Let’s be honest nothing prepares you for the sound of a colicky baby at 2 a.m. when you haven’t slept for days and your coffee is cold for the third time. You bounce, sway, shush, swaddle, sing, and second-guess everything. Is it something I ate? Am I doing something wrong? Why won’t they just sleep?
You’re not alone. And no, you’re not doing anything wrong. Colic affects up to 25% of newborns. It’s messy, exhausting, emotionally draining, and honestly, a little scary sometimes. But here’s the good news: there are ways to help.
This isn’t just a clinical list of colic tips. It’s a lifeline.
What Even Is Colic, Anyway?
Before we get into remedies, let’s clear up the mystery. Colic is defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby. The classic rule? More than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. That’s the so-called “Rule of Threes.”
And yes, it’s a bit of a catch-all diagnosis. No one fully understands why some babies cry more than others. But theories range from gas and digestive immaturity to sensory overload and even temperament. Some experts believe colic is just how some newborns process their chaotic, brand-new world.
Alright, Let’s Get to the Remedies (Finally!)
You’re probably skimming down looking for the fix. Fair. But keep in mind: what works for one baby might not work for another. You may have to mix, match, tweak, and repeat.
1. Burp Like a Boss
Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. Burping your baby more often during and after feeds helps release trapped air. And no, not the quick over-the-shoulder pat. Try sitting your baby upright, supporting their chest and head, and gently rubbing or patting their back.
2. Watch What You Eat (But Don’t Obsess)
If you’re breastfeeding, certain foods in your diet might contribute to baby’s discomfort. The usual suspects? Dairy, caffeine, spicy foods, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower), and chocolate.
Here’s the catch: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Try eliminating one thing at a time for a few days and see if there’s any change. But don’t go overboard and starve yourself of nutrition or joy.
3. Gripe Water: Old-School, Still Loved
Natural remedies like gripe water (a combo of herbs and sodium bicarbonate) have been passed down like bedtime stories. Some parents swear by it; others see no difference. Just make sure it’s alcohol-free and approved by your pediatrician.
4. Try Probiotics (Seriously)
Some studies show that giving breastfed babies a daily probiotic (like Lactobacillus reuteri) may reduce crying. It helps balance gut bacteria and ease digestion. Look for options made specifically for infants.
5. Babywearing = Gamechanger
The womb was warm, noisy, and mobile. A baby carrier can mimic that environment. Plus, the upright position helps with reflux and gas. Bonus? You get your hands back.
6. Create a Colic-Friendly Feeding Routine
Quick feeding sessions can cause baby to swallow air. Try nursing when your baby is calm (easier said than done, I know) and offering one breast per feed to ensure they get the fatty hindmilk that keeps them full longer.
7. Warm Baths + Tummy Massages
Warm water can be magic. Combine it with a gentle belly massage (clockwise circles, moving gas downward), and you might see a noticeable difference. Add some calming music and dim lighting, and you’ve got yourself a spa day.
8. Tummy Time (But Make It Soothing)
Not just for development tummy time can help release gas. Do short, supervised sessions multiple times a day. Or let baby lie on your chest while you lay back. Skin-to-skin helps too.
9. The Bicycle Move
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycle motion. This can help move gas through the intestines and (fingers crossed) out.
10. White Noise or Shushing Sounds
A constant, womb-like sound can be incredibly soothing. Try a white noise machine, a YouTube track, or even your own voice shushing rhythmically. It’s oddly hypnotic.
11. Swaddle Like You Mean It
Newborns often crave that snug feeling of the womb. A firm but gentle swaddle can calm their startle reflex and keep them cozy. Just make sure the hips are loose enough to move.
12. Check the Latch
A poor latch can lead to air intake and fussiness. If you’re unsure, a lactation consultant can be a game-changer. Many hospitals offer virtual consults now too.
13. Switch Feeding Positions
The football hold, laid-back breastfeeding, or side-lying positions might be more comfortable for both you and baby especially if reflux is an issue.
14. Consider an Elimination Diet (As a Last Resort)
If your baby has symptoms like eczema, bloody stools, or extreme gassiness, you might be dealing with a food sensitivity. Dairy is the top culprit. Try eliminating it for 2-3 weeks, but talk to your pediatrician first.
15. Take Breaks. Seriously.
Sometimes the most important remedy is for you. It’s okay to put your baby in a safe place, walk away, and breathe. Call in your partner, your mom, a friend, or anyone you trust. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Bonus Tips That Don’t Quite Fit (But Totally Help)
- Keep a colic diary: Track when the crying starts, what you ate, how long it lasts.
- Cluster feeding is normal: Sometimes baby just wants to nurse all evening. That doesn’t mean your milk isn’t enough.
- Ignore the noise: Well-meaning advice can be overwhelming. Go with your gut. You know your baby best.
When to See a Pediatrician
If your baby is inconsolable and showing signs like fever, vomiting, poor weight gain, or a distended belly, get medical advice. It could be more than colic.
And if you ever feel like you’re spiraling, overwhelmed, or stuck in the dark with no light in sight reach out. Postpartum mental health matters.
Final Thought: This Too Shall Pass (Even If It Feels Endless)
Colic is brutal. But it does end. Most babies outgrow it by 3-4 months. That may feel like a lifetime away right now, but you’ll get through it.
And one day, when your baby is smiling at you from across the room or giggling at peek-a-boo, you might not forget the struggle, but you’ll know you made it.
You’re doing better than you think.