22 Strategies for Soothing a Colicky Baby ~ 8. Try an over-the-counter solution

Many parents have great luck giving their colicky babies gripe water (a preparation made from herbs and sodium bicarbonate). Or you might want to try over-the-counter anti-gas drops if you think gas is what's bothering your baby. Make sure you're buying drops created specifically for babies, and — as with any medication — get your doctor's okay before using either of these.

[source:babycentre.com]

22 Strategies for Soothing a Colicky Baby ~ 6. Ask about a formula change

Formula doesn't often cause colic, but if your baby is colicky, a change may be worth a try. Ask your baby's doctor about switching to a formula that doesn't contain cow's milk protein.

[source:babycentre.com]

22 Strategies for Soothing a Colicky Baby ~ 4. Burp him often

Frequent burping will help get air bubbles out of your baby's tummy. Don't wait until he's finished a full-course feeding to burp him. Prop your infant up for a burping when you change sides during nursing or every few minutes when bottle-feeding.

[Source:Babycentre.com]

22 Strategies for Soothing a Colicky Baby ~ 3. Eliminate frantic feedings

Feed your baby before he's starving — if he's crying from hunger, he's more likely to gulp air along with his meal. Try to feed him in a calm environment: Turn down the lights, put on some soft music, and ask siblings to play quietly (you can always hope)

[source:babycentre.com]

22 Strategies for Soothing a Colicky Baby ~ 2. Keep feedings upright

You might try holding your baby more upright during feedings to help the formula or breast milk travel more smoothly to his tummy. If he's curled up or hunched over, he's more likely to trap some air in there with his food

[Source: babycentre.com]

22 Strategies for Soothing a Colicky Baby ~1. Check the bottle

It may take some trial and error, because what helps one colicky baby might not do anything for another. But there are things you can try to help soothe your baby. Some will work best if tummy trouble is the issue, while others will be more helpful if your baby needs reassurance.

1. Check the bottle

If your baby's bottle-fed, it's important to find a bottle that won't contribute to his gulping. The more air he swallows with his feeding, the more likely tummy trouble will be.

The nipple should have a hole that's not too small, which could frustrate him and make him gulp for more food, or too large, which would cause the liquid to come at him too quickly.

Some bottles are specially designed to reduce air intake. Some are curved, while others have internal vents or liners, which prevent air bubbles from forming in the liquid and keep the nipple from collapsing.

[Source: babycenter.com]