Laura Ikeji Kanu gives birth to a healthy baby boy

Fashionista Laura Ikeji and her husband, Ogbonna Kanu safely welcomed there Ryan.

Such a cutie. Congratulations dear.

Bteaking Bad Sleeping Habit

Have you become a human pacifier? If the answer is yes, it's time to retire your binky ways and show your baby how to pacify herself. That means no more nighttime nursings, bedtime bottles, or "rock till you drop" routines. It may sound harsh, but in reality, those habits are counterproductive to your goal of getting your child to sleep through the night. Because while some babies can fall asleep at your breast or in Daddy's arms at bedtime and still manage to soothe themselves back to sleep without you in the middle of the night, most will demand the same parent-provided comforts, whatever the hour might be.

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO
Start by revamping the bedtime routine. If your baby's dependent on a bottle or breast to sleep, start scheduling the last feeding a good 30 minutes before her usual bedtime or nap. Then, when she's sleepy (but not asleep) make your move and place her in her crib. Sure, she'll fuss (perhaps loudly) at first, but give it a chance. Once she learns to soothe herself (and almost all babies do in time) — perhaps by sucking on her thumb (a harmless, helpful habit for babies) or a pacifier (check the pros and conshere), or by rocking herself or fingering her blanket — she won't need you anymore (at bedtime only, of course!).

HOW IT WORKS
As long as your baby can drift off on her own, it's fine to go in to her should she wake at night. That doesn't mean you should pick her up or nurse her; however, because she's mastered the art of comforting herself, your voice and a gentle stroke should be enough to get her settled into sleep once more.

SLEEP TIP: A WORD ABOUT THE FAMILY BED
Yet another entry in the sleep-through-the-night sweepstakes is the notion of sharing your bed with your baby — a practice that's common in many cultures. According to Dr. William Sears, the best way to foster positive sleep associations is to keep your baby right next to you in bed, preferably skin to skin. Part of the philosophy behind cosleeping is that there's no good reason to force your baby to give up nighttime feedings or to sleep through until morning. And that's fine — as long as everyone (including Daddy) is on board.

Various types of Vomiting, and what each means

Nothing’s worse than seeing your darling’s dinner reappear soon after she’s eaten it (and not just because you’re probably the one cleaning up the aftermath). While it’s common for kids under three to vomit, the causes for upchucking can vary, which can complicate curing your cutie. If your baby or toddler is vomiting, consult the list of symptoms below to figure out what’s going on and when to call the doctor.

IF YOUR YOUNG BABY IS VOMITING AND THERE ARE NO OTHER CLEAR SYMPTOMS:

Possible cause of vomiting:

Her still-developing digestive system. If the discharge looks cheesy, it’s probably ordinary spit-up. (Read: No worries…unless this happens all the time, every time, and she’s not gaining weight.)

IF YOUR BABY IS VOMITING AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

Non-forceful spitting up that gets worse as she growsFussiness after feedingsSlow weight gainHeartburnPossible cause of vomiting:

Reflux (also known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition that occurs when food backs up from a baby’s stomach into the esophagus because the esophageal muscle isn’t strong enough to keep it down (This definitely warrants a call to the pediatrician for a checkup.)

IF YOUR BABY OR TODDLER IS VOMITING AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

QueasinessYawningSweatingPale skinLack of interest in food

Possible cause of vomiting:

Motion sickness, especially if you’re in a car or boat, but also if your child just rode a theme-park ride or even a playground swing or anything that spins (No need to call the doc if it’s occasional. If it becomes a problem, then consult your doctor for advice on motion sickness.)

IF YOUR BABY OR TODDLER IS VOMITING ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

Skin rashesHivesSwellingDifficulty breathingLoss of consciousness

Possible cause of vomiting:

Food allergies or intolerance (Call your doctor or head to the emergency room or pediatrician’s office.)

IF YOUR BABY OR TODDLER IS VOMITING, BUT NO ONE ELSE IN THE FAMILY IS, AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

DiarrheaFeverStomach pain

Possible cause of vomiting:

A gastrointestinal virus, like rotavirus, a common infectious virus that spreads quickly among children in day care and other group settings (Call the pediatrician’s office to see whether she needs to be brought in.)

IF YOUR BABY OR TODDLER IS VOMITING ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY, AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

DiarrheaFeverStomach painPossible cause of vomiting:

Food poisoning, maybe from salmonella or E. coli, likely from something the whole family ate (Call the pediatrician’s office to see whether she needs to be brought in.)

IF YOUR BABY OR TODDLER IS VOMITING AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

FeverStomach pain that gets increasingly intenseLoss of appetite

Possible cause of vomiting:

Appendicitis (Call your doctor or head to the ER or pediatrician’s office.)

IF YOUR BABY IS VOMITING FOR MORE THAN TWO FEEDINGS IN A ROW AND HER SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

Projective vomiting, which is very forceful vomiting (as in across the room), within 15 to 30 minutes after feeding

Possible cause of vomiting:

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, which is a narrowing of the intestines (Consider heading straight to the ER if you suspect this.)

New mum, Lilian Esoro steps out with her son

Lilian Esoro-Franklin took to Instagram to share a photo with her son in a baby carrier. The Nollywood actress and husband Ubi Franklin welcomed their first child last month.

Terrence Howard and wife, Mira Park welcome their second child

Empire actor Terrence Howard and his wife, Mira Pak have welcomed their second child together - a boy named Hero. He announced the news by sharing a picture of the new baby being held by the couple's older son, 15-month-old Qirin. He tweeted it along with a heart emoji: 'Hero being held by Qirin.' This makes the boy Terrence's fifth child as he has two daughters and a son from a previous marriage, as well as two grandchildren.

Megan Fox and Austin Green welcomes there third child

Actress Megan Fox and her husband actor, Brian Austin Green, welcomed their third child together, another boy named Journey River Green, on Thursday, Aug. 4. He joins big brothers Noah Shannon Green, 3 and a half years, and Bodhi Ransom Green, who is 2 years old.

African migrant delovers baby on Italian patrol boat after being rescued in the Mediterranean Sea

A Congolese migrant mother went into labour after being rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and delivered her baby girl on an Italian patrol boat on July 30.
They were later taken aboard Italian Navy ship Bettica. The baby was named Joy Aurora. The new mother and her husband were rescued together with 870 other asylum seeking migrants.   
 
Source: Daily Mail

Russell Wilson speaks on been a step dad to Ciara's son

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is now the step-dad to baby Future, after marrying his mum, Ciara last month. Speaking about being a step-dad, and enjoying it, Russell on his Architect For Change web series with Maria Shriver, said;
"Ciara has a little man, he's awesome and cute as can be, he's a special kid. I'm a stepdad now. When I see this kid, he's 2 years old, he's so sweet and loving, always has a smile on his face. Being a stepfather, it's about loving the child because the child can do something amazing in his life."

How much sleep do Babies need?

Infants, babies and toddlers have different sleep requirements. Here's a breakdown of the amount of sleep needed:

NEWBORN TO 6 MONTHS:
Infants need about 16 to 20 total hours of sleep per day (and usually wake every two or three hours to chow down). By about four months, most babies sleep ten to 12 hours at night (with a feeding or two) and nap for three to five hours of sleep a day (spaced between two or three naps).

6 TO 12 MONTHS:
At this age, babies typically sleep about 11 hours at night (many straight through) and take two daily naps that add up to three to four hours.

1 TO 3 YEARS:
Most toddlers need ten to 13 hours of sleep, which includes an afternoon nap of one to three hours.

10 Reasons Baby’s Not Sleeping (and How to Cope)

Sleep: No one in your home is likely getting much of it, especially during the first few months. And even once your baby is sleeping through the night, she can develop sleep problems. That’s why knowing the most common reasons babies don’t sleep can help. If you can recognize the issue and have tools to cope, you can defuse potentially tough situations more easily so that, with any luck, everyone gets a better night’s rest. Read on for a few of the most common reasons your baby might not be sleeping at each stage during the first year and then get solutions to help your restless little one rest.

SLEEP PROBLEMS: 0 TO 1 MONTHS OLD
At the newborn stage, babies are still adjusting to a regular sleeping pattern. Newborns generally sleep about 16 hours a day, waking up frequently for feedings both day and night. A 1-month-old should get about 14 to 18 hours of sleep a day in more regular patterns (eight to nine hours at night and another seven to nine hours over the course of several naps). There is still a lot for her (and maybe you!) to learn about how to get enough rest. Here are a couple of challenges you can take steps to solve: 
Resisting Sleeping on Her Back
What it looks like: Your baby fusses or won’t settle when laid on her back to sleep. Babies actually feel more secure sleeping on their tummies, but it’s linked to a much higher incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So experts recommend always laying your baby on her back to sleep.   

How to solve it: If your baby just won’t settle down on her back, talk to your pediatrician, who may want to check for any possible physical explanations. But much more likely, your baby just doesn’t feel as secure on her back. If that’s the case, there are a few tricks you can try to encourage back-sleeping, including swaddling your baby and rocking her to sleep. Just skip the sleep positioner, and stick with a consistent routine.Eventually, your baby will get used to sleeping on her back.

Mixing Up Day and Night
What it looks like: Your baby sleeps all day, but then stays up all night long (not such a party for you!). When your baby was in your womb, your activity during the day rocked her to sleep, leaving her awake all night as you were trying to rest. 

How to solve it: Your baby’s nocturnal ways will correct themselves as she adjusts to life on the outside, but there area few things you can do to help speed along the process of helping baby to separate day and night, including limiting daytime naps and making clear distinctions between day and night (like keeping baby’s room dark when she naps and avoiding turning on the TV during nighttime feedings).



SLEEP PROBLEMS: 2 TO 3 MONTHS OLD
Your baby should sleep and wake in normal patterns now, with a few naps during the day and then a longer period of sleep at night, interrupted by the occasional feeding. A 2-month-old should get a total of 14 to 16 hours a day (eight to 10 at night and four to eight over a few naps), while a 3-month-old should get about nine to 10 hours at night and a few naps a day of one and a half to two hours each.
Sleep Regression
What it looks like: At 3 months old, your formerly sleepy baby may be ready for anything but bedtime — even though you're ready to drop. Welcome to sleep regression — a perfectly normal blip on the sleep radar that many babies experience at this time, then often again at 8 to 10 and 12 months (though it can happen at any time). Why? With all this fascinating new stuff to play with and see and people to encounter, it seems life is just too much fun these days to waste time sleeping.

How to solve it: Stick with (or start) your baby bedtime routine — the bath, the story and the cuddles. Also be sure your baby is getting enough sleep during the day to make up for lost sleep at night (it’s even harder for an overtired baby to settle down at night). Keep in mind, too, that sleep regression is temporary. Once your baby acclimates to her new developmental abilities, sleeping patterns should return to baseline.

Frequent Late Night Feedings
What it looks like: Most 2- to 3-month-old babies, particularly breastfed ones, still need to fill their tummies once or twice during the night. Three or four middle-of-the-night chow-downs, on the other hand, are typically too much of a good thing by this point — and for most babies, not necessary. 

What to do about it: You can work ongradually reducing the number of late-night feedings your baby gets by increasing the size of bedtime feedings, making sure baby's getting enough to eat all day long, and slowly stretching the time between night-time feedings.

Teething Pain
What it looks like: If your baby is showing signs of teething during the day — such as drooling, biting, feeding fussiness and irritability — teething pain may also be waking her up at night. Keep in mind that teething-related sleep issues can begin almost any time during the first year: Some babies grow their first tooth as early as 2 to 3 months, while others are toothless until their first birthday.

How to solve it: While you shouldn’t ignore your baby, try to avoid picking her up. Instead, offer a teething ring, some gentle words and pats, or maybe a lullaby. She might settle down on her own (though you might have to leave the room for that to happen). If tender gums seem to pain her night after night, ask your pediatrician about offering some baby acetaminophen at bedtime.

SLEEP PROBLEMS: 4 TO 5 MONTHS OLD
By 4 months, your baby should be sleeping about 15 hours a day, broken up into two or three daytime naps totaling three to four hours, and then another 10 to 11 hours at night. As your baby gets closer to 6 months old, she should be sleeping nine to 11 hours at night with two longer naps during the day, usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Changing Naps and Sleep Patterns
What it looks like: As babies get older, they nap less. If your baby seems happy with her changing schedule and sleeps well at night, embrace this milestone and carry on. But if your little one is napping less but fussing more, or having trouble going to bed at night, she may be overtired and in need of some nap-time encouragement.

How to solve it: Try an abbreviated bedtime routine before each nap (some quiet music, a massage, or some storytelling) and be patient — it may simply take her longer to settle into a routine, but she’ll get there.

SLEEP PROBLEMS: 6 MONTHS AND UP
Not Falling Asleep on Her Own
What it looks like: Almost everyone, adults and babies alike, wakes up a couple times during the night. A lifetime of good sleep habits depends on learning how to fall back asleep alone — and that’s a skill babies need to learn. If your little one is still waking you up for midnight feedings and snuggles at 6 months old, you may want to consider sleep training.

How to solve it: If you’re open to sleep training (not everyone is, and that’s okay, too), be prepared that it’s going to be as hard — if not harder — on you than it is on your baby. How you tackle sleep training, also called cry it out or CIO, is up to you.

The basic idea: At the end of your bedtime routine, say goodnight and mean it — even when you hear protests and tears as you exit the room. It’s okay to go back and assure your little one that everything’s okay, but have a plan in place as to how often you’ll walk back into her room (and how long you’ll stay there). Don’t have a plan yet? There are many sleep training strategies, so decide what you think might work best for you and give it a fair shot.

Frequent Late Night Feedings
What it looks like: By the time your baby is 6 months old, she doesn’t need mid-night feedings anymore. So if she’s not sleeping without nursing and rocking first, or she still gets up multiple times throughout the night and won’t go back to sleep without the same send-off, she’s wise to the fact that crying often results in being picked up, rocked and fed — pretty good motivation to keep right on wailing. Many babies have to learn how to soothe themselves back to sleep.

What to do about it: If you’re comfortable trying sleep training, it can be a good option for babies who wake up frequently to feed throughout the night.

Waking Early
What it looks like: Your baby is waking up— and staying awake— at the crack of dawn.

What to do about it: If your baby is at least 6 months old, there are a few tactics you can try to get her to sleep in later, like adjusting her nap schedule, experimenting with different bedtimes and making her room more light- and sound-proof.

SLEEP PROBLEMS AT ANY AGE
Disruptions in Sleep Routines
What it looks like: It doesn't take much to turn a baby's sleep routine on its head. A cold or an ear infection can wreak havoc on sleeping patterns, as can emotional challenges such as Mom returning to work or getting used to a new babysitter. Traveling is another surefire sleep-schedule killer, and major milestones — like mastering crawling or learning to walk — can also temporarily interfere with sleep.

How to solve it: Although babies with changing sleeping routines can be a little fussier, during these times, you've got to cut your baby some slack in the snoozing department (and ease up on enforcing routines). Do what you can to comfort your little one through these little disruptions to her schedule. Then try to get back into your regular groove as soon as you can — following the same comforting pre-bed routine in the same order as usual (a bath, then feeding, then a story and so on).

Ubi Franklin and wife,Lilian welcome a baby boy

Triple MG boss, Ubi Franklin and his wife Lilian, have welcomed a son. Lilian gave birth to their son in the US. Congrats to them.

Actress Adaora Ukoh shares a photo of her husband and son

Nollywood Actress Adaora Ukoh AbuMere shares a photo with her husband and 4months old son via her Instagram page. Isn't he a cutie?

Diaper Rash

WHAT IT IS

The definition of diaper rash is pretty straightforward (rash = a reddish skin irritation; diaper = the area covered by your baby's nether region). But it can actually be a number of different skin conditions, the most common being chafing dermatitis (also known as friction rash), candidal dermatitis (aka yeast infection), atopic dermatitis (eczema), and seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap). Whichever one afflicts your baby's bottom, it's probably more bothersome to you than to your baby.

WHAT CAUSES IT

Diaper rash is typically caused by a trio of factors — moisture (too much), air (too little), and irritants (think everything from urine and stool to the ingredients in disposable diapers, wipes, bath products, and laundry soaps).

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Prevention is key, and the best way to keep diaper rash at bay is to keep your baby's bottom as clean and dry as possible,  and that means lots (and lots) of diaper changes.

When you deal with a wet or poopy diaper, let baby's butt have a few minutes of fresh air, then apply a barrier ointment. Experiment to see whether a petroleum-based product (such as A&D, Aquaphor, or the cheapest option — plain old petroleum jelly) works for your baby or if a zinc-oxide cream (like Desitin, Balmex, or Triple Paste) does the trick. Be sure that his tush is totally dry before slathering it on (trapped moisture beneath the barrier cream will only make diaper rash more likely and make a bad diaper rash worse).

If a rash does develop, ramp up baby's bare-butt time to at least ten minutes (the longer, the better) before putting on a new diaper. Just place your baby on a waterproof pad or some cloth diapers, towels, or receiving blankets, and let him play (and spray) freely. A few more tush-wise tips:

• Skip the wipes. Instead, wipe the area with plain water and a washcloth or cotton balls. (Baby oil on cotton balls will work for a particularly sticky poop.)
• If rashes persist, try a different type of diaper or a different bath soap (like extra-gentle Cetaphil or Dove).
• Consider your baby's diet. Too much juice can affect the amount of urine he produces and the pH (acidity) of his stool — and either could be the culprit. And watch out for citrus fruits, which can also create caustic poops.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

If the rash doesn't start to get better in two or three days, or if blisters or pustules appear, contact your pediatrician. Some (really persistent) rashes may require a steroid cream.  A bad case of intertrigo (a rash caused by the rubbing of skin on skin that can result in oozing white or yellowish pus) warrants careful cleaning and treatment with hydrocortisone cream. Persistent candidal dermatitis (which is caused by a yeast-like fungus) may need to be treated with an antifungal ointment such as Zimycan.

Actor Kenneth Okonkwo shares new photos of his son

Veteran Nollywood Actor Kenneth Okonkwo shares new photos of his son Kenechukwu Isaac Okonkwo via his IG page. He's adorable...

John Legend's daughter, so adorable in new photo

Chrissy Teigen shared this cute photo of Luna dressed in a mermaid costume via Snapchat.

Ivie Okujaye Egbon and husband welcome a baby girl

Nollywood Actress Ivie Okujaye Egbon and husband welcome a bouncing baby girl. Mother and child doing great. Congratulations.

21 year old student sentenced to life in prison for throwing her new body baby by throwing her in the thrash

Former college student who gave birth in her sorority house last year was on Monday, June 27, sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing the newborn by throwing her in the trash. Emile Weaver, 21, of Clarington was found guilty by a jury last month of aggravated murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.  Prosecutors said Weaver gave birth in a bathroom at the Delta Gamma Theta sorority at Muskingum University on April 22, 2015, then purposefully caused the death of her baby. The baby girl died from asphyxiation after Weaver put her in a plastic trash bag and left the bag outside the sorority house. Weaver testified at trial that she had been in denial about the pregnancy and thought the baby was already dead when she put the newborn in the trash bag. She tearfully apologized in court and said she will appeal the sentence. Judge Mark Fleegle could have sentenced Weaver to life with a chance for parole in as little as 20 years, which was requested by her attorney, but the judge said he wasn't convinced she was remorseful. Fleegle referred to text messages from Weaver sent afterward to the man she thought was the baby's father that said, "No more baby," followed by "taken care of." Prosecutors said at trial that Weaver knew she was pregnant all along and engaged in risky behaviors like drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and playing in a dodgeball tournament because she never intended to keep the baby. Weaver wrote in a letter to Fleegle before her sentencing that she didn't fully comprehend her actions until she was staring at the body of the baby, who was named Addison, in a tiny casket at her funeral. "I ask God for forgiveness, and today, all I can do is ask for all of yours," she said in court. At the beginning of the trial, Weaver had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but the judge ruled that she was mentally competent. Muskingum County Prosecutor D. Michael Haddox said he was satisfied with the sentence. "We believe justice has been served as best as humanly possible," he said.
 Source: AP

Osas & Gbenro Ajibade welcome baby girl

Osas and Gbenro Ajibade are now proud mum and dad. They welcomed a bouncing baby girl.

Congratulations.

John Legend shares a photo of his wife and daughter

Just when you thought Chrissy Teigen's and baby Luna couldn't get any cuter. Beautiful!

What is Colic? Colic 101

You bring your newborn home, and for weeks you marvel at your baby who does little more than sleep, eat, poop and cry once in a while. Then one day a few weeks later, she erupts with ear-shattering wails, complete with clenched fists and an angry red face. No matter what you try, you can’t comfort your crying baby — and that's not all: Like a bad Vegas act, your baby manages to repeat this awful performance every night at the same time for what seems like forever. Welcome to the world of colic.

WHAT IS COLIC?

The reality is, all babies cry: It's the best (and only) way for them to communicate their needs at this tender age. And as parents, we’re biologically programmed to respond so those needs get met. But in babies with colic, the crying starts suddenly for no apparent reason…and has no apparent cure.

Colic is not a disease or diagnosis but a combination of baffling behaviors. The term is really just a catch-all term for problem crying in otherwise healthy babies — the problem being, there’s no solution to it besides the passing of time. And it’s common, occurring in one in five infants. Episodes can go on for hours at a time, sometimes late into the night. Worst of all, try as you might — and try you will — it's extremely difficult to calm a colicky baby, which only compounds your frustration and exhaustion.

The true definition of colic follows the “rule of three.” Baby’s crying:

• Starts at around 3 weeks old
• Lasts more than three hours at a stretch
• Occurs at least three days a week
• Persists for at least three weeks in a row

Of course some babies are colic overachievers, crying far more hours and days and weeks.

The good news is that colic doesn't last. Most bouts peak at around 6 weeks and then end as abruptly as they started, around the time a baby hits the 3 months old (later in preterm babies). In the meantime, a little knowledge and a lot of patience will help you survive until the storm subsides.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF COLIC IN YOUR BABY

Not sure if your baby is just crying or actually colicky? In addition to the rule of threes, here are a few further colic signs and symptoms:

• Wails are loud, piercing and continuous — baby’s not so much crying as screaming.
• Crying occurs at the same time every day (usually in the late afternoon or early evening).
• Crying seems to occur for no reason (not because baby has a dirty diaper or is hungry or tired).
• Baby pulls up his legs, clenches his hands into tiny fists and tightens his abdominal muscles.
• He closes his eyes, or opens them very wide, furrows his brow, even holds his breath briefly.
• Bowel activity increases, and he may pass gas or spit up.
• He’s very active, even frantic; his face may even turn bright red.
• Baby won't settle down to sleep or eat, no matter what you try.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

While the exact cause of colic is a mystery, experts do know it’s not the result of genetics or anything that happened during pregnancy or childbirth, or parenting skills (or lack of them, in case you’re wondering). Nor is it anyone's fault. That said, here are some theories on what's behind colicky crying:

• Overstimulated senses. One possible explanation: Newborns have a built-in mechanism for tuning out sights and sounds around them, which allows them to sleep and eat without being disturbed by their environment. Near the end of the first month, however, this mechanism disappears — leaving babies more sensitive to the stimuli in their surroundings. With so many new sensations coming at them, some infants overwhelmed — often at the end of the day. To release that stress, they cry (and cry and cry). Colic ends, the theory goes, when baby learns how to filter out some environmental stimuli and, in doing so, avoids a sensory overload.
• An immature digestive system. Digesting food is a big task for a baby's brand-new gastrointestinal system. As a result, food may pass through too quickly and not break down completely, resulting in pain from gas in the intestines.
• Infant acid reflux. Research has found GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is sometimes a colic trigger. Infant GERD is often the result of an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps stomach acid from flowing back up into the throat and mouth, irritating the esophagus. Symptoms include frequent spitting up, poor eating and irritability during and after feedings. The good news is, most babies outgrow GERD by age 1 (and colic usually goes away long before then).
• Food allergies or sensitivity. Some experts believe colic is the result of an allergy to milk protein (or lactose intolerance) in formula-fed babies. Much more rarely, colic may be a reaction to specific foods in Mom’s diet in breastfed babies. Either way, these allergies or sensitivity can cause tummy pain that may set off colicky behavior.
• Tobacco exposure. Several studies show that moms who smoke during or after pregnancy are more likely to have babies with colic; secondhand smoke may also be a culprit. Though the link exists, it’s unclear how cigarette smoke might cause colic. The bottom line for many more significant health reasons: Don’t smoke or let anyone else smoke around your baby.

COLIC REMEDIES

In addition to frustration and exhaustion, you may experience feelings of inadequacy and guilt as you try in vain to soothe your baby. So while staying calm is easier said than done, these guidelines may help ease the strain until colic passes. Just remember, you should never give your baby any medication, herbal or otherwise, without talking to your pediatrician first. And always talk to your doctor before making major changes in your diet or your baby’s.

If you suspect overstimulation:

• Observe baby. Watch how your baby responds to certain stimuli — and steer clear of any that seem to offend.
• Create calm. Instead, try to create a peaceful environment might help her relax — dim the lights and keep noise to a minimum.
• Avoid the try-everything approach.Rocking, bouncing, driving, swinging and singing may actually make things worse.

If it might be gastrointestinal issues:

• Apply pressure to baby’s tummy. Some colicky babies find relief when pressure is placed on their abdomen — and the power of touch alone can be very soothing for both mother and child. So place your baby face-down on your lap or upright with his tummy against your shoulder, or try the “colic carry,” where your baby lies facedown with his belly resting on your arm. Then gently rub or pat her back as you hold him.
• Ask about gas drops. Studies show that reducing gas may reduce the discomfort (and crying). So ask your pediatrician about trying trying gas drops (the active ingredient is simethicone; brands include Mylicon or Phazyme), which can alleviate gas. However research hasn’t yet shown that this treatment definitively helps with colic.
• Consider probiotics. Probiotic drops may reduce crying in some colicky babies, probably because they ease tummy troubles (probiotic bacteria grow naturally in the digestive tract and help promote intestinal health). Again, research has yet to back this up.
• Try gripe water. In the category of “little evidence, lots of anecdotes” isgripe water, a natural colic remedymade of herbs and sodium bicarbonate in drops. Many parents swear by gripe water, but no reliable studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing colic symptoms. And just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe — so ask your doctor before giving your baby this or any herbal remedies.
• Watch what you eat. If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about whether you should try temporarily eliminating any foods from your diet that can cause tummy troubles, such as gas-causing cruciferous veggies (cabbage, cauliflower) or allergenic foods (dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish).
• Switch formulas. For some formula-fed infants, swapping a standard formula for one that doesn't contain cow's milk can make a difference. Studies have found that giving colicky babies hypoallergenic whey-hydrolyzed formula decreases colic symptoms in some babies. Just remember that these formulas can cost up to three times more — so since only about 3 percent of babies are allergic to cow’s milk, it’s worth getting your doctor’s take before making the switch. Also steer clear ofcasein-hydrolyzed formula or partially hydrolyzed formulas as therapies for colic — there simply isn't enough evidence that they work.

Other calming remedies for colicky babies:

• Swaddle. Toss a blanket in the dryer and while it's still warm, wrap it snugly around your baby. The combination of warmth and the feeling of security may help calm baby’s tears.
• Make white noise. The hum of the vacuum cleaner or dryer can be comforting to babies (it reminds them of the womb). You may even want to invest in a white-noise machine.
• Play soothing music. A crying baby might also respond to quiet singing or the melodic strains of a lullaby CD; other infants enjoy the sounds of nature. Experiment to find something your baby seems to like.
• Offer a pacifier. Some colicky babies seem to want to eat all the time — and that might because sucking is soothing, not because they’re hungry. So if your baby seems consistently hungry, a pacifier might help. (It goes without saying, but never use a pacifier as a meal replacement!)
• Get active. Some colicky babies respond well to movement, so try carrying your baby in an infant carrier or taking her out in her stroller. Even just rocking or dancing with her in your arms

SHOULD I TAKE MY BABY TO THE DOCTOR?

While the odds are that your baby’s daily screaming sessions are due to colic, it’s a good idea to talk the situation over with your doctor — if only to get some reassurance and maybe a few extra soothing strategies. Describing the crying (its duration, intensity, pattern, any variation from the norm and any accompanying symptoms) will also help the doctor rule out any underlying medical condition (like reflux, an infection or a milk allergy) that could be triggering the crying.

FOR PARENTS: COPING WITH COLIC

The one reassuring thing about colic is that colicky babies thrive: They gain as well or better than babies who cry very little and are no more likely to have behavioral problems later on. They’re also often more alert as babies and better problem solvers as toddlers.

If you’re at the end of your rope, don’t hesitate ask for help — whether from your partner, mother, friend or a babysitter. And if you're on your own, leave your baby in his crib or bassinet while you flee to another room for a minute or two. While it's always best to respond promptly to your little one's screams (after all, it's his only way of communicating with you), a brief escape may be healthier for both of you.

Keep in mind, too, that this shall pass: Just when you think you can't take another night of it, the crying will let up — and then it's gone forever. As wiped-out as you may be, give yourself a well-earned pat on the back. You've just survived your first (and maybe worst) major challenge of parenthood.