How to Soothe Colic and Recognise the Symptoms

Crying spells in the first few months often catch new parents off guard. Even when a baby is fed, burped, changed, and carried, the crying continues.

This situation can be overwhelming and may even lead parents to wonder if something is wrong. Fortunately, this isn’t an entirely uncommon occurrence. This is the period often linked to colic.

Colic is a prevalent but temporary phase in babies’ early infancy. In this guide, we can help you recognise the signs of colic, understand what causes it, and explore simple baby colic solutions that support calmer days and nights.

What Exactly Is Colic? Understanding the Basics

Colic is not a disease. It's a behaviour pattern seen in many babies under 4 months.

Healthcare professionals often refer to the “Rule of Three” when describing colic. This means a baby cries for more than three hours a day, on at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer.

Colic crying episodes often arrive suddenly, regardless of feeding or changing schedules. Babies with colic will still feed normally and can even gain weight and appear well outside of their crying episodes.

This is not caused by something the parent is doing wrong. It’s important to remember this because colic doesn’t reflect poor caregiving. It’s merely a development phase.

Common Colic Symptoms Parents Should Know

Colic symptoms usually appear between 2 and 6 weeks of age. In many cases, they improve by 10 and 12 weeks.

However, it may be something more serious than colic if other symptoms accompany the crying. Parents should always consult a doctor if the crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, lethargy, poor feeding, or unusual symptoms. 

For clarity, this is what parents often observe when a colic episode starts:

• Sudden, intense crying that seems impossible to soothe 

• Moments where a baby may go from quiet to screaming in seconds 

• Crying often peaks in the evening 

• A red face, clenched fists, stiff legs or arching of the back when crying 

• Excessive gas or seeming uncomfortable even after burping 

• Difficulty settling, even when carried 

• A tendency for the baby to calm only temporarily before starting again quickly

What Causes Colic?

There are many theorised possible causes of colic, and as you can see below, none of them reflects poor care from the parents: 

• Immature digestive system - Babies may have difficulty digesting milk efficiently, which can cause wind discomfort and bloating. 

• Overstimulation - Newborns receive a flood of sensory input daily, and by evening, their nervous system may become overwhelmed, triggering the crying. 

• Developing gut microbiome - Adaptation to feeding (breast milk or formula) may cause temporary gut imbalances. 

• Natural temperament differences - Some babies are more sensitive to changes in their environment, sounds, and touch. 

• Feeding patterns - Fast let-down in breastfeeding or fast bottle nipples may cause some babies to swallow excess air!

Baby Colic Solutions: Practical Techniques Parents Can Try

Mums over generations have come up with various ways to soothe colic. You may want to try some of the techniques below to see which one works best for your child.

The Soothing Power of Movement

Gentle rocking, swaying, or walking in rhythmic patterns can help babies regulate their breathing. This may make it easier for them to settle.

Baby carriers can create a womb-like closeness that reduces fussiness. Short, quiet outdoor strolls may also help, offering a calming reset for both parent and baby.

Swaddling and Creating a Calming Environment

Swaddling helps newborns feel secure by limiting the startle reflex. Dim lights to reduce overstimulation and try to follow a consistent bedtime routine. It creates predictability, which babies tend to find comforting.

Tummy Time and Warm Compresses

A warm towel or heat pack (wrapped safely) placed on the baby’s tummy relaxes muscles. You may also pair this with a gentle, warm tummy massage. Use clockwise strokes and bicycle motions to help relieve wind and ease colic discomfort.

Feeling Adjustments That May Reduce Discomfort

Since gas may lead to colic, try to use slower bottle nipples to prevent gulping. Regular burps halfway through and after feeds may help too.

If you’re breastfeeding, ensure a good latch. If using a formula, avoid switching formulas repeatedly without medical guidance, as it can worsen fussiness in a colicky baby.

Soothing Sounds (White Noise, Humming, Fans)

Babies are used to the whooshing noises in the womb. You can try to provide a soothing replacement through white noise or fans. 

This blocks overly stimulating external sounds for your little one, leading to a calmer environment. You can also try soft shushing, humming, or lullabies. They may calm you too!

Parental Self-Care as a Baby Colic Solution

A baby senses caregiver tension. As such, caring for yourself helps care for the baby.

If you have a partner or support system, consider taking turns to rest. Take short breaks during prolonged crying spells as well. 

Ignore social pressure to fix colic immediately. It’s a perfectly natural developmental phase for some children, and again, it's no reflection on you as a parent.

When to Call a Doctor?

Again, some things may go past colic and be more serious conditions. Parents should contact a healthcare provider if they see any of these signs:

• Crying suddenly changes in tone or intensity 

• The baby refuses to feed  

• The baby has fewer wet diapers 

• There is fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or blood in stool 

• The baby is unusually sleepy or unresponsive all of a sudden

Get Useful Insight from Other Mums

Colic is temporary and manageable. Understanding colic symptoms and using simple soothing techniques can significantly reduce stress at home.

And above all, remember that you’re doing your best. Colic usually resolves on its own as the baby grows, like most developmental phases. Your child will work through it over time.

Want more mummy advice? Explore more newborn care guides, sleep tips, and feeding advice on Mummy Guru to support your journey through the early months.