Colic and the Triplets

What is it like dealing with colic when triplets are involved?

It’s quite common for infants to become colicky. The triplet’s mother, in fact, was our first experience with colic and some of the strategies used to provide comfort.

While it’s difficult to put a positive spin on colic, we were fortunate that only Baby A had to endure the discomfort. With every other aspect of her development proceeding normally, their pediatrician could offer little to ease her cries.

What was most heart-breaking was how uncomfortable she got while eating. It seemed as if drinking her bottle was painful.

Fortunately this was only a daytime issue. She slept and ate fine overnight.

Calming the Colic

It ultimately comes down to trial and error, trying different techniques offered through conversations with other parents and Google searches. Below are some calming strategies to pass along that worked for us.

White noise

This is an age-old solution that involves running water in a stainless steel sink or the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

Fortunately technology has stepped in and made devices that generate all sorts of calming sounds. They have several plug-in units around the house, plus a portable white noise machine. Be sure to invest in a rechargeable one (or two) as they eat through batteries quickly.

When we went to their newborn photo shoot, the photographer used a Baby Shusher that worked well to keep all the babies calm and relaxed through the session.

The real life saver today is access to white noise on our cell phones and tablets.

Open YouTube on any of our phones and top of the page is a 10-hour video of white noise. For us, most of the time, it’s been a colic on/off switch.

Baby formula for sensitive stomachs

We tried switching to the various gentle, sensitive and even hypoallergenic baby formulas.

Although we saw a decrease in painful feedings, the taste was not palatable so she wouldn’t drink the whole bottle. Eventually this created a situation of more discomfort from hunger than colic.

Her mother eventually switched back to the regular formula to err on the side of getting enough food in her stomach. Baby A seemed to agree as we saw some improvement now that she had a full belly.

Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops

These drops are fully endorsed by their pediatrician (always check with your own doctor) to use as directed on the package.

It’s clear that Baby A found relief from the Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops early on. As soon as she tasted it, she literally sucked the medicine from the dropper. Eventually this may have become more of a placebo effect, but it worked.

Little Remedies Gripe Water was also helpful, but we found the Gas Relief Drops most effective for us.

Probiotics

The Facebook group my daughter follows for parents of triplets recommended probiotics, and specifically Gerber Soothe Probiotic Colic Drops.

She actually gives this to all the babies, since they each their own minor digestive issues early on.

It did seem to help with eating, sleeping and more regular bowel movements. We all know how that makes us feel better.

Going outside

A walk is always great, but my go-to early on was simply stepping outside with her on a nice summer day. Somehow that was enough to quickly calm her.

Again, colic is not well understood so it’s unclear what part of this was calming. The warmth, different sounds or a change of environment. I’ve always said the key to parenting is distraction.

Holding with pressure on stomach

One of my wife’s friends had great luck with the technique pictured below, but none of the rest of us could replicate her success.

There are lots of variations on this hold. One is where you carry them like a football, pointing their head either direction.

Baby A is also calmed by laying her across your lap and gently drumming on her back. Again, this could be relief from having some pressure on her stomach, and what baby doesn’t love having their back and butt patted.

Holding against your body in a carrier

This works best with a sling but equally as well with any chest carrier, if you continue moving around. I suspect this is mostly the baby’s ability to hear our heart and breathing, as when they were in the womb.

Swing

We had some success putting her in an infant swing. Our particular swing also played music, which was often the extra little bit to get the job done.

Best for Last

The sweetest remedy was magical snuggles from her great grandmother. I’d have to check if Gigi is available to loan out.