How to Handle Colic and Crying in Newborns: 21 Proven Tips for Peaceful Nights
Meta Description: It can be difficult to know what to do when your newborn has colic or cries. Learn 21 expert-backed ways to calm your baby, help them sleep better, and make parenthood less stressful.
🍼 Introduction: What is the Colic Conundrum?
Taking care of a newborn is gratifying, but it may be challenging when your infant cries for hours on end. One of the hardest things for new parents to deal with is figuring out how to deal with colic and weeping in babies. When emotions are high and sleep is low, it’s important to recognize what’s normal and what’s not.
Signs of colic that are common are:
Crying episodes that come on suddenly and are quite strong
Crying every day at the same time, usually at night
Hands that are clenched, a back that is arched, or limbs that are stiff
Not easy to calm down
Stomach that is gassy or swollen
🤔 What is colic? Every Parent Should Know These Signs and Symptoms
Colic is when a healthy baby cries a lot for no reason, usually for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or more. Colic normally gets worse around 6 weeks and then gets better by 3 to 4 months.
💡 Why Do Babies Cry So Much?
The only way a baby can talk is by crying. They notify us they’re hungry, wet, tired, or in discomfort by crying. Colic sobbing, on the other hand, is different. It seems to happen for no reason, and it is difficult to calm down.
Normal Crying vs. Colic Crying
| Normal Crying | Colic Crying |
|---|---|
| Happens sporadically | Happens in predictable patterns |
| Easy to soothe | Hard to calm |
| Linked to hunger, dirty diaper, or tiredness | No clear cause |
| Varies in tone | High-pitched, intense screams |
🚼 The Top 5 Physical Reasons for Colic
1. Pain in the stomach and gas
Babies’ digestive systems aren’t fully developed yet. Swallowing air while eating can induce gas and bloating in the stomach, which can make a baby act colicky.
- Allergies and sensitivities to food
Some babies may be allergic to soy, dairy, or gluten in breastmilk or formula. You could try an exclusion diet or switching to hypoallergenic formula. - Nervous System Not Fully Developed
Newborns are still getting used to life outside the womb. They may cry too much and overreact to things since their nervous system isn’t fully matured. - GERD and reflux
Acid reflux can make the esophagus hurt when you eat or after you eat. Signs may include spitting up a lot, arching the back, and not wanting to eat. - Too much excitement
Babies can get overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or too much handling, especially at night, which can make them cry for a long time. How long does colic last in babies? - Timeframe and What to Expect
Colic is a short-term problem, but when you’re in it, it might feel like a hurricane that never ends. Around 2 to 3 weeks old, most newborns start to show signs of colic, and it gets worse between 6 and 8 weeks. The good news is colic normally goes away by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old, and in some circumstances, by the time the baby is 5 to 6 months old. - Typical Colic Timeline:
Baby’s Age
Colic Behavior
0–2 weeks
Crying begins intermittently
3–6 weeks
Peak crying episodes
2–4 months
Symptoms begin to improve
5–6 months
Most babies outgrow colic completely
If crying persists beyond this period or worsens, it’s important to consult your pediatrician to rule out other underlying issues - Give your baby a warm bath. 21 Proven Ways to Calm a Colicky Baby
- A warm bath can help your baby’s body and mind relax. The warm water helps release gas that is stuck and soothes stiff muscles.
- Get White Noise Machines
White noise sounds like the sounds your kid heard while they were still in the womb. Try using white noise apps, equipment, or even a vacuum cleaner that is running. - Do it right when you swaddle
Swaddling makes you feel safe. Wrap your infant up snugly but not too tightly in a nice, breathable blanket. - Change the way you feed them.
Holding your baby at a 45-degree angle when feeding them can help them take in less air, which can help with gas and reflux. - Use Gripe Water or Gas Drops
These medicines that you may get without a prescription can assist with stomach problems. Before giving your child any supplements, always talk to their doctor. - Burp your baby more often
Burping often, both during and after feeding, helps get rid of swallowed air and stops gas from building up and hurting. - Give your baby a gentle massage.
A “I love you” stroke or a circular tummy massage will help with bloating and get your digestion going. - Bounce or Rock Slowly
Moving slowly can help you relax. Try putting your baby in a swing, rocking chair, or carrier and walking with them. - Think about getting a pacifier
For a lot of babies, sucking on anything that isn’t food is comforting. A pacifier might help right away when a baby is crying. - Keep a feeding and crying diary. Recording when your baby eats and cries might help you figure out what makes them cry, including the time of day, the type of formula, or anything in your diet.
- Move around like you’re on a stroller ride.
Put your baby in a stroller or automobile and take them for a ride. The motion frequently makes newborns sleepy and less cranky. - Change to a hypoallergenic formula
If your baby is on formula, talk to your doctor about trying a hypoallergenic formula to help with any allergies. - Change the diet of the mother (for moms who are breastfeeding)
If you’re breastfeeding, you might want to cut out dairy, caffeine, or spicy meals. Some babies react to what their moms eat. - Give the “Colic Carry” a try. Keep
Put your baby on their stomach along your forearm, with their head near your elbow and their legs hanging down. This can help with gas and pressure. - After feeding, keep the baby upright.
To help with reflux and discomfort, keep your infant upright for at least 20 to 30 minutes after feeding. - Put a warm compress on your stomach
Put a warm (not hot) towel or heating pad wrapped in cloth on your baby’s tummy to help with cramps. - Make the bedroom a peaceful place to sleep
To help your infant relax and feel safe, turn down the lights, lower the noise, and set up a nighttime ritual. - Play relaxing music or lullabies
Listening to classical music, soft lullabies, or sounds from nature can help both the infant and the caregiver relax. - Use lavender aromatherapy safely
A little bit of lavender in the nursery (out of baby’s reach) might help them calm. Follow the instructions and only use essential oils that are safe for babies. - Give probiotics (with the OK of the pediatrician)
Some studies show that probiotics may help balance the bacteria in the gut and ease colic symptoms, especially in babies who are breastfed. - Ask a pediatrician or lactation consultant for help.
Getting help from a professional can make a tremendous difference. A pediatrician can rule out medical reasons, and lactation experts can help you find the best ways to feed your baby. - 💖 Help with lifestyle and emotions for parents
The Stress of a Crying Baby
Taking care of a newborn with colic is hard on both your body and your mind. It’s common for parents to feel angry, guilty, or even resentful. How to Stay Calm and Take a Break
If you can, switch off with a partner. If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby in a safe crib and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Do some quick meditation or deep breathing. Get help from a friend or family member. When to Get Help
If you feel emotionally drained or unsafe, If your infant isn’t eating or is losing weight, If colic lasts longer than six months, If the sounds of crying alter a lot You’re not the only one, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. - ❓ Questions that are often asked (FAQs)
- What is the best way to hold a baby that is colicky?
The “colic carry” (face down on forearm) and “upright burping” positions work best to get rid of gas and ease pain. - Is my baby unwell if they have colic?
No. Colic is common and doesn’t mean your child is sick, but it’s always a good idea to see a pediatrician to rule out other problems. - Can what you eat make colic worse?
Yes, especially if your infant is allergic to some proteins. Your food may affect your symptoms when you are breastfeeding. Specialized formula may help babies who are fed formula. - If I’m breastfeeding, should I try formula?
You should only switch if your doctor tells you to. Breastfeeding is good for you in many ways, although formula may help if you are really sensitive or allergic. - How much crying is normal for a baby?
Newborns usually cry for 1 to 3 hours a day. Colic sobbing is worse than that and can last more than three hours a day. - When should I go to the doctor for colic?
If your infant has: Fever Not gaining enough weight Throwing up Stool with blood
Go see the doctor right away. - Conclusion:
- Stay calm, be patient, and keep going.
Colic is one of the hardest things about being a new parent, but it’s also one of the shortest. Even though the nights may feel long and the days may seem unclear, your kid will get through this stage. You may help your baby feel better and yourself by utilizing a mix of calming tactics, paying attention to their feeding habits, and getting help from a professional.