Newborn Colic - Calm Your Crying Baby Naturally (Best Guide)

January 21, 2026,          Last Updated: January 21, 2026

Newborn colic can turn peaceful evenings into hours of inconsolable crying. If your baby screams for hours without an obvious reason, you're not alone. About 1 in 5 newborns experience colic. 

The good news? It's temporary, and there are proven ways to help both you and your baby get through this challenging phase.

Key Takeaways

Let me summarize what matters most about newborn colic -

✅ Colic is temporary - Usually ends by 3-4 months
✅ You're not doing anything wrong - It's developmental
✅ Try the 5 S's method - Swaddle, side, shush, swing, suck
✅ Watch your diet if breastfeeding - Dairy often triggers symptoms
✅ Take breaks - Your mental health matters
✅ Call the doctor for red flag symptoms
✅ Join support groups - You're not alone
✅ Trust it will end - Every colicky baby outgrows it

My Story - When Midnight Felt Like Forever

I still remember the third week with my daughter Nora. Every evening, around 7 PM, the crying started, like clockwork. Nothing worked—not feeding, not changing, not rocking. I felt helpless, exhausted, and honestly, scared that something was seriously wrong.

After visiting our pediatrician, I learned about infant colic. That single conversation changed everything. Not because the crying stopped immediately, but because I finally understood what was happening and had a plan.

What Is Newborn Colic?

Baby colic symptoms involve prolonged, intense crying in otherwise healthy babies. It's not a disease—it's a phase that most babies outgrow by 3-4 months.

The Rule of Threes Explained

Doctors use the colic rule of threes to diagnose colic:

• Crying for 3 or more hours per day
• Happening 3 or more days per week
• Lasting for 3 or more weeks

But here's what matters most: if your baby cries inconsolably and you can't figure out why, trust your instincts and seek help.

Key Fact Box -
According to the Mayo Clinic, colic typically peaks around 6 weeks of age and is resolved by 3-4 months. The crying usually happens in the late afternoon or evening.

Colic Symptoms in Newborns - How to Spot Them

Not all crying means colic. Here's what makes colicky newborn crying different:

Physical Signs I've Noticed

When Nora had a colic episode, I saw these clear patterns:

• Clenched fists and stiff arms
• Legs pulled up to her belly
• Arched back while crying
• Red, flushed face
• Hard, bloated tummy

Crying Pattern Differences

Colic vs normal crying in newborns comes down to intensity and predictability.

What Causes Colic in Babies?

Honestly? Nobody knows the exact cause. But research from the Cleveland Clinic points to several factors:

Most Common Triggers

Newborn gas and fussiness often go together with colic. Here's what might contribute:

Digestive System Development

• Baby's gut is still maturing
• Gas bubbles get trapped
• Food crawling through the intestines

Feeding Issues

• Swallowing air during feeding
• Overfeeding or underfeeding
• Newborn gas and colic from formula intolerance

Environmental Factors

• Overstimulation from lights and noise
• Cigarette smoke exposure
• Family stress is affecting the baby

Gut Microbiome

• Imbalance of healthy bacteria
• Some babies lack certain digestive enzymes

Important Note -
Colic is NOT caused by parenting. You're doing everything right—sometimes babies just need time to adjust to the world.

Newborn Excessive Crying Reasons - Beyond Colic

Before assuming colic, rule out these issues:

H3: Medical Checklist

• Food allergies (especially cow's milk protein)
• Reflux causing stomach pain
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Constipation

I learned to check Nora's whole body—once, a tiny hair was wrapped around her toe, causing pain!

How to Soothe a Colicky Newborn - What Actually Works

After weeks of trial and error, I found these doctor-approved colic remedies most helpful -

Related: How to Soothe a Colicky Newborn: 10 Proven Calming Techniques

The 5 S's Method (Dr. Harvey Karp)

This technique from pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp saved our sanity:

1. Swaddle

• Wrap the baby snugly in a thin blanket
• Arms down, legs loose
• Creates womb-like security

2. Side or Stomach Position

• Hold baby on their side or stomach (never for sleep!)
• Supports while awake only

3. Shush

• Make loud "shhhh" sounds near the baby's ear
• White noise mimics womb sounds
• I used a hair dryer sound app

4. Swing

• Gentle, rhythmic motion
• Rock side-to-side or bounce softly
• Car rides worked wonders for us

5. Suck

• Offer a pacifier or a clean finger
• Triggers calming reflex

My Experience -
Combining swaddling + white noise + gentle bouncing on an exercise ball worked 70% of the time with Nora. The other 30%? We just held her and waited it out.

Feeding Position Adjustments

The best feeding position for colic baby helped reduce gas:

For Breastfeeding -

• Keep the baby upright at a 45-degree angle
• Take breaks to burp every 5 minutes
• Try a laid-back nursing position

For Bottle-Feeding -

• Use anti-colic bottles with vents
• Hold the bottle at an angle that keeps the nipple filled with milk.
• Pace feeding—don't rush

Burping Techniques That Work -

• Over the shoulder (classic)
• Sitting up with chin support
• Laying across your lap, patting back

Colic Relief for Newborn Babies - Natural Remedies

Dietary Changes for Breastfeeding Moms

What you eat might affect the baby. I tried eliminating these common triggers:

• Dairy products (the biggest culprit!)
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage)
• Chocolate

Give each elimination 3-5 days to see results. For me, cutting dairy reduced Nora's crying by about 40%.

Formula Options

If formula-feeding, discuss these with your doctor:

Important - Don't switch formulas constantly. Give each one 1-2 weeks.

Probiotics - What Research Shows

The NHS and recent studies suggest Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics might help. I gave Nora probiotic drops after discussing with our pediatrician.

Did it work? Hard to say definitively, but her symptoms seemed milder after week two.

How Long Does Newborn Colic Last?

Here's the timeline I experienced:

Week-by-Week Progression

Weeks 2-3 - Crying starts increasing
Weeks 4-6 - Peak intensity (hardest phase)
Weeks 8-10 - Noticeable improvement
Weeks 12-16 - Almost completely gone

Hope Box -
By 4 months, 90% of colic cases resolve completely. You WILL sleep again. Your baby WILL smile more. This is temporary.

When to Call the Doctor

Don't wait if you notice:

Red Flag Symptoms

• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Vomiting (not just spit-up)
• Blood in stool
• Refusing to eat
• Not gaining weight
• Crying sounds different (weak or high-pitched)

I called our pediatrician three times during Nora's colic phase. Each time, they reassured me and checked for other issues. Better safe than sorry.

Coping Strategies for Parents

Your Mental Health Matters

Infantile colic remedies aren't just for babies—you need support too.

What Helped Me -

• Taking 15-minute breaks (putting baby safely in crib)
• Tag-teaming with my partner
• Joining online parent support groups
• Accepting that "okay" parenting is enough right now

When I Felt Overwhelmed -

• I put Nora in her crib
• Walked to another room
• Took 10 deep breaths
• Called my mom

Warning -
Never shake a baby. If you feel that urge, put the baby down safely and walk away. Call someone for help immediately.

Evening Colic Episodes - Why They Happen

Most babies get fussier at night. Theories include:

• Overstimulation from the day
• Tired but can't settle
• The digestive system is more active
• Parent stress, baby picks up on

My Evening Routine That Helped -

1.    Dim lights at 5 PM

2.    Muted environment—no TV

3.    Bath time is around 6 PM

4.    Feeding before the fussy period

5.    Pre-prepare burp cloths, pacifier, and white noise ready

Products I Found Helpful

Note: These are based on my experience—always check with your doctor first.

Anti-Colic Tools

Gripe Water

• Natural herb mixture
• Helped Nora's gas sometimes
• Not FDA-regulated—choose reputable brands

Gas Relief Drops (Simethicone)

• Break up gas bubbles
• Safe for newborns
• Worked occasionally for us

White Noise Machine

• Absolute significant change
• Used it for 6 months straight
• Helped Nora to sleep better, too

Baby Carrier

• Hands-free soothing
• Movement calms crying
• I wore Nora while doing chores

What Doesn't Work

Be skeptical of -

• Expensive "miracle" formulas
• Herbal teas for newborns (can be unsafe)
• Chiropractic adjustments (no powerful evidence)
• Constantly switching routines (consistency helps more)

Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Colic

How do you help a baby with colic?

The most effective approaches combine physical comfort and environmental changes. Try the 5 S's method: swaddle your baby snugly, hold them on their side, make shushing sounds, provide a gentle swinging motion, and offer something to suck. Additionally, reduce stimulation by dimming lights and minimizing noise. If breastfeeding, consider eliminating dairy from your diet for 1-2 weeks to see if symptoms improve.

How do you know if your baby has colic?

Your baby likely has colic if they cry intensely for 3+ hours daily, at least 3 days per week, for 3+ weeks straight. The crying typically starts suddenly in late afternoon or evening, and your baby seems inconsolable despite feeding, changing, and holding. 

You'll also notice physical signs like clenched fists, pulled-up legs, arched back, and a tense belly. However, always check with your pediatrician to rule out medical issues causing the crying.

How do you treat colic in babies?

There's no single "cure" for colic, but several approaches help. For feeding, burp your baby frequently and hold them upright during and after meals. Try anti-colic bottles if formula-feeding. 

Use soothing techniques like white noise, gentle motion, and skin-to-skin contact. Some doctors recommend probiotics containing Lactobacillus reuteri. Most importantly, be patient and consistent; colic naturally resolves by 3-4 months as your baby's digestive system matures.

What is the 3-3-3 rule colic?

The 3-3-3 rule (also called the Rule of Threes) is the medical definition of colic: crying for more than 3 hours per day, happening more than 3 days per week, continuing for more than 3 weeks. 

This guideline, developed by Dr. Morris Wessel in 1954, helps doctors distinguish colic from normal newborn crying. However, you don't need to wait 3 weeks to seek help—if your baby's crying concerns you, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Final Thoughts about Newborn Colic

Looking back, Nora's colic in infants causes those first months to feel impossibly hard. But we made it through, and you will too.

The crying stopped. The smiles started. The sleepless nights became cherished memories

Remember: soothing colic baby techniques work differently for every child. What calmed Nora might not calm your baby, and that's okay. Keep trying, stay patient, and know that every sunset brings you one day closer to the end of this phase.

You're doing an amazing job. On the hardest nights, when nothing seems to work, just hold your baby close. Sometimes, being there is enough.

Your baby won't remember these colic days. But they'll grow up knowing they had a parent who never gave up on comforting them.

That's what matters most.

References

1.    Cleveland Clinic - Colic Symptoms, Causes & Solutions
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10823-colic

2.    NHS UK - Colic Information
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/

3.    American Academy of Pediatrics - Colic Relief Tips
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Colic.aspx