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Now reading: How to Soothe & Ease Colic In Newborns

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How to Soothe & Ease Colic In Newborns

Colic can feel like a mystery you’re constantly trying to solve, but you’re not alone in facing it. Many parents ask themselves what is colic in babies and wonder if their little one’s crying spells are just part of the deal, or something more.

The silver lining? There are practical ways to navigate this phase and figure out how to soothe a colic baby without losing your mind—or your patience. Let’s dive into when colic often kicks in and explore some tips and tricks to help you and your little one.

What Is Colic in Babies?

Colic in babies is characterized as intense, frequent crying episodes that last for hours and don’t have an obvious cause, like hunger or a dirty diaper. It’s common, it’s temporary, and though it’s tough, understanding what colic in babies is can be the first step to soothing your little one.

What Causes Colic in Babies?

If only there were a simple answer! Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes colic, but common theories point to things like immature digestive systems, gas, or even sensory overload. For most babies, colic starts around 2-3 weeks of age and peaks by 6 weeks, making those early days even more of a whirlwind. The good news is that it’s not a sign of poor health—it’s just another one of those parenting puzzles you’ll eventually crack with a little bit of help and a lot of patience.

Symptoms of Colic in Infants

The symptoms of colic in infants are pretty straightforward once you know what to look for. So how do you know if your newborn has colic? Here are some telltale signs:

Crying that feels like it’s powered by a tiny megaphone—loud, intense, and lasting for hours.
Refusing to be soothed, no matter what you try (yes, even the bounce-walk combo).
Happening on repeat: at least three times a week or more.

Their mini-tantrum moves may look like:

Clenching those tiny fists.
Arching their back.
Pulling their legs up.

How to Soothe a Colic Baby

When they’re wailing like an opera diva, knowing how to help a colic baby can feel like a lifeline. From modern tricks to old home remedies for colic in babies, there are plenty of solutions that can bring much-needed calm to the chaos.

Best Sleeping Position for Colic Baby

When it comes to soothing, finding the best sleeping position for a colic baby can make a world of difference. While there’s no magic pose, laying your baby on their back is safest for sleep, as recommended by pediatricians.

If they’re struggling with discomfort, try holding them upright during awake time to help with digestion, or let them snooze slightly elevated in your arms for a bit before moving them to a safe, flat sleep surface. The classic “on the chest” cuddle can also work wonders—your heartbeat and warmth can be the ultimate colic calmer. Just make sure they’re always supervised in these positions.

Feeding Your Baby

One of the best baby colic treatments is experimenting with how you feed your little one. Try keeping them upright during and after feedings to help reduce gas, a known colic trigger. Burp them frequently, too—yes, even if they’re mid-meal—to keep air bubbles from building up.

If you’re bottle-feeding, consider a bottle designed to minimize air intake. If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to monitor your diet for any potential irritants. To learn more about breastfeeding vs bottle feeding, take a peek at our blog post.

Searching for more support during feedings? The Tushbaby Hip Carrier doubles as a bottle-feeding and nursing pillow, propping your baby up at a comfy slant to seamlessly shift between feeding and burping without repositioning or extra fuss. It’s supportive for both of you, so you can keep the bonding sweet and the back strain to a minimum.

Take Your Baby For a Walk

When the crying feels endless, one of the simplest colic baby remedies is right outside your front door—literally! Taking your colic baby for a walk can work wonders. The combination of fresh air, gentle motion, and new sights and sounds can help distract and soothe them.

Sometimes, a little change of scenery is all it takes to give you and your baby a much-needed breather. Colic spells can last a while, so it’s smart to enlist the help of a carrier like the Tushbaby Hip Carrier. Its padded waistband and built-in lumbar support make carrying your baby easier on your back and arms, and its built-in storage means you can pack the essentials without lugging a separate bag.

Swaddle Your Baby

Another top tactic in how to relieve colic in babies is a classic—swaddling! Wrapping your baby snugly in a soft, breathable blanket helps recreate that cozy, secure feeling they loved in the womb.

For even more comfort when babywearing on the go, check out the Snug Attachment. This soft, hands-free wrap pairs with your Tushbaby Carrier to keep your baby close and content while giving you a break from the endless lift-and-hold routine.

Introducing a Pacifier

Still wondering how to help a colic baby settle down? Introducing a pacifier might do the trick. Many babies find the sucking motion soothing, which can help calm their colic-fueled fussiness. Whether it’s during a crying spell, after a feeding to help them relax, or while they’re napping, a pacifier can provide the distraction they need to self-soothe. To keep it clean and close, store it in The Pod—a chic, compact pouch that clips right onto your Tushbaby carrier or bag.

FAQs On Colic in Newborns

Can Breastfed Babies Get Colic?

Unfortunately, yes—colic doesn’t discriminate. While breastfeeding has countless benefits, some breastfed babies still experience those infamous bouts of unexplained crying.

Sometimes colic can be linked to Mom’s diet or overactivity, but often, there’s no clear culprit. That said, breastfeeding can also be part of the solution. The closeness, comfort, and rhythmic sucking during feeds can help soothe your colic baby, even during their fussiest moments.

Do Colic Babies Fart a Lot?

Oh, you bet they do! All that crying can lead to swallowing extra air, which gets trapped in their tiny tummies and makes its grand exit as frequent (and often impressive) gas. While farting isn’t the cause of colic, it’s definitely a symptom that goes hand-in-hand with it. Helping your baby burp during and after feedings or trying gentle tummy massages can reduce some of that air buildup.

What Age Is Worse for Colic?

Brace yourself for the peak at around 6 weeks old, when those intense crying spells can feel like they’re hitting an all-time high. Colic often starts when babies are 2-3 weeks old and tends to worsen as they approach this milestone. By 3-4 months, colic usually begins to fade, and those marathon crying sessions will soon become a distant memory.

How Do You Settle a Colic Baby at Night?

Start by creating a soothing bedtime routine—think warm baths, gentle rocking, and soft lullabies. If the crying persists, white noise or a rhythmic motion, like bouncing on a yoga ball, can work wonders. And don’t forget: keep the lights low and the vibe chill to help signal it’s time to wind down.

Soothing a colic baby takes patience, trial and error, and a few clever tricks to bring some peace to your days (and nights). Remember, this phase is temporary, and with the right tools, you’ve got what it takes to handle it.

Shop Tushbaby to help make this stage a little easier—for you and your baby!