728x90
Calm a Crying Baby
Expert Q&A
Question:
I have a beautiful granddaughter who is now 3 months old. She has reflux, and quite a gassy stomach. She is quite cheerful through the day but every evening she has a severe crying spell and there is not anything we have found to do to help her. She is on breast milk and formula. What could be her "evening problem"?
Answer:

There are several possible explanations to your granddaugther's problems. She could be having heartburn as a result of her gastroesophageal reflux. Elevating the head of the bed, thickening feedings with copious amounts of cereal are good starts. Possibly adding medication to diminish acid production can be done through the use of Zantac. Also other medicines are available that are safe and effective for infants.

Additionally, the child could have a digestive problem with some component of the breast milk and/or formula. Sometimes children can have cow's milk protein intolerance problems, causing gas and abdominal pain. Changing formulas pre-digested formula may be helpful as well as eliminating dairy from mom's diet. In general, having mom maintain a diary for her intake may be useful.

Also, babies are oftentimes "colicky" in the late afternoon. Although unclear as to the cause, this is typically a condition which diminishes by around age 3 months. Soothing techniques may be helpful, including swaddling and carrying. Even putting the baby in a car seat on top of a clothes dryer, with the machine turned on, may be helpful.

Related Expert Advice
More answers by this expert

Content provided on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be construed to be medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Click here for additional information.

Welcome, please join our community!
New guest? Sign up!   Returning guest? Sign in!
This content requires flash player 9. Click here to upgrade your flash player.
300x250
SOUND OFF! VOTE & DISCUSS

How do you soothe your crying baby?

  results
AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS