeeding position to see what works best.
Why It Works: Upright feeding can help prevent milk from flowing too quickly, reducing the chance of gas or discomfort. It also allows gravity to assist in digestion.
Source: La Leche League International – Breastfeeding and Colic
2. Offer Smaller, More Frequent Feedings
Instead of sticking to a traditional feeding schedule, try offering your baby smaller amounts of milk more frequently. Overfeeding can exacerbate colic symptoms by overwhelming your baby’s digestive system. Smaller, more frequent feedings might be easier for your baby to handle and could help reduce fussiness.
Why It Works: Smaller feedings can prevent the stomach from becoming too full, which can reduce the likelihood of reflux and gas.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics – Feeding and Nutrition
3. Switch to a Slow-Flow Nipple
If you’re bottle-feeding, the type of nipple you use can make a big difference. A slow-flow nipple can help control the flow of milk, allowing your baby to feed at a more relaxed pace and reducing the amount of air they swallow.
Why It Works: A slow-flow nipple mimics the natural flow of breastfeeding, helping to prevent your baby from gulping air, which can lead to gas and discomfort.
Source: Pediatrics: Impact of Feeding Methods on Infant Colic
4. Pay Attention to Your Diet (If You’re Breastfeeding)
If you’re breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet might contribute to your baby’s colic symptoms. While it’s not a guaranteed fix, some mothers find that eliminating common culprits like dairy, soy, caffeine, or spicy foods can make a difference. Keeping a food diary and tracking your baby’s symptoms might help you identify any patterns.
Why It Works: Some babies may have sensitivities to certain foods that can pass through breast milk, causing digestive discomfort.
Source: National Institutes of Health – Dietary Influences on Colic
5. Try Paced Bottle Feeding
Paced bottle feeding is a technique that mimics breastfeeding by allowing your baby to control the flow of milk. This method involves holding the bottle horizontally, encouraging your baby to take breaks, and ensuring they are actively sucking rather than passively receiving milk. This can reduce the risk of overfeeding and gas.
Why It Works: Paced feeding allows your baby to feed at a more natural pace, which can reduce the risk of swallowing excess air and help prevent colic symptoms.
Source: Journal of Perinatology – The Benefits of Paced Bottle Feeding
The Bottom Line
Colic can be incredibly challenging, but these surprising tips might just give you and your baby some much-needed relief during feeding times. Remember, every baby is unique, so it might take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you. If colic persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for additional support and guidance.
