colic: harmful treatments
overview
using unapproved or unproven substances or methods to treat colic could harm your baby.
treatments that could be dangerous include:
- medicines, such as antispasmodics or sleep aids. these and other medicines can have serious and even deadly side effects in infants. if your doctor prescribes them to treat other symptoms your baby is having, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- placing a hot-water bottle or heating pad on your baby's stomach. babies burn easily, so do not use heated items such as these.
- quieting a baby with alcohol. it's even dangerous to give your baby a pacifier dipped in brandy or other types of alcohol.
- gripe water. different kinds of ingredients are used in blends labelled as gripe water. alcohol is a main ingredient in some of them. ask your baby's doctor before using gripe water.
other things to avoid include:
- stopping breastfeeding. sometimes people believe that they may not be producing enough milk for their baby or that their baby is allergic to the milk. but this is rarely the case, and weaning a colicky baby to formula can make the colic worse.
- feeding foods (such as baby cereal and solids) earlier than recommended.
- switching to a soy-based formula when milk allergy symptoms are not present.
current as of: october 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
