HELP!! Colic!!

In my experience, nothing really works but time. I know you have other children but don't let it stress you out and enjoy holding the baby close. Just appologize to the others and explain to them and it will all be over with soon. I promise. It seems to be forever but after it is over with it seems to have flown by so enjoy it while you can.

I went throught the same problem with my second. It seemed to peak right where you are at this point (if that is any consilation for you). I bought a Miracle Blanket and it worked wonders for him. It is like a straight jacket for newborns. 100x better than any other swaddle blanket. You can get them online and it was worth every penny. My son started sleeping in LONG stretches once we had one, and became an overall happier child. The website is Miracleblanket.com. Good Luck.

Hi,
I know EXACTLY what you mean! My son was a colicky baby when he was small. We didn't know what it was till we changed his formula. He was on enfamil regular. The gold colored one and they had to put him on enfamil lactofree. That helped. He finally got better. Hope this helps, as I know it's stressful not knowing what to do. A.

I can imagine how stressed out you must be. You have two under five and a colicky baby. That can't be easy.

Some babies are colicky and you can try different methods but you may have to wait for him to grow out of it. I wasn't hit with a colicky one until my fifth came along, and I know the frustration of the constant crying. He was born in late December so I couldn't take him out, which made it harder.

Have you tried strapping the baby in the car seat and taking him for a ride? Better yet, have your husband stay home with the other two while you do it. Sometimes babies respond if you hold them on top of a running dryer. They like the motion.

The good news is that he will get over this. You need to be patient, as hard as that is.

Two days after my son was born, a friend had a stillborn baby boy and so that reminded me that, in spite of the colic, I was still fortunate to have him alive and well. My second granddaughter is also colicky. They live far away and I haven't even seen her yet, but when I'm on the phone with my son I hear her screams in the background. My daughter-in-law calmly walks her and rocks her until she settles down. I'm just glad I don't have to do that anymore. But you will live through this. I promise.

Oh, and my colicky kid is now a shy 15-year old and the quietest person in the house.

I had a friend whose son was VERY colicky until about 7-8 months, and here are a few things that worked for her. First she told me that something that worked one time, might not work the next 3 times she tried it, then it would work again for the next few times, so she just kept trying stuff until she found something that soothed him. Do you have a sling or other carrier that could allow you to carry him close and still have your arms free? She also used to put him in his car seat and put it on top of the dryer (she said he like it best when she put towels and sneakers in the dryer to make it 'thump' when she turned it on.) She had vibrating seats, baby swings, and she would put him in the stroller and push him around and around the house. She also had a very clean house because her son never cried when she ran the vacuum cleaner or the dust buster! Also, remember that the more agitated and frustrated you are, the more your son will pick up on it, so the more relaxed and soothing you are, the more relaxed your son can be. I've heard that colicky babies really like to be bounced and moved around in a rhythmic way so maybe you can find something that can bounce that he will like. I really wish you the best of luck as I know it can be very frustrating to hear your child crying and not be able to make him happy. Hope something works soon for you!

Try a Maya Wrap to hold the baby and allow your hands to be free.

You need an After Birth Care doula. They help you handle things after the birth of a baby. They can help with sibling care. Try - www.doulas4u.com.

How about one of those baby carriers that you hold the baby on your chest but have your hands free? Baby b'jorn? Sometimes noise like a vacuum cleaner helps, a white noise machine, baby einstein on the tv...the sounds and colors really seem to make baby fixate on it. Might be a bit young to see the tv though but the music may help. Tell your 4 yr old that the baby has a belly ache and will be all better soon. That you need her help around the house. Ask a family member or friend to please help out with the home until this passes or ask grandma or aunt to hold him while you do housework. Supposedly the crying happens at the same time each day and only for a few hours...not sure if this is true but during the non-crying times, bust your butt to get the most important things done. Don't worry about things that aren't important. Sweep or vacuum once a week when your baby is sleeping, ask friends or family to help with dinner or if you can afford it, go to one of those places that prepare dinner for you. When you do have time to make dinner, make extra and freeze the extra for easy access another day. Do laundry while holding the baby, just throw it in and then sit on the couch folding it while having him in a carrier on your chest. Try a vibrating bouncy seat or swing...may not work with colic but worth a try. Keep in mind that it only lasts a couple of months. It will all be in the past soon and things will be wonderful. :o)

W.

We all feel for you! I recommend reading "Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Karp. It is a GREAT book for colicky babies. It advocates for swaddling, white noise (like even as loud as a vacuum or hair dryer), sucking, tummy pressure, and movement (all at the same time if necessary). The suggestions to wear your baby is a great one too. I wore my daughter almost constantly for the first 3 months. I even was able to cook and do dishes with her in the pack (it took me a lot longer than normal, though ;) I used a baby bjorn. I had a sling and a ergo baby carrier, but the baby bjorn was what my daughter preferred. My mother and I started calling it the "Magic Pack". Hang in there! C

.

H.,

I so feel your pain! My oldest daughter had sleep APNEA and they gave her a loading dose caffine in the hospital when she was 3 weeks old. This was the first day that she started to have colic. I remember the crying and the tears, the baby had some too! :) We tried all kinds os remides all of them worked to some degree. None of them got rid of the colic though, just gave us some relieve. I hope that medicine has progress since then (12 yrs ago). If not, here are some of the things that we did:

1. White noise (blow drier, driving in the car, sitting in the car seat on the drier, and vaccum)
(we had the cleaned hallway on the block)
2. Kanrooing (that's where you and the baby go topless and the heat from your body is supposed to help break up the gas bubbles.)
3. Crying with him/her. No it doesn't help them, but it does help you.
4. warm baths.
5. Rubbing his/her tummy with warm wash clothes.
6. rocking in a rocking chair (especialy good if you have the blow drier or vacuum going at the same time and even better if you can kangroo, rock and have blow drier going!)
7. Warm the milk. My daughter couldn't stand room tempature bottles. She liked it warmer then that.
8. Motrin for you and your husband. Start it before the colic starts in the afternoon.

I hope these tips help you. Our ped also told us that for some reason colic is at it's peak in the late afternoon and when the moon is out. He had no explination for it only that after 25 years as being a ped doctor that it was a fact, even if he could tell us why.

Good Luck
K.
7.

Nurse him and lay him on his stomach when he is napping during the day and you can keep an eye on him. He needs security and laying him on his tummy adds extra security when you're not there. Also, get a clock that ticks softly and put it in his bassinet. This worked with my first one. If it's true colic you will be in for a long 3 months. Usually they are better by the time they are 4 months. Also, get a babysitter (grandma) and you, dad, and the other 2 tikes need to get away for a few hours. If you don't do this you are going to get burned out quickly. It's hard enough to juggle two kids and a newborn but when the new one is colicky it adds stress. Take time to yourself.

Are you sure he is getting enough milk? When my daughter was that age, we thought it was colic, but she was actually crying because she was hungry and was having trouble nursing due to low muscle tone. I didn't know this, and was determined to breast feed, but at 3 months she refused the breast altogether. When I switched her to formula, she became the happiest baby in the world. She was just hungry, poor thing, and I had no idea. I found an organic formula (Earth's best organic), and although it wasn't my ideal plan, we were all happier when we switched. I'm not saying you should stop breastfeeding, but maybe there is something else going on besides colic. Feel free to message me with any questions.
-K.

as some others suggested, I would try wearing him in a front carrier so that you can deal with your other kids. My oldest would cry for 3 hrs straight between 5pm-8pm everyday. I could set my watch to it. Luckily I didn't have any other kidsto handle at the same time. He liked being held on one arm. His head at my elbow with his belly against my arm. I held him between the legs. My other then was free to pat his back or whatever else needed to be done. I know one baby that was only comforted by the sound of the vaccuum. She still has a freakishly clean spot in her room where the parents let it sit and run with her in the crib.

I had a friend who's little sister had colic and she said that the whole family had to take turns carrying her. Movement and comfort was the only thing that worked. Your husband is probably nervous, as crying will bring out that feeling in us all. But, he needs to be able to comfort his son... so he needs to continue trying for both of their sakes! You guys could try what my husband and I tried. We both wore him. It was great for us all. We were able to take care of other things besides just the baby. We had front packs and wraps. Although, the wrap was too hot for my LO unless it was cold. Also, try elevating his bed at night. Another mother here suggested the vibrating accessory.. that's seems logical...wish we had tried. But, elevation and vibration together could be very successful. I think that if you have family or close friends that can come over occasionally and relieve you for any length of time this will help TREMENDOUSLY. And, believe me, you friends and family love to be helpful. This will allow you to spend one on one time with your other two children and time alone for you and your husband... which you definitely need. Good luck to you guys. I know that this is a very hard thing to experience, but with help and a huge amount of patience you will get through it.

I have heard people to say that goat's milk is good. It sounds to me that he may have colic. Good luck!

J.

get a backpack/pouch. i had to do this with my 4 year old. i could never get anything done... it help a ton... good luck

I'm not sure if this was mentioned. I used a vibrating bouncy seat for probably 3 or 4 months with my first daughter. I know how heart wrenching listening to your little one can be. I would place her seat on the floor and sleep next to her. During the night I would wake up and try turning the seat off. Without fail she would wake up within a half an hour screaming. I stopped trying to turn it off. I was concerned about the constent vibrations not being go for her little body, but I can tell you she is 11 now and on the honor roll and has no medical problems.
Also my 3rd daughter was severley lactose intolerant. I don't know if breast milk has lactose (bottle fed mine), but you may want to ask you Dr. about that also.
Good Luck

H.,
I am so sorry for what you are going through. My son had the worst colic- it lasted ALL day. By all day, I mean he screamed off and on (mostly on) from the time he woke up until about 7 or 8 at night. Nothing worked but holding him, so I know the frustration and desperation you are experiencing.
My advice is to have someone to come and help you out for a couple of hours a day. Do you have other family close by? If not, maybe you could hire a responsible teenager for a couple of hours a day during the week to help hold the baby, or help entertain your other children. Try not let yourself get burned out whatever you do.
Here are some other things- you can swaddling plus a pacifier. Sucking is very comforting. Also, you can try white noise. My son used to quiet right down when we turned on the TV fuzz/static or ran the vacuum (even if it was only temporary). It wasn't until friend of mine gave me a cradle swing that my son would not cry for small amounts of time. He napped in that thing until he was 5 mos old! Another thing you can try is to put the baby down with one of your worn breast pads. Babies associate strongly to smell, and your scent around the crib might be of comfort to him. You can also have your husband wear one of your worn shirts to help settle the baby when its his turn to hold.
I have 100 tricks in my bag, so please email me if you just want to vent, cry, or get some other ideas. Just know that things will get better, and this is just temporary. Hang in there!

I never dealt w/ colic - but I hear that baby wearing works wonders and certain slings give you two free hands.... I wore my youngest all the time!!

Hotslings slings are what I used.... good luck..... remember -this too shall pass ;) I hear most colic resolves between 3-6 months old.

Both my boys went through a period like that. Don't know if it was colic or what, but nothing would do but for ME to carry them. A baby sling or carrier is a lifesaver. It frees your hands so that you can take care of what needs to be done, yet baby feels safe and secure next to you. My oldest is 4 years old now and my youngest is almost 5 months old. He still has days when I have to put him in the carrier for most of the day, but those are getting few and far between.

Get a baby carrier (like Snugli or baby Bjorn) that will keep the baby close to your chest, while leaving your hands free to do other things. Wear the baby for a few months, colic is temporary after all.
Be sure to feed often. If he gets too hungry, he will be more likely to gulp his milk, swallowing air. Feediong him more often, before he is crying, he will nurse more efficiently, swallow less air and cry less. If he has a consistant cranky time of day (often just before supper, when you are trying to cook)it can help to give him a bottle of weak catnip, camomile or peppermint tea. No more than once a day though.
It could also be he needs a chiropractic adjustment. Sometimes babies discomfort is the result of mild, unnoticed birth trauma, like a tight fit coming down the birth canal, or getting pulled out by Dr. If this is the case, a DC that has advanced training in newborns can clear it up in no time.
M.

Best of luck to you and your family. My son is now 17 months old but went through his colic stage. I read everything possible and tried many recommendations. I did not breast feed so therefore I changed formula many times. I finally did enough googling to find Similac Alimentum formula which is for colicky babies. I am not sure if maybe you could try breast milk with the formula or not. Ask your pediatrician. We also purchased a noise machine for his bedroom which he did not sleep in all night until 9 months. I also purchased a vibrating soothing machine from Babies R Us (about $40)that worked for a while. The best advice is try different things to see what works best for your baby. Also I have heard many people that use slings which may also help. I hope you find a soothing answer. My 8 year son did not like all of the crying but the most important thing was spending one on one time with him. Now they are best of friends and the baby has grown out of his crying.

H., I truly sympathize with you. I have two children in which I truly believe were colicky. Have you tried swaddling him with a blanket with your scent (milk)? Also, a snuggli might help. My youngest son couldn't seem to stay happy unless he was swaddled even up to about 3 months which I'm sure you could imagine was very difficult as he started to gain control of his hands and feet. It will get better. Try taking your diet to the very bare minimum of fluids too, no orange juice, but lots of other fluids (water or apple juice). Hope something helps.

Mylicon (or store brand simethicone drops) worked for us and was a lifesaver. But I would also just put him in his room and shut the door and let him cry, if you have to. Remember, this too shall pass and he will not remember it when he grows up. You need your rest.

Find a sling or other baby carrier that you can be comfortable in. Just wear your ds all of the time. Dd only like being carried upright and for us an asian style baby carrier worked best. Life with a three year old and a newborn improved significantly after we got the hang of baby wearing. I used a babyhawk carrier (www.babyhawk.com) when dd was little.
Good luck to you. I know how hard it can be.

I would buy a sling, pouch or wrap to put him in. That way you can still "hold" him close but have your hands free to do other things.

Also, I remember when my daughter was a baby her pediatrician told me that there is something (I don't remember what) in some brands of gripe water that can cause seizures. So if the gripe water wasn't recommended by your pediatrician I would give him/her a call and find out.

Have you tried gas drops? They work miracles on my daughter.

I feel for you. Went through the same thing. My son seemed to love movement. Try the swing or vibrating baby seat. Take her for a walk in her stroller. I know it's hard but it will pass. As for your daughter just keep explain that sometime baby's feel this way. I wish you the best of luck.

I truly feel for you! My son, who is now 2, went through the same thing at 1 month and did not stop until around 3 months! Every evening from 5 or 6 he would just scream. It seemed the main thing that stopped his crying was for me to nurse him until he fell asleep for the night (I'm sure not what you wanted to hear). Sometimes if I rocked him and sang it helped, but that still meant mommy was holding him. Also, I would lay him on my lap and gently push his legs toward his belly to relieve the pressure. Or you could try a swing too. That would stop him from crying sometimes. Believe me, I tried everything and read everything! I was thankful he was my only child. It must be extremely difficult with 2 others. As the other post said, hang in there - it will pass. And the more help your husband can give you with your other children and housework the better. It will be over before you know it!

I guess colic is as old as the world . . . We raised 4 kids, 2 boys/2 girls (all breastfed for at least a year) and both boys had colic (AND jaundice, not that it's relevant). Suckling was the only thing that helped any, so we got pacifiers -- and that really wasn't MUCH help. They are both men, now -- 23 and 28, and as well-adjusted as the girls! (I think! LOL)

It's something that you just have to get through. Nothing 'fixes' it (unless there's some new miracle cure that I don't know about). 'Stressing' about it DEFINITELY doesn't help, and I don't know that your diet makes much difference, either. (I know my sister quit drinking soda/pop if her 4 kids were 'gassy', but I don't know if it helped, either). I'm sure the 'sling' thing is good. I did hold mine a lot.

I know it doesn't help your grated nerves for me to say this, but just stay calm. THIS, TOO, shall PASS!

God bless!

I know how hard it is! Honest. My second son started the same thing and was only happy when I (just me) would hold him very snug (in sling or just up real close). Turns out he has a severe peanut allergy and we didn't learn until much later. I believe I was probably grabbing a piece of bread w/peanut butter or a trail mix granola bar in place of meals (I had a 2 yr old son at the time to keep up with).

It may be something else, but in retrospect, I'm CONVINCED that his severe fussiness was due to this allergy.

Hope it helps.

L.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this or not, but there is a medicine called Colic Calm that you can buy online. It's a homeopathic medicine. It is expensive, but whenever my daughter had tummy troubles, it works like a dream. She had acid reflux from 3 weeks to about 9 months and she was prescribed Zantac. it seemed to help. she also slept in her carseat until six months old to keep her elevated so the acid would not burn her throat at night. now if she gets gas or eats something that doesn't agree with her, we give her the colic calm and it helps really quickly. One thing, though, it is dark, dark black which is a little scary and stains things very easily. it may be worth a try, though. I remember that during the rough times early on she was just like your little one - would cry unless being held. I couldn't put her down.

When my daughter would go through those crying jags (that didn't ever seem to stop) I would take her outside and she would stop. I got one of the baby carriers and straped her on my chest. It was good for both of us it got us out of the house and we both got some fresh air. It helped both of our attitudes. Take all of the kids and let them blow off some steam. Sorry I don't have alot of advice but please know you are not alone. Give yourself and your kids a hug.
S.

My son had colic when he was still in the NICU. They would wrap him in a warm blanket or put one on his tummy. It seems to help. Also, there is some drops that you can get at CVS, Walgreens or even Walmart for baby gas(sorry it has been 4 years so I don't remember the name of it) it was in a blue bottle. That with the warm blanket's seem to help. I hope that it gets better.

S.

I'm so sorry your little guy is so uncomfortable, I went through that with my daughter and it was so tiring and stressful. Have you had him checked for acid reflux? My daughter showed signs of "colic" at 3 weeks and was diagnosed with acid reflux at 8 weeks. Two doses of medicine later and she was almost back to normal. She's 18 months old now and still takes medicine twice a day but it helps so much. I did a ton of research back then and apparently many babies diagnosed with colic actually have reflux. Good luck and I promise it will get better! In the meantime try infant gas drops and you may have to try feeding him more upright.

Gosh, I feel for you! My first son was exactly the same way! We also did the gripe water and it only helped a little. The only thing that worked was turning on some type of noise machine that is louder than the crying. It seemed to make him stop. I also took him into the bathroom , turned off the lights, shut the door and turned on the vent fan. Taking the lights and background noise away seemed to do the trick when it was time for a nap or bed.
I know they say not to lay babies on their belly, but maybe it is the pressure from your chest on his belly that is helping him feel better. Try some tummy time when you are watching him...
Also, we started zantac for reflux since he spit up so much, but only did that for a few days b/c I didn't like giving him meds that early. If he is spitting up a bunch, you might want to ask the Dr. about it.
Good luck!!! This too shall pass..though it will feel like forever! Sorry I couldn't be much help... I was hoping that knowing that someone else was there would give you peace of mind.
Can you send your daughter to a friends house a few times a week?

Have you tried Mylicon drops and/or using a baby bjorn to carry him around in ... that way he is close to you, but your hands are free.

You poor thing! I feel for you...

I'm sure you've tried EVERYTHING, but have you tried wearing him in the Baby Bijorn? At least that way you'll have your hands free.

Has Daddy tried tried Kangaroo Care? It's skin to skin contact, we found that worked really well- for baby and Dad. It might free you up a little, especially in the evenings.

Also, try taking the baby outside. There is something about the fresh, crisp air that calms everyone down. This way you can interact with your other children, too, even if you're holding your baby the whole time.

I went Dairy & Lactose free, too, and that was the hardest part! It was over Christmas last year and I was so grumpy and bitter. The things we do for our babies!!

Good luck, H.!

My first son was very much the same way. I now have 3 and think I would feel the same as you!!

First, you are doing a great job. Keep nursing, that's the most important thing.

Try to rest as much as possible when he will rest.

Try holding him in front of you but with your hands on his tummy, like he is lying down, bouncing or swaying with him in front of you.

Do you have a Yoga Ball? Try holding him and lightly bouncing on the ball.

Have you ever read the poem by Erma Bombeck "If I Had My Life to Live Over"? I won't post it here because it is a bit long, but just google her and you'll find it. Puts things into perspective :)

Remember, this too shall pass...

My little sister had colic (she's 9yrs younger than me)and I remember a few things about her constant crying. That was almost 30yrs ago. Since then my mom has shared a few things that helped her cope.
When my sister nursed she was sat straight up against my mom's chest to help keep her stomach acids down. This also reduced vomitting as well as to ease her discomfort. She spent a LOT of time being rocked in a straight back chair that had no rockers. Its constant bumping motion brought up the gasses trapped and eased her cramping. Mom also listened to music or watched television while caring for my sister. She would do the best she could to tune out the cries by focussing on something else. She also started taking vitamins to increase her stamina and sooth her stress. Vitamin B complex is awesome.
As for myself and my older sister, other than giving mom a break from time to time so she could gather her senses, we went to a neighbor's house often so we wouldn't be stressed too. It gave us a break and eased my mom's nerves knowing we weren't constantly dealing with the screaming. You might ask a family member or friend to come take you older children out on a regular basis till the baby is over the colic.
The only good news with colic is that it does eventually end. Just as soon as your baby is feeling better, reward yourself with a day out. Let the baby stay with a sitter and go pamper yourself for a couple of hours doing things that you enjoy.
Meanwhile... PRAY!! The Lord will give you the strength and the wisdom you need to make it through if you'll ask Him to.

fIRST OF ALL, LET ME TELL YOU IT DOES GET BETTER. I FELL FOR YOU BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THERE, BUT NOT WITH TWO LITTLE ONES. MINE ARE SPACED A LITTLE FARTHER APART. ANYWAY, THE ONLY ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU IS TO WEAR THE BABY IN A SLING OR FRONT CARRIER. THAT WAY HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU BUT IT LEAVES YOUR HANDS FREE. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR HUSBAND TO SPEND EXTRA TIME WITH THE OTHER CHILDREN AND YOU TRY TO AS WELL WHEN THE BABY LETS YOU. IT WILL NOT HURT THE BABY TO CRY FOR A LITTLE WHILE WITH YOUR HUSBAND, THAT WAY THEY CAN DISCOVER A WAY TO BOND AND LET YOUR HUSBAND SOOTHE HIM AS WELL. JUST REINFORCE TO YOUR 4 YR OLD THAT SHE IS DOING NOTHING WRONG, AND FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HER TO DO (BRING DIAPERS, GET PACI, ETC) THE BEST THING I CAN SAY IS TO BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF WHEN YOU START TO GET STRESSED, EVENIF ITS JUST 5 MINUTES, BABIES CAN TELL AS I AM SURE YOU KNOW, AND COLICKLY BABIES ARE EVEN MORE SENSITIVE. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS FOR YOU NEXT FEW MONTHS UNTIL THINGS GET BETTER.

Cat Nip Tea from a health food store and run a vac.cleaner. This is all my friend could do til it passed. Good Luck!

Maybe try running a vacuum cleaner? I think there are cds made of just that sound so you don't wear out the motor in your vacuum. I know of a couple of people that has worked for.

Maybe try some infant massage? You can google that.

There's a book called something like the Happiest Baby on the Block (or the neighborhood) by Dr. Karp. I haven't read it, but I believe the 5 S's are to swaddle, side or stomach position (while holding baby), shush sound (mimicks the womb - cd's are made of it), swinging, sucking. Those things all helped with my son whom my sister nick named Cryler (his name is Kyler).

I too, went through the same thing with my two youngest, boys, of course! LOL! Anyway, the middle child would cry every day from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. -- non-stop. My youngest was every night from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.!!! That one was bad because I still had two more to take care of during the day and I was very sleep deprived! I cut out all dairy products and all fresh fruit and veggies. No salads, no brocolli, etc. I drank soy milk and ate no cheeses! We just had to let it run its course. We did the gas drops. Can't think of the name of them right now, but they worked to an extent. We did also give them pacifiers and that seemed to help some. My only advice, really, is to be very patient. If you feel you are getting stressed, please get someone else to sit with him. Take the other kids out to lunch or get ice cream or something to spend time with just them an let someone else deal the baby! He'll be crying when you get home, but at least you didn't hear it! LOL!! I know that might be hard because my middle son only wanted me and cries worse for everyone else. Just get someone else who is patient like a grandmother and try it. Good luck!

Google "colic" and look up trustworthy names like Mayo Clinic, webmd, etc.
http://children.webmd.com/tc/colic-promoting-healthy-grow... (concepts)
http://children.webmd.com/tc/colic-promoting-healthy-grow... (ideas)

Also, look up some of Mamasource's old colic and reflux articles.
http://www.mamasource.com/request/13165534727270039553
http://www.mamasource.com/request/13730499913706373121

Oh H., I feel for you. Remember that you're already probably 1/3 of the way through.
My oldest screamed all the time. But, with her reflux, projectile vomiting, and then RSV pneumonia at that age, I didn't know she was colicky. And, my communication with her pediatrician was so poor that I didn't know how or what to tell him.
Two years later, I took my newborn screaming son to our new elderly pediatrician at 1:00 PM (note how early in the day it was for his screaming) for a routine check-up. He remarked that Michael was possibly the most colicky baby he had ever seen in all his years. Despite being a nurse for 14 years, I had thought his behavior was normal because he acted just like my daughter had (without the projectiles:))! The doc sent me home with simethicone (Mylicon) and paregoric (an opiate), and encouraged me to keep a food diary (breastfeeding) with no other instructions. I didn't use the meds, but gained insight and learned some other tricks.
He described the pain and torment the colicky child experiences with his immature intestinal tract. Nowadays, scientists believe it's more of an immature nervous system. That my baby's torment was worse than mine, made Michael's inconsolability easier for me to confront emotionally.
My husband was in med school at the time and was not available to assist much.
Also, remember that even the BEST of babies worldwide start crying at 7:00 PM and stop when they're asleep.
There was no way I could keep a food diary with Michael's crying and my other responsibilities.
I learned about holding Michael all the time. Boy, I wish I had a baby carrier. I believe sitting the baby on the dryer, running the vacuum cleaner, and driving around in the car have all been mentioned. I also found that mild abdominal pressure - baby's abdomen over my shoulder or across my leg allowed me to eat or tend to my daughter.
Several of the "reflux tricks" help with colic, as well. Burping religiously after every ounce or so. Simethicone helps get the bubbles out. Lying them on their right side with their head elevated during and after feedings. They swallow air when they cry. Once they start crying, it is like the pathway is paved for them to continue.
My good friend told me to call her first if I ever thought about throwing him down the stairs. I thought she was joking! I never had to, but these babies ARE at a greater risk for "shaken baby syndrome" than others. We learned that our babysitter of 2 weeks (we fired her) was putting him in a bed in a far distant corner of the house so she couldn't hear him and walking away.
I suggest letting your daughter know that he's not feeling well but he's not actually sick. His body is having more trouble than most babies getting used to life outside your tummy, but the doctor says he'll feel better around Christmas.
Good luck. Feel free to email me if you want or need to.

H.,

I am so sorry for you my child had colic. It lasted until she was about 4 to 5 months old. First of all if you have to just set the baby down and you and your kids can sit on the proch and read a book because lets face it sometimes they don't stop crying no matter what. Or at least mine wouldn't. Go out today and buy the book The Happiest Baby on the block. Also go to Brookstone or what ever store you have in the mall that is similar and buy a noise maker. As suggested in the book. Ours made all sorts of soothing baby noises. She always preferred the white noise and still sleeps with it on at 4 years old. You will make it through. You are lucky this wasn't your first baby. I now have an only child because my precious little baby seemed to be possesed!!!! (Just kidding)

My sister has a fussy/colicky baby as well, and she has found Marc Weissbluth's book "Healthy Sleep Patterns, Happy Child" to be very helpful. She has been giving him gas drops (Bubble-Be-Gone) after he eats as well. That seems to take the edge off a bit. I think a lot of babies come out of it at about 2-3 months....so there is hope! I'm so sorry things are hard right now. I prayed for you. Persevere!
Hope you get some good responses that help! God bless you and your family!

My first son had terrible colic until it finally disappeared after 8 months. The only thing I ever accomplished by holding him more was that he cried a little less loudly. Every sitter that I tried out quit the first day. I thinking it's a great step that he quiets when you hold him and I agree with the other posts that say get a carrier/sling and roll with it. It's great that you've already researched about diet and what role this may have for him. Back in the day our pediatrician finally gave me a liquid medicine that was an "antispasmodic" to quiet his tummy pain. BUT he didn't do that until my little angel actually had a colic attack in the middle of an appointment. Last, I don't know if this would have worked for my son, but I did try a home remedy with my daughter who seemed to have colic only at night from 11pm to 2am. The home remedy did help her. I made a tea by boiling fennel seed - a couple of tablespoons in a quart of water. I let it simmer until the tea was a golden color. While it was still hot, I would sweeten it lightly with regular sugar. I kept it in a glass container in the fridge and it would keep for more than two weeks. After feeding her, I would give her a little of the tea warmed in a bottle. At your son's age now, I would say no more than one ounce. If you find that you keep using this as he gets older you can increase the amount to up to three ounces. This cleared up her colic after about 6 weeks. Good luck!

Does he have thrush? I was told that my daughter had colic and it turned out to be thrush. I used the gripe water, etc. But, couldn't keep her from screaming for hours. Like you, I was at my wit's end. If you think that this is even a possibility, go to an herbal store or an old pharmacy (if you are Clarksville, go to Town and Country on Riverside). Ask for gentian violet. You will need latex gloves to put it in his mouth. But, simply, you coat his entire mouth with it as well as your nipple areas. We did it at bedtime and it got on her bed. And, you can wear the nursing pads to protect your bras. Within 24 or 48 hrs. you will have a loving baby!!!!

Try chiropractic or craniosacral therapy. My kids and all my nieces & nephews went to the chiro within a few days or a few weeks of being born, and it helps a lot. I've not tried the craniosacral therapy, but I've heard of several women who have gotten excellent results from it.

In the meantime, get a sling or some other sort of baby carrier that will allow you to hold your baby and get stuff done around the house. It might take a few days to get used to it, but it helps *so* much when you get used to it.

You ought to mention it when you take him to the pediatrician next time, just in case there is something medically wrong with him (reflux or something that makes him want to be upright most of the time). But he may just be more of a cuddle-bug, too -- after all, he's used to having you hold him all the time (like you've done for the past 9 months), and he may be having trouble transitioning from that to occasionally being put down.

H.,
I am so sorry your baby has colic. That makes it really tough for the whole family and I know you feel so helpless trying to comfort him. My son was a preemie and was very colicky. I nursed and we also tried many different formulas. Finally a doctor reluctantly recommended Nutramagin. It is somewhat of a predigested formula which makes it so much easier on the baby. It worked like magic and the colic ended. We couldn't believe it and wondered why it wasn't recommended earlier. It is more expensive than other formulas but was definitely worth it. It is available at WalMart. Good luck and hang in there!

Been there done that. When my daughter had colic at 2 months old i almost pulled my hair out. the only thing we found that helped was driving her around in the car. but that got to be a pain. so one day when i was starting out to drive her around til she fell asleep i sat her car set on the clothes dryer til i got it loaded and turned on and when i went to pick her seat up she was sound asleep. the clothes dryer with its noise and vibration had put her to sleep. people laughed when i told them but trust me it was God sent. she would sleep for a few hours as long as it was running. the happiest day of my life then was when she finally got over colic. kids dont have any idea the pain and lack of sleep parents go threw raising them til they have kids of their own. then they appreciate the love we gave. hope this helps.

Have you tried infant massage? I took an infant massage class when my daughter was 6 weeks old, but I see that they are offered even earlier now (1 month). My daughter didn't have colic, per se, but would tense up before she had a bowel movement. The massage classes were great because she would relax, she clearly enjoyed the massage, and I taught my husband how to do it, so that they could also bond better. My daughter is now 5, and she still asks me to "rub her tummy" when she's constipated.

Are you eating fibrous veggis like broccoli or cauliflower? These can make the baby uncomfortable also. Unless the house is so bad that you cannot move without tripping over every thing, leave the house go some. Like you don't have to dust as often, as long as you can walk in the house and find a place to sit don't stress about that area as much. Try to keep the kitchen clean. You can have the other kids help by picking up thier belongings and putting them away. Is there someone who could come in to help you, family or friend? Accept the help and don't be afraid to ask for help. As for the colic I have never had to deal with that so I won't be much help in that department. Make sure your 4 year old knows that it is not her fault. Try to let her do things that help you or the baby. I remember that if I was upset or stressed during the months/years that I breastfeed my sons would sense that and they would be fussy. If I was upset while actually breastfeeding they would not nurse well at all. Try to relieve any stress you may be having. Stress is no good for anyone. Good Luck! C.

Try swaddling. Or a swing. Everyone needs rest!

I didn't have time to read all of the answers, but check with your baby's doctor about taking beano for a while to see if that helps. It helped my little boy. I guess by decreasing the gas for me, it cut it down in my milk. See what your doctor says. Good luck - been there - twice!