How to Calm Your Colicky Baby With a Simple Diaper Change

A change in how you do it, that is.

Which is worse – hearing your baby cry or not knowing what to do about it? If your baby is in pain, then it’s likely you don’t have to choose. Unfortunately, you’ve got both things going on.

Gut pain is real and new parents know this. Intestinal distress is very common among infants. Naturally, many new parents are concerned and are anxious to help relieve their baby’s pain. Parents look for answers online, ask their pediatricians for solutions and are willing to try almost anything to help their babies (and to catch a break from the constant crying).

However, there is something parents can do to help alleviate this pain. And the good news is that it’s noninvasive, non medicinal and has no added cost. It’s as simple as changing a diaper. And since a baby gets their diaper changed upwards of 10 times a day the impact can be significant. Let me explain.

The traditional way of changing a diaper typically has the caretaker lifting both of baby’s legs, with one hand, up over the belly and sometimes as high as the baby’s head. This method puts a lot of stress on the spine, “interfering with the nerve root that goes into the intestines,” according to Dr. John Edwards….

the intestines get a large portion of their nerve information from the area of the spine near the bottom of the rib cage and the upper portion of the low back….

when we raise their legs over and over again to change their diapers- a lot of parents without realizing it are causing the subluxations and nerve interference that results in the colic I see…

John Edwards, MD

Thankfully, there is another way to change a diaper that puts no stress on the spine; no pressure on the intestines. It’s the roll-away or rolling method. Here’s what to do.

Have wipes and a clean diaper at the ready, next to your baby. Put one hand on the baby’s chest and gently roll them to one side. Wipe. Then gently roll to the other side and wipe again. Roll once more to place a fresh diaper under them. There is no leg lifting.

Take a look at this diaper change demonstration, below.

This technique can be done until about 6 months of age or until the baby starts to crawl.

Besides diapering a squirmy baby, a challenge parents may face is that of changing old habits. After all, anyone who’s ever changed a diaper has done it the traditional way. But if you’re new(ish) at this, then it’s a great time to start healthy habits. But if you find that you just can’t make this diaper change the new norm, be kind to yourself. Treat it as another tool in your toolbox and use it when you can or when your baby needs it. Both you and your baby just may find some relief! Let me know how it goes!