How to help a colicky baby

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If you’ve ever had a baby with colic, you know that the endless crying and sleepless nights can be distressing—and difficult to deal with. But you’re not alone—colic is common, affecting as many as 1 in 5 babies. Defined as excessive crying and fussiness in an otherwise healthy baby, colic is marked by the “rule of three”: When an infant under 3 months cries for more than three hours a day, three days a week. The condition isn’t well understood, meaning there’s no definitive cause, but according to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), colic may be related to digestive issues, overstimulation, an inability to self-soothe or an immature nervous system. The good news? Colic typically goes away by the time a baby is 3 or 4 months old.

Watching your little one suffer from colic can be heart-wrenching, but it’s helpful to know that there are steps you can take to ease your baby’s discomfort. While we may not have much information about why colic happens, we do have tried-and-tested tips on how to cope with colic. Here’s what can help.

Tip: Choose an anti-colic bottle

Solution:

Excessive crying can mean your baby is taking in extra air bubbles—causing even more discomfort. Which is why choosing a bottle that also reduces gas can be helpful. Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Options+

Narrow Baby Bottle features an anti-colic internal vent system that is clinically proven to reduce colic. Also try keeping your little one in a more upright feeding position—as well as helping them stay upright for 15 minutes or so after feedings—to cut down on uncomfortable burping, spit-up and gas.

SHOP

Tip: Practice babywearing

Solution:

Babywearing helps mimic the womb environment, and for little ones who might be overstimulated by the sights and sounds of the world, it can be soothing—even if crying persists. Carrying your infant close to your chest while you go about daily activities also offers them a sense of calming movement that they were used to while in utero.

Tip: Offer a pacifier

Solution:

The action of suckling can be especially calming to fussy babies, which is why a pacifier can sometimes provide instant relief. Dr. Brown’s® HappyPaci

100% Silicone Pacifier is one of our fave picks for its one-piece, butterfly construction and similarity to Dr. Brown’s bottle nipple. If your little one refuses a pacifier altogether, in some cases, inserting your upward-turned (and clean) pinkie finger into their mouth might help.

SHOP

Tip: Head outdoors

Solution:

Bundling up baby and taking them outdoors might be a good idea—for both of you. Getting some fresh air and sunlight by going for a walk can be helpful to reduce colic symptoms. If your lovebug tends to cry at around the same time most days, a daily walk or stroll might be in order.

Tip: Soothe with a swaddling belt

Solution:

Swaddles can be soothing to infants for both naps and night sleep, and a swaddling belt is designed to offer a similar type of relief during wake times. Using a hot/cold pack that can be warmed in the microwave, Dr. Brown’s

Gripebelt

Colic Swaddling Belt provides gentle heat to soothe upset tummies.

SHOP

Tip: Try infant massage

Solution:

For colicky babies and exhausted parents, a soothing infant massage can provide an opportunity for calm bonding. Gently stroke baby’s belly from their right to the left side in clockwise circles, making sure to follow with your other hand. A clockwise direction will help them pass gas and relieve any constipation, while also fostering connection.

Article reviewed by Jessica D’Argenio Waller, MS, CNS, LDN, Motherly’s Health & Wellness Director.