The colic-diet connection
Diet is worth investigating if nothing else seems to comfort a colicky baby.
- If bottle-feeding, and you've talked to your pediatrician, switch to a formula free of cow's milk.
- If breast-feeding, eliminate cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cow's milk, onion, garlic, and chocolate from your diet. They promote gas pains, and are all on the "most wailing" list of foods. (If eliminating cow's milk, don't forget to ask your doctor about calcium supplements.)
- If elimination diets don't help, get hold of a book on infant colic massage or seek out professional instruction from a massage expert. Some mothers find that five minutes' massage at each diaper change can make for a bearable evening - and a strong bond between mother and child.