Soothing Your Fussy Baby Checklist

What you need to calm your colicky baby

by Deborah Bohn


	Swaddling and/or receiving blankets (3-5)	There's a reason your newborn looked like a burrito with a head when the nurses handed him to you for the first time; babies love to be swaddled. They were packed tightly in the womb for months, unable to move an uncontrollable arm or flailing leg, and they liked it that way. Receiving blankets are also great for draping over the portable car seat or stroller to shut out stimulation and make things a little darker in there.


	Front carrier or baby sling	Colic is virtually unheard of in cultures that carry babies in slings for the first few months of life. Slings and carriers can be used for months. They're great for shopping, taking walks, and just wearing the baby around when she needs snuggle time to calm down.


	Anti-gas remedies	Simethicone drops and gripe water can dissolve trapped air bubbles that may cause discomfort. While generally considered safe, consult with your child's pediatrician before giving your baby gas drops or any other medication.


	Teething remedies	Try a wet washcloth or chilled (not frozen) water-filled teething toy. A metal spoon dipped in ice water is a good alternative when the store-bought teethers hit the deck in restaurants! Medicated numbing ointments can help but will also numb baby's tongue and gums, so prepare for lots of drooling. Ask your doctor if acetaminophen or ibuprofen is in order.


	Pacifier	Provide your baby with a pacifier, a finger, or a breast. Doctors say that sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain. Don't worry about which nipple shape is best—they're all fine—just look for a size appropriate to your child's age.


	Baby massage	Research shows that massage nurtures babies' psychological, physiological, and developmental growth. Many hospitals offer infant massage classes, but if you don't have time to attend there are plenty of learn-at-home videos and books available. This tender touching not only expels gas and soothes babies, it helps parents relax, too.


	Resources (books, DVDs)	Dr. Harvey Karp's The Happiest Baby on the Block book and video have given many a mama the tools and tricks she needs to calm a fussy baby. The Fussy Baby Book, by Dr. William Sears; Calming Your Fussy Baby, by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton; and Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, by Tracy Hogg are all great, too.