If your baby is cranky, fussy or seems to be crying for no reason at all, chances are and if you just bottle fed the child, the discomfort could be a cause of colic.

Before you panic, what you need to do is to feel the child’s stomach, if it seems distended, it’s a sign that a child is experiencing gas pain or flatulence.

Bottlefed babies or children tends to swallow large amounts of air and is the usual cause of stomach pain in babies, this can also happen to babies who suck on pacifieers and empty bottles -so mommies watch out! This dilemma is the same as an adult’s experience, air is trapped in the digestive tract that causes the discomfort, unlike adults, we can sit in upright position or induce the air to come out, babies don’t know how to do this and are often lying on their backs most of the time.

A good way to release air from the baby’s tummy is by a gentle massage. Most mommies use eucalyptus oils, however, this is a very strong chemical that may cause the child’s skin to burn. It is advisable to use baby oils instead.

Next is burping the child. After you’ve fed the baby, you can put the baby on an upright position on your shoulder and gently do a backrub, two things might happen; burp or fart.

Last is tummy rolls and baby bends. I have tried this before and it has proved to be effective in several occassions. You must be on a seating position and put the child on your lap and rested on your bossom, gently rub the child’s tummy and gently bend the baby forward. This should squeeze out the air.

Always keep an extra baby towel ready, most of the time they burp with milk.

19th January, 2010 | Health/Fitness/Beauty, Household/Parenting, Personal Growth