The first few months of a baby’s life are bewildering. New moms must decipher signs and symptoms without any sort of cheat-sheet. Why is she crying? Is it fatigue? Hunger? Pain? If only your baby could talk! Because there’s so much guesswork, it’s imperative that parents are prepared for everything from colic to constipation. In addition to the obvious items—diaper cream, bottles, thermometer—Mommy’s Bliss has a collection of essential products that should always be on hand. The last thing you want to do when your baby is fussy and crying is pack her up and head to the drugstore.
How to Soothe Your Baby’s Colic
“If your baby is crying for three hours a day, at least three days per week, then it could be colic,” says Smita Malhotra, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician and author of The Newborn Handbook. “One in five babies get colic—both of my kids had it,” she adds. While most babies outgrow colic by 4 months, those 4 months can feel like 10 years. One way to relieve the stomach discomfort in babies older than two weeks is Mommy's Bliss's Gripe Water (there’s a version for daytime and one for night.) Also, Organic Gripe Water Gel is a new gel that’s safe for infants starting at two weeks. The USDA-certified organic gel is made with the same herbal remedy as the liquid but comes in a smaller pea-sized serving. It’s also gentler and milder than the original liquid, which makes it easier to administer and for babies to consume.
How to Relieve Your Baby’s Gas Discomfort
Another common reason for constant crying is the ubiquitous gas. Because a baby’s digestive system is still developing, air can get trapped in the digestive tract. Also, babies swallow air when feeding. The good news is that normal gas (mild discomfort as opposed to major arching and squirming) can be quickly soothed with Gas Relief Drops. These are made with 100-percen vegan ingredients in a fast and safe simethicone-based remedy that gently breaks up gas bubbles in a newborn’s stomach. Made with ginger root, Mommy’s Bliss liquid formula works quickly and has no sugar, alcohol, or artificial ingredients.
How to Soothe Your Baby’s Sore Gums from Teething
“A few of the most common signs of teething are fussiness, an increase in saliva, and constantly putting their hands—or really anything—in their mouths,” Dr. Malhotra says. If you think your child is teething, you can give their little gums a massage or give them something cold to “chew” on to help soothe the pain. Another great remedy is Mommy Bliss’s Baby Gum Massage Gel, which uses USDA-certified organic chamomile and vanilla to soothe a baby’s tender gums. It’s safe to administer to babies ages 2 months and older and has no benzocaine or alcohol. Dr. Malhotra also points out that a fever is not usually a symptom of teething. “If your baby is fussy and has a fever, it could be a sign of illness or infection. It’s best to check in with your pediatrician.”
How to Relieve Your Baby’s Constipation
“If your child has poop that comes out as hard balls or your child is uncomfortable and straining to poop, these are signs that your little one may be constipated,” Dr. Malhotra says. Constipation can be caused by switching between breast milk and formula, by the mother’s diet in a breast-fed baby, or even due to an intolerance to milk protein. Because a newborn’s digestive system is still developing, probiotics such as Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops can help by adding beneficial bacterial flora to the gut. For babies ages 6 months and older, Mommy’s Bliss offers Constipation Ease made with ingredients like prune juice to help get things moving again.
As a new parent, it’s often so hard to know if your baby is okay, which is why it’s important to have the best quality essentials at home. However, it’s also important to remember that you have good parental instincts, and you’re the best advocate for your child. So, if anything doesn’t feel right, it probably isn't, and you need to call your pediatrician.
This article is sponsored by Mommy’s Bliss, and NYMetroParents does not officially endorse any products.
