Having a colicky baby can be one of the most difficult challenges for new parents and it can put a lot of stress on a marriage. With baby constantly needing attention and one or both parents suffering from sleep loss and a major loss of confidence in their parenting skills, it can be one of the most dangerous times for a marriage. Here are some tips to help keep it together:
- Unite. You have to stay united because you are in this together. The best way to survive baby colic is as a team.
- Take turns. Don’t let the burdon of taking care of a colicky baby be a 1 person job. Work in shifts. If you are calm and you can see your spouse is starting to lose their cool then go take over and send them off to relax for a while (even if it isn’t your turn). This will do 2 things. It will make your spouse aware that there is help and remind them that they aren’t alone. It will also give baby better care (the care of a relaxed parent)
- Sleep. Work out a plan that allows each parent to get sleep. Sleep in different beds if you have to. Sleep is essential so make sure both parents get enough of it for them.
- Talk. Talk to each other daily about what worked and what didn’t. Talk about how deflated you feel and about the little successes that helped calm baby down.
- Try to find time for a date. It is very hard to leave a colicky baby with other people. You feel bad leaving knowing how hard it will be. You worry how other people will care for baby. Take time out for a quick dinner or walk. Get a sitter and just be alone with your spouse (no crying kids). Remember how much you enjoy each other’s company.
In addition to these tips you could try some of the great colic remedies from The Colic Shop.
