After a year of trying to conceive, enduring multiple miscarriages, and a miserable pregnancy, I thought the hardest days of becoming a mother were behind me. I was ready for the happiest time in my life. Everyone loves their new babies, right?? I had no idea what I was in for. I had a tough time going from spreadsheets to spit-up, my baby refused to sleep longer than twenty minutes at a time, I tried and failed at breastfeeding, and I was super uncomfortable with post-birth medical issues.

But the one thing that really destroyed my new-baby euphoria was how absolutely distraught he always seemed. He cried inconsolably for hours every day, and I had no special mommy powers to help him. “He has colic,” my pediatrician said, and I looked at him blankly. Say what? What’s Colic? I could tell at the time it was something tummy related – when he cried, he pulled up his legs, and he sounded like he was refluxing, too. He hated to eat, he hated to sleep, he hated… well… everything. Being desperate for peace, for rest, I ordered everything I could find that made promises to eliminate colic. From gas drops to a contraption that attached to the crib that made it seem like the car, to a trip to a chiropractor, I tried it all.

Did anything cure it? No. But here are the top 5 things that helped us survive:

Photo: Shutterstock / The Bump

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Pre-digested Formula

As I mentioned, my relationship with breastfeeding was tumultuous and didn’t end well (I fared better with baby #2). So, I tried a few different pre-digested formulas to be as easy on his sensitive tummy as possible. They were more expensive than standard formulas, and they produced some nasty spit-up smells, but it did cut back some of his tummy troubles. Both Enfamil Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum were great choices, and I ended up with Alimentum. For later baby months, I found Nestle Good Start to be gentle on his tummy as well (and sweeter smelling for sure!).

What worked for you?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Moms Share Their Tips for Surviving Baby’s Colic

15 Ways to Deal With a Fussy Baby

Tips for Treating Colic?

New research today confirms what all moms already knew — carrying your baby helps soothe him!

The study, published in the Cell Press journal Current Biology, details how infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried. Though the study is the first to show that the infant’s calming response is a coordinated set of central, motor and cardiac regulations, moms (and moms-to-be!) didn’t need the comprehensive study to tell them what they already knew — and what they already do!

But in the spirit of the research, and it’s importance, we’ve rounded up six baby carriers moms can use to comfort their babes! Even better? These carriers are hands-free, so you can keep baby close without sprouting a third arm.

Take a peek:

Photo Courtesy of the Manufacturer

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Boba Wrap

Forget about fussing with buckles, straps and buttons -- the unique fabric blend and the no-guesswork tying, make the Boba a must-have for beginners and advanced babywearers alike! $38, Boba Family

Which baby carrier did you use? Which would you recommend?

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Bump Best of Baby Awards!

How to Buy a Baby Carrier

Best of Baby Carriers