Caring for a colicky baby who won’t stop crying can be both emotionally and physically exhausting for a parent. A full night’s sleep is a rare thing, and you spend the waking hours endlessly trying to soothe your little one.
As stressed as you may be feeling, remember are that you are not alone, colic is only temporary, and it is not your fault. Most importantly, remember that you need to take care of yourself to be the best parent that you can be.
Here is how you can find some relief amidst all the crying of a colicky baby:
- Get a Doctor’s Advice
Check in with the paediatrician to make sure nothing is wrong with your baby. Although most babies cry a lot, this is due to fussiness and isn’t harmful. However, if your baby is clean, dry, fed and otherwise healthy, yet they cry for hours, you may just need to accept that this is a temporary phase in your baby’s development. Colic isn’t normal fussiness, but it’s not your fault, and it won’t harm your baby. Awful as this stage is, it thankfully won’t last forever.
- Take a Breather
When you have tried everything and still can’t soothe your baby, it’s important to take time for yourself. Swaddle the baby, shush them a little bit, give them a little kiss and lay them down in their cradle on their back, and go take a breather and calm yourself down. It’s okay to take a break when you need it. You should consider investing in a video monitor if you plan to leave the room. Impossible as it seems, you really do need to sleep when the baby is sleeping. It may seem like that’s the only quiet time you get to tackle tasks — or to just enjoy the peace and quiet — but offload as much of your to-do list as possible and just try to get some rest. Maybe you can hire some household help for a few weeks or months until this phase passes.
- Seek Out Support
There is no shame in asking for help from a family member or close friend if you need some time away from the crying. Reach out to your support network to come and take care of the baby while you leave house and run an errand or sit outside for a while. If you can’t leave the house, hand over the baby and step into the shower. The hot water can help you relax, and you won’t be able to hear the crying.
You can also find support and information from online communities. Connecting with others can uplift your spirits and encourage you during the difficult times, even if you’re still listening to the crying.
- Go Out With Friends
When you’re in the midst of these hectic times, try to find some real time for yourself away from the baby. Connect with other parents. Ask your family to watch your baby for a few hours while you get some rest and relaxation. Go for a long walk alone or with a friend. Remember, it’s okay to find time for yourself — you’ll come back to your baby feeling refreshed.
- Take Care of Your Physical Health
Lastly, be intentional about caring for yourself. Being well-rested and eating healthy food is vital. Self-care is absolutely critically important. Make sure that you get sufficient time away from your colicky baby’s crying to really get grounded and re-energised as much as possible. Being a new parent is tough, especially when your baby cries a lot. It’s okay to take a break, ask for help and find time for yourself in your busy schedule. You need to, for your sake and your baby’s. This phase will pass. Take care of yourself in the meantime.
