Proven Remedies to Help Soothe a Colicky Baby

Welcoming a newborn into the world can be an exciting, yet challenging experience for many parents. As they adapt to the joys and demands of caring for their infant, colic can add an unexpected level of stress and exhaustion. Colic is defined by long periods of inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby, typically lasting for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks. For parents dealing with a colicky baby, these endless crying spells can be incredibly overwhelming, often leading them to search for remedies that provide comfort and relief.

In this article, we will explore several remedies to soothe colicky babies, including dietary changes, gentle techniques like massage, and specific products that have gained popularity, such as Babies’ Magic Tea. We’ll also look at how taking a proactive approach during pregnancy, including attending antenatal classes, can offer parents valuable tools for addressing newborn problems like colic.

Understanding Colic and Its Causes

Colic remains somewhat of a medical mystery, with no universally agreed-upon cause. However, some experts believe that it may be related to gastrointestinal discomfort, overstimulation, or an immature digestive system in newborns. Other contributing factors could include the baby swallowing too much air while feeding or certain proteins in formula or breast milk that may be harder for a baby to digest.

Key Signs of Colic

Intense, high-pitched crying, often in the late afternoon or evening

Crying that lasts for long stretches and is difficult to soothe

Clenching fists, arching the back, or curling up legs as if in discomfort

Baby turning red in the face from crying

While colic is typically not harmful in the long run and resolves by the time a baby is around 3 to 4 months old, finding ways to comfort your colicky baby during this period is vital for both their well-being and your own peace of mind.

Remedies for Colic: What Can Help Soothe a Colicky Baby?

Parents looking for relief often try a combination of soothing techniques to help their baby settle down. From natural remedies like herbal teas to soothing massages, there are various approaches to consider when managing colic.

1. Babies’ Magic Tea: A Soothing Herbal Solution

One of the most well-known natural remedies for colic is Babies’ Magic Tea, a herbal tea specifically formulated to soothe an infant’s digestive system. Made from organic ingredients like chamomile, fennel, and cumin, this tea is designed to relieve gas, constipation, and bloating, which are common contributors to colic. Parents can prepare a small amount of the tea and give it to their baby in a bottle or mix it with formula. The calming effects of chamomile help relax the baby, while fennel and cumin work to support digestion.

Many parents have reported that incorporating Babies’ Magic Tea into their routine has noticeably reduced their baby’s colic symptoms, making it a helpful, natural option to consider.

2. Feeding Adjustments and Techniques

Colic is often linked to feeding issues, whether from swallowing air or experiencing indigestion. Making small adjustments during feeding can make a significant difference:

Frequent Burping: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, burping your baby regularly—especially during feeding—can help release trapped air and prevent gas from building up. This simple step is often overlooked but can reduce colic symptoms.

Slow-Flow Bottles: If you’re using a bottle, switching to an anti-colic or slow-flow nipple may help limit how much air your baby swallows. Bottles such as Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow bottles are designed to reduce air bubbles, minimising gas and discomfort.

Check Your Baby’s Formula: Some babies may be sensitive to certain ingredients in their formula, which can contribute to colic. If you suspect this, consult with your paediatrician about switching to a hypoallergenic formula.

3. Dietary Adjustments for Breastfeeding Mothers

If you’re breastfeeding, your diet may influence your baby’s digestive system. Certain foods like dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods can sometimes cause gas or discomfort in breastfed infants. Consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and whether any foods seem to coincide with your baby’s crying spells.

Cutting out potential culprits like cow’s milk for a couple of weeks may help you determine if there’s an underlying sensitivity causing the colic. Antenatal support groups or classes during pregnancy often touch on how maternal diet affects breastfeeding and can provide additional advice on this topic.

4. Massage and Comforting Techniques

Gentle touch can be very soothing for babies, especially if they are dealing with colic. Antenatal massage is often recommended to relax expecting mothers, but massage techniques for newborns can also provide relief from colic by encouraging digestion and releasing tension.

Infant Massage: Gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion can help ease bloating and gas. Be sure to use light pressure and a safe, non-irritating oil such as coconut oil. This can also be a great bonding experience for both you and your baby.

The Bicycle Leg Exercise: Another helpful technique is to lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a bicycling motion. This movement helps release trapped gas and can bring immediate relief.

5. White Noise and Soothing Sounds

Some colicky babies respond well to calming sounds, as they can help mimic the noises they heard in the womb, providing comfort. Using white noise machines, playing calming music, or even the sound of a vacuum cleaner in the background can help soothe your baby during a colic episode. These sounds can also help block out overstimulation from the baby’s environment, which might be contributing to their distress.

6. Antenatal Care and Preparation

During pregnancy, attending antenatal care appointments and classes is an excellent way to prepare for newborn care, including managing potential issues like colic. Antenatal education can provide you with useful tips on how to care for a fussy baby, as well as insights on baby health and nutrition. Additionally, learning about antenatal yoga and fitness during pregnancy can help you manage stress, which can carry over into your postnatal care routine, allowing you to stay calm and patient when dealing with a colicky baby.

Prenatal care often includes advice on how to support your baby’s digestion from the very start, which can be particularly helpful if you’re concerned about colic. Furthermore, prenatal vitamins taken during pregnancy help ensure the health and development of your baby’s digestive system.

7. Babywearing

For some babies, the close physical contact provided by babywearing can help ease colic symptoms. Using a baby carrier or wrap allows the baby to feel snug and secure, and the gentle movement of being carried can soothe them. The upright position also promotes better digestion, which can reduce gas and discomfort.

Babywearing can be a lifesaver for parents, especially during the early months when babies may be particularly fussy. It also allows you to keep your hands free while still attending to your baby’s needs.

When to See a Doctor

Although colic is generally harmless and resolves on its own, there are times when it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. If your baby has persistent colic symptoms that don’t seem to improve with any remedies, or if they are showing other signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. In rare cases, excessive crying could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Antenatal checkups and postnatal visits with your GP or paediatrician can help ensure that your baby is thriving and rule out any more serious health concerns.

Conclusion

Caring for a colicky baby can be incredibly challenging, but there are various remedies and strategies you can try to ease your baby’s discomfort. From natural herbal solutions like Babies’ Magic Tea to gentle techniques such as infant massage and dietary adjustments, parents can take proactive steps to help soothe their colicky baby.

Remember, colic usually resolves over time, but if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your healthcare provider, antenatal classes, or support groups. With patience, care, and a little experimentation, you’ll find what works best for your baby, bringing comfort and peace to both of you.