Colic Days. Awwwww….Those first three months after baby is born, you know, the fourth trimester. Those are the months that survivors of colic think back to as some of the hardest, most trying times. And I should know! I am one. I am a survivor of three colic babies and all of which also suffered from GERD, otherwise known as the painful notion of acid reflux. Here are the top 10 things that I suggest to other parents with babies that suffer from colic, GERD, or acid reflux. These items helped me survive some difficult times and I would buy them again! Not all items work for everyone. The following are just my opinion and worked for me. I have added links for your convenience.
1. The book, Colic Solved: The Essential Guide to Infant Reflux and the Care of Your Crying, Difficult-to-Soothe Baby by Bryan Vartabedian.
I would read the kindle version of this book on my iphone while I was breastfeeding. I learned a lot and became an expert on colic and acid reflux. The first thing the book taught we was to work closely with my pediatrician, and that’s exactly what I did. She was so patient and so helpful through some of the toughest weeks of my life. Click here to buy.
2. Infant’s Gas Relief Drops Simethicone, Generic for Mylicon
We’ve gone through a lot of Simethicone drops in the past 5 years. I really do believe these help. They work in minutes and help relieve gas in babies. The fact you can buy three of them for less than $10.00 is amazing. Click here to buy.
3. The Shark Vacuum
Any vacuum will do, but the nice thing about this vacuum is the fact it is cordless and re-chargeable. It is super lightweight and easy to maneuver when holding baby. One benefit of the colic days was that our floor was never dirty! The sound would instantly calm baby. Click here to buy.
4. Tranquilo Mat
For some reason, this vibrating mat did the trick. I have several vibrating devices to help soothe baby, but this one seemed to work over all of them. You have the option to buy a large or small mat. I would suggest the small so you can use it in the carseat. Sometimes I would find myself bouncing on the ball with the tranquilo mat wrapped around my baby. Click here to buy.
5. Exercise ball
Any exercise ball will do. I would use this or a small trampoline to bounce baby while I was wearing her in the Baby Bjorn or Mommy Wrap®. I would blast piano relaxation playlists or white noise while bouncing.
6. Happi Tummi
This is an all natural, fast acting relief for baby’s belly. You simply throw it in the microwave and wrap in around baby’s belly to soothe the pain. I would wrap the baby’s belly with Happi Tummi then use the Mommy Wrap® to help hold baby and bounce. Click here to buy.
7. Baby Bjorn
I love my BabyBjorn. I just have the original. In fact, the Mommy Wrap® complements the piece with its pockets and excess fabric to wrap around the BabyBjorn and baby. If you plan to babywear or go on a walk, I would highly suggest the BabyBjorn carrier. Click here to buy.
8. Skechers Go Walk Shoes
These shoes are insanely comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and provide back support with trying to soothe a colic baby! I replaced my tennis shoes with these, because I could slip them on hands free. Amazing shoes. Click here to buy.
9. The Windi and Colic Reliever for Babies
FridaBaby makes this device that you would never believe you would have to use. But when you are in the middle of colic battle, you literally will do anything to soothe your baby. Relieve gas the quickest way by sticking the Windi up the baby’s butt. Yep, guilty… but no regrets. You can literally hear the gas exit the baby’s body and see a sigh of relief. Click here to buy.
10. The Mommy Wrap®
I use The Mommy Wrap® as a uniform for when I am being mom. The convenient connectors help hold and soothe baby. The pacifier clip is amazing so I don’t have to bend over nonstop with a screaming baby. The pockets allow me to carry my phone, gas drops, breastfeeding snacks, lanolin, chapstick and anything else I need at the time. And the best part? I can wear and use The Mommy Wrap® even after my baby grows out of colic!! Click here to buy.