“He won’t stop crying. I have done everything.”
“She has a dry diaper and I know she is full. Why is she still fussy?”
Oooh mama! You’ve probably checked all the boxes and can’t tell what is hurting your baby. If your little one cries for hours on end and nothing seems to work, you might be dealing with colic, one of the most frustrating and exhausting stages of early motherhood.
Let’s start by saying this: it’s not your fault. Colic is common, and it doesn’t mean your baby is unwell or that you’re doing something wrong. It’s just one of those mysterious phases many newborns go through, and thankfully, it does pass. But while you wait it out, let’s help you understand what’s going on and what you can do to soothe your baby (and yourself).
What Exactly Is Colic?
Colic is defined as intense, prolonged, and frequent crying in an otherwise healthy baby. Doctors often use the “Rule of 3” to describe it: crying for more than 3 hours a day, for 3 or more days a week, lasting for 3 weeks or more. It typically appears around the 2nd or 3rd week of life and peaks around 6 weeks, before gradually easing by 3 to 4 months.
The exact cause of colic isn’t fully known. Some experts believe it’s due to underdeveloped digestion system gas, overstimulation, or even sensitivity to certain foods (especially if the baby is breastfed and the mother’s diet affects them).
Others think it might be a baby’s way of adjusting to life outside the womb.
Whatever the cause, colic can leave parents feeling helpless and drained but there are ways to manage it and keep your sanity intact.
1. Master the “Colic Carry” or Hold
One of the simplest ways to comfort a colicky baby is to hold them in a way that eases gas and provides security. Try the colic carry:
Lay your baby on their tummy along your forearm, with their head resting in your hand and their legs straddling your arm.
Gently rub or pat their back as you walk around.
This position puts gentle pressure on their tummy, which can help release trapped gas. Alternatively, hold your baby upright against your chest and lightly sway — it helps soothe and comfort.
2. Gentle Motions Work Wonders
Babies love movement; it reminds them of the soothing sways they felt inside the womb. You can:
Rock your baby in your arms or in a rocking chair.
Use a baby swing (if age-appropriate and supervised).
Take a walk in a stroller or a drive in the car, the rhythmic motion can calm them almost magically.
These motions not only soothe but also help your baby relax their muscles and regulate their breathing.
3. Try White Noise or Soft Sounds
Ever noticed how your baby calms down when there’s background noise, like a fan or a washing machine? That’s because these sounds mimic the whooshing noises of the womb. Try using a white noise machine, lullaby playlist, or even shushing sounds made by you.
You can also softly hum or sing, babies respond well to your voice because it’s familiar and comforting.
4. Check for Feeding-Related Causes
Sometimes colic can be triggered by air swallowed during feeding or sensitivity to certain foods.
Burp frequently: After every few minutes of feeding, pause to burp your baby to release trapped air.
Check feeding position: Keep your baby’s head higher than their stomach to help milk flow down smoothly.
Bottle check: If bottle-feeding, use anti-colic bottles designed to minimize air intake.
Monitor your diet (if breastfeeding): Some babies react to dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods in your diet. Try eliminating one food group at a time to see if there’s a difference.
5. Give a Gentle Tummy Massage
A soft, clockwise tummy massage can help relieve gas and discomfort. Use gentle, circular motions with warm hands. You can also try bicycle leg movements — lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs as if pedaling a bike.
This helps release trapped gas and can bring visible relief.
6. Swaddle for Comfort
Swaddling recreates the snug feeling of the womb, giving your baby a sense of security. Use a light cotton blanket and wrap your baby snugly (but not too tight) to limit their startle reflex. Make sure their hips and legs can still move freely.
Swaddling works especially well before sleep or during fussy periods, just remember to always lay your baby on their back when swaddled.
7. Offer a Pacifier
Some babies just need to suck for comfort. Pacifiers can help soothe them by satisfying their natural sucking reflex, even when they’re not hungry. It’s a quick and effective way to calm crying spells.
8. Try Warm Baths or Warm Compresses
A warm bath can relax your baby’s muscles and soothe their tummy. Alternatively, place a warm (not hot) towel on their stomach for a few minutes. The gentle warmth helps ease cramps and discomfort.
9. Stay Calm (and Take Breaks When Needed)
This might be the hardest one, but your baby senses your emotions. If you’re stressed or frustrated, it can make them even fussier. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby safely in their crib, step away, and take a few deep breaths. Call a friend, partner, or family member for support.
Remember; colic is temporary. It doesn’t mean your baby doesn’t love you or that you’re not doing enough. You’re doing amazing, mama.
When to See a Doctor
While colic is usually harmless, check with your pediatrician if your baby’s crying seems different, especially if it’s high-pitched, accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, fever, poor feeding, or if your instincts tell you something’s not right.
Your doctor can rule out medical causes like reflux, milk allergies, or infections.
Final Thoughts
Colic can make you feel like the days (and nights) will never end, but hang in there. Most babies outgrow it by the fourth month, and before you know it, you’ll be looking back at these days amazed at how far you’ve come.
So breathe, mama. You’ve got this. With patience, a few soothing tricks, and lots of cuddles, you’ll both make it through.