as the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, or washer/dryer. Parents should not
put their baby on any of these appliances; just near them might help.
(Some parents believe that the noise and vibration offer a measure of
comfort for their infants; the authors offer these as suggestions rather
than recommendations.)
Taking Care of You
First-time moms and dads may find these early months challenging
beyond belief, especially if they have a colicky baby. This can lead to
some stressful and frustrating weeks, so one of the best things you can do
for your baby is to take care of yourself. As much as possible, keep your
baby’s routine going. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Ask a
friend or family member to take over for a while, even if it is only for an
hour or two. While time always seems to move slowly during stressful
situations just keep in mind the hope of the future—your baby will
outgrow his colic.
Reflux and GERD
One of the biggest medical risks associated with colic is not the condition
itself, but the symptoms because they can mimic and often mask more
serious conditions such as: milk protein allergies, lactose intolerance, and
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This is why we cannot
overemphasize the importance of parents notifying their healthcare
professional regarding their baby’s symptoms. GERD is a real digestive
problem in newborns and is often missed because it is too quickly labeled
colic.
At the same time be careful not to confuse GERD with GER. GER is
“gastro-esophageal reflux” (or just “reflux”). GER is asymptomatic
spitting up and usually does not require medical treatment because the
baby is growing well and is not fussy. For this level of reflux medication
is not usually prescribed.
GERD, (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) does cause pain and/or