Colic hold - what it is and how to do it safely
This information is intended for healthy, full-term babies. Always follow the advice given by your pediatrician, nurse, or other healthcare professionals. If you have concerns about your child's health, consult a healthcare professional.
Calming a fussy and restless baby can sometimes feel challenging, but the colic hold is a technique that might help your baby relax and feel secure. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to use the colic hold effectively to soothe your baby and ensure you're doing it safely.
What is the colic hold?
The colic hold is a position where you carry your baby on their stomach, draped over one of your arms. In this position, your baby’s head rests to the side on your arm near your elbow, while their arms and legs hang freely. It’s often referred to as the "tiger in the tree" because it resembles a tiger lounging in a tree.
It's very effective in relieving tummy aches and soothing colic, however, it’s not just for babies with tummy issues—it can also be a calming position for any baby who needs comforting.
Why is the colic hold beneficial?
The colic hold has many advantages. Here's a few:
The colic hold is calming and relaxing for your baby. This position offers comfort through the warmth of your arm and gentle pressure on your baby's stomach and chest, providing a sense of security and stability. The baby's arms and legs are naturally relaxed by gravity, while their head rests peacefully to the side. If you’re wearing short sleeves, your baby can also enjoy the added benefit of skin-to-skin contact, which can be soothing to their face and neck.
As the parent, if you walk around or gently bounce on a Pilates ball while holding your baby in this position, they will experience a rocking motion similar to what they felt in the womb—another layer of comfort that many babies find incredibly soothing.
It can relieve colic and tummy aches.
A baby experiencing colic or tummy pain often needs extra support to feel calm and relaxed. The gentle, warm pressure on their stomach and chest, along with the soothing movement as you walk or bounce, can help ease discomfort. This combination can assist in releasing trapped gas or stimulating the stomach, providing relief from colic or tummy pain.
It can work well for the non-breastfeeding parent.
The colic hold can be a valuable tool for a non-breastfeeding parent to calm or soothe a baby who typically breastfeeds. This hold allows you to provide the comforting effects of carrying and rocking, but with some distance from your chest, which can be helpful if the baby is easily triggered to want to breastfeed when held close.
However, it's important to remember that newborns who are breastfeeding may want to nurse frequently to stimulate milk production. In such cases, the colic hold is best used when breastfeeding isn’t immediately available, helping to soothe the baby for short periods.
It prepares your baby for tummy time.
Lying on the stomach with the ability to move their neck freely can help your baby start developing neck stability. This practice can make tummy time more manageable when you place your baby on their stomach for short periods during their awake time each day. Strengthening their neck muscles in this way is an important step in their physical development.
How to hold your baby in the colic hold - different variations
Place your baby on one of your arms by laying them on their stomach across your arm, with their head resting near your elbow. Position their chest and stomach facing downward, allowing their arms and legs to hang freely to the sides. To ensure a secure hold, place your other arm between your baby’s legs, supporting them safely.
Depending on your baby’s weight, mobility, and how comfortable you both are with the colic hold, you may find that you can support them with just one arm, freeing your other arm for different tasks. Here are some variations you can explore:
Use your free arm to gently pat or rub your baby's back.
If your baby is heavier or more mobile, stick to the basic hold to maintain safety and avoid the risk of your baby slipping or falling.
Remember: it’s essential to master the simplest version of the colic hold first, and revert to it if your baby starts getting heavier or more active. Safety always comes first!
Remember to vary with other positions
Even if the colic hold turns out to be a comfortable and soothing position for your baby, it's essential to vary their positions throughout the day. Babies thrive on variety, and there are significant benefits to holding your baby against your chest as well. If you find that the colic hold works well for you, think of it as just one of the positions you rotate between.
It’s also important to switch between your arms so that your baby doesn’t consistently lie on one side with their head. This helps prevent them from developing a preference for one side, promoting balanced development.
How long should you hold your baby in the colic hold?
There's no strict time limit on how long you can hold your baby in the colic hold, as long as your baby is content and you remember to alternate with other positions throughout the day. However, it's common for babies to become uncomfortable if they stay on their stomach for too long. Be attentive to your baby's cues—if they start showing signs of discomfort, it's time to change their position.
Also, don't forget to switch arms each time to prevent your baby from developing a preference for one side. This will help promote balanced development and keep your baby comfortable.
How early can you start using the colic hold?
One of the great advantages of the colic hold is that you can start using it with your newborn right away. As soon as you feel comfortable carrying and handling your baby, you can begin using this hold.
When trying the colic hold for the first time, it’s best to do so when your baby is content and alert, rather than when they're already upset or hungry. This tip applies to most new things you want to try with your baby—it helps create a positive experience and makes it easier for your little one to adjust.
Who might not benefit from the colic hold?
If your baby is becoming more mobile or heavier, it can be challenging to safely hold them in the colic hold, especially if you haven’t used this position before. In these cases, it’s essential to prioritize safety and consider other holding positions that may provide better support for both you and your baby as they grow and become more active.
Can the colic hold be harmful to your baby?
The colic hold is generally a safe position for healthy babies who don’t have any specific restrictions against lying on their stomach, as long as you vary the position and avoid always holding them on one side.
However, it’s crucial to ensure there’s no risk of your baby slipping or falling from their position on your arm. Always keep an extra hand on your baby or make sure they’re securely supported, especially as they start to become more mobile. Safety should always be the top priority.