How to soothe a colicky newborn is something I searched for during those long nights with my crying baby. No matter what you try, your baby's cries persist, leaving you drained and powerless.
The good news is that there are proven ways to calm your colicky baby. These techniques have helped many parents, including me, get through this tough time.
Understanding Colic Before Learning How to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
Colic follows the "rule of threes":
- Crying for more
than 3 hours a day
- Happening at
least 3 days a week
- Continuing for
at least 3 weeks
I remember thinking something was mistaken with my baby or my parenting. But
colic is common and not your fault.
Natural colic treatments work better when you know what might
cause colic:
- Developing
digestive systems
- Gas or tummy
discomfort
- Overstimulation
- Developing
nervous system
- Food
sensitivities
Most babies start showing signs at 2-3 weeks old and get better by 3-4
months.
10 Proven Techniques for How to Soothe a
Colicky Newborn
1. Special Holding Positions to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
The best position for colicky baby can make a big difference:
- Football Hold: Cradle your baby’s
face down along your arm, supporting their belly.
- Colic Carry: Rest your baby
on your forearm, head near your elbow, tummy down
- The
Over-the-Shoulder Hold: Place your baby with their
belly against your shoulder.
I found the football hold worked best with my son.
2. Gentle Massage Techniques to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
A baby massage for colic relief helped my daughter. Try this:
1. Lay your baby on their back
2. Warm your hands first
3. Softly massage your baby's belly in a circular motion.
4. Try the "I Love You" massage: trace an "I" down the
left side of the baby's belly, then an "L" across and down, then a
"U" along the bottom and down both sides
These movements help move gas along.
3. Movement That Can Help Your Colicky Newborn
Gentle rocking techniques remind babies of the womb:
- Rocking in a
chair
- Using a baby
swing
- Going for a car
ride
- Walking while
carrying your baby
I have seen even the loudest cries stop during a car ride.
Using baby carriers to soothe colic works well, too. I carried my daughter
against my chest and walked around the house.
4. White Noise Can Soothe a Colicky Newborn
White noise for fussy babies works because it's like sounds from
the womb. Try:
- Run a fan or
vacuum cleaner
- Use a white
noise app or machine
- Make a
"shushing" sound near your baby's ear
- Try running
water
I like using white noise because it blocks out other sounds that I think will wake the baby.
5. Warm Baths to Soothe Your Colicky Newborn
A warm bath is one of the most effective colic soothing techniques:
1. Make sure the room is warm
2. Fill the tub with warm (not hot) water
3. Gently place your baby in the water
4. Cup warm water over their tummy
5. Talk softly to them
6. Wrap them in a warm towel after
I have tested adding a few drops of baby-safe lavender wash, which seemed
to help.
6. Feeding Methods to Help Soothe a Colicky Newborn
The breastfeeding and colic connection is worth exploring:
For breastfeeding moms:
- Check the baby's
latch
- Try feeding in
a more upright position
- Think about
your diet
For bottle-feeding families:
- Use slow-flow
nipples
- Hold the bottle
at an angle
- Try different
formulas with the doctor's approval
Baby gas relief techniques during feeding:
- Burp during and
after feeding
- Keep the baby
upright after meals
- Try anti-colic
bottles
Switching bottles helped my son's gas problems.
7. Diet Changes That May Soothe a Colicky Newborn
How to soothe a colicky newborn might involve food changes. For
breastfed babies, mom's diet matters:
Common triggers:
- Dairy products
- Caffeine
- Spicy foods
- Gas-producing
vegetables
- Citrus fruits
For formula-fed babies, ask your doctor about:
- Hypoallergenic
formula
- Lactose-free
options
- Sensitive tummy
formulas
I saw improvement when I cut dairy from my diet while breastfeeding.
8. Calm Environments Help Soothe Your Colicky Newborn
Soothing a crying newborn with colic works better in a peaceful setting:
- Dim the lights
- Keep the noise low
- Limit visitors
during fussy times
- Stick to a
routine
Fussiness in newborns gets worse when they're overtired. Watch for sleepy
signs and help your baby nap before they get too tired.
9. Swaddling to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
Swaddling for newborn comfort helps babies feel secure:
1. Lay a thin blanket in a diamond shape
2. Fold the top corner down
3. Place the baby face-up with shoulders at the fold
4. Wrap one side across and tuck under
5. Bring the bottom corner up
6. Wrap the other side around and tuck in
Swaddle blankets for newborns with special shapes and fasteners
make this easier.
10. Probiotics May Soothe Your Colicky Newborn
Probiotics for colicky babies are among the few science-backed
colic relief strategies. Studies show L. reuteri drops can reduce crying
time.
Always talk to your doctor first. I tried probiotic drops with my second
baby after our doctor suggested them, and it helped within a week.
When to Call the Doctor About Your Colicky Newborn
While learning how to soothe a colicky newborn, know when
to get help. Call if you have a baby:
- Has a fever
- Seems sick, not
just fussy
- Isn't eating
well
- Has unusual
crying
- Shows signs of
pain
- Has diarrhea or
vomiting
- Isn't gaining
weight
Sometimes what looks like colic might be something else.
Taking Care of Yourself While Learning How to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
Parental coping with colic matters too:
- Take turns with
your partner
- Accept help
from others
- Take abrupt breaks when needed
- Join a support
group
- Talk to your
doctor if you feel overwhelmed
Parent sleep tips during colic include sleeping when your baby
sleeps and trading nights with a partner.
Common Questions About How to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
What is the 3-3-3 rule for colic?
The 3-3-3 rule means crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3
days a week, for more than 3 weeks. This pattern helps tell normal fussiness
from colic.
Is colic painful for newborns?
We can't know exactly, but colic causes discomfort. Colicky
babies often pull their legs up and seem to have tummy pain. However, colic
doesn't cause lasting harm. If your baby appears distressed, contact your
doctor.
Is colic caused by overfeeding?
Overfeeding isn't the major cause, but it can make it worse. Colic has many
causes. For bottle-fed babies, follow the amount guidelines. For breastfed
babies, feeding on demand usually works best.
What worsens colic in babies?
Several things can make colic worse:
- Too much noise,
light, or activity
- Irregular
schedules
- Certain foods
in a mom's diet, if breastfeeding
- Some formulas
for bottle feeding
- Cigarette smoke
- Family stress
- Overtiredness
I noticed my son's colic got worse in the evenings when he was most
tired.
Final Thoughts on How to Soothe a Colicky Newborn
Dealing with colic is hard. Try different newborn colic remedies
until you find what works. What helps one day might not work the next.
Remember, these key points about how to soothe a colicky newborn:
- Colic is
temporary and usually ends by 3-4 months
- Try different
techniques
- Take care of
yourself, too
- Ask for help
- Trust your
instincts
Each day may feel like it stretches on forever, but this stage will
eventually fade away. My colicky babies grew into happy toddlers with no lasting
effects.
The colic baby nighttime tips that helped me most were taking turns
with my partner and using white noise.
Most importantly, you're not alone. Many parents have been through this,
and both you and your baby will get through it too.
