How To Relieve Colic In Infants? Step by Step

Colic is one of the hardest parts of early parenthood. A healthy baby crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks is the standard medical definition. The crying often peaks in the late afternoon or evening, and it can feel endless. While the exact cause remains unknown, the approach to relief is practical: respond to the baby, try one calming method at a time, and track what works. Here is a step-by-step guide to managing colic symptoms based on current pediatric evidence.

What Is Colic and How Long Does It Last?

Colic is not a disease. It is a description of behavior in an otherwise healthy infant. Most cases begin around two to three weeks of age, peak around six weeks, and resolve on their own by three to four months. The crying is intense and hard to soothe, often with a clenched fist, arched back, or drawn-up legs. These physical signs suggest abdominal discomfort, but research has not confirmed that pain in the gut is the actual cause. Some experts think it relates to an immature digestive system. Others point to the nervous system still learning to process stimulation. The honest answer is that no single cause has been proven. What is clear is that colic ends with time, and the goal of treatment is to help the baby and the parents cope until it passes.

Step 1: Rule Out Other Causes of Crying

Before assuming colic, check for common reasons a baby cries. Hunger, a wet diaper, or being too hot or cold are the first things to address. Look for signs of illness such as fever, poor feeding, or lethargy. If any of these are present, contact a pediatrician. Also consider a milk protein allergy or intolerance. Unlike colic, a true allergy often includes symptoms like blood in the stool, vomiting, poor weight gain, or eczema. If the baby is formula-fed and these signs appear, some pediatricians recommend a trial of a hydrolyzed formula. For breastfed babies, removing cow’s milk from the mother’s diet for two weeks may help. This should only be done with medical guidance. If symptoms do not improve, the diagnosis of colic becomes more likely.

Step 2: Use Movement and Carrying Techniques

Movement is one of the most reliable ways to calm a colicky infant. Carrying the baby in a sling or baby carrier provides warmth, closeness, and rhythmic motion. Walking slowly while holding the baby upright against your chest is often more effective than rocking in a chair. The upright position may help with any reflux symptoms, though this has not been rigorously proven for colic. Gentle bouncing on an exercise ball can also help, but keep the motion smooth and avoid anything vigorous. Infant swings can work for some babies, but always use them according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Never shake a baby under any circumstances. If frustration builds, place the baby safely in the crib and step away for a few minutes. It is better to let a baby cry alone briefly than to risk injury from frustration.

Step 3: Try the “Five S’s” Method

Pediatrician Harvey Karp popularized a calming approach called the Five S’s. The method combines swaddling, side or stomach positioning, shushing, swinging, and sucking. Swaddling recreates the snug feeling of the womb. Always place a swaddled baby on the back for sleep. The side or stomach position is only for calming while awake, never for sleep. Shushing mimics the sound of blood flow the baby heard in the womb. A white noise machine can deliver this sound at a safe volume. Swinging means gentle, rhythmic motion, not vigorous shaking. Sucking on a pacifier or the breast provides additional comfort. Some studies suggest this combined approach reduces crying in infants, though results vary. It is worth trying because it is low-risk and easy to implement.

Step 4: Adjust Feeding Techniques

Feeding practices can influence gas and discomfort. If bottle-fed, use a slow-flow nipple to reduce air swallowing. Hold the baby at a 45-degree angle or more upright during feeds. Burp the baby gently after every one to two ounces. If breastfed, ensure a good latch so the baby is not gulping air. Some evidence suggests that paced bottle feeding, where the bottle is tilted so the nipple is only partially filled with milk, gives the baby more control and reduces intake speed. Do not prop the bottle. Feeding should always be a supervised, interactive time. After feeding, hold the baby upright for 15 to 30 minutes. This does not cure colic, but it may reduce discomfort from reflux or gas that can accompany the crying episodes.

Step 5: Use Gas Relief Methods With Caution

Simethicone drops are the most common over-the-counter gas remedy for infants. They work by breaking up gas bubbles in the stomach. Some research suggests they may help with symptoms of gas, but clinical trials have not consistently shown they reduce colic crying. The drops are generally considered safe when used according to package directions, but they are not a proven colic treatment. Gripe water is another popular option. It is a herbal supplement, usually containing ginger, fennel, or chamomile. The evidence for gripe water is very limited. No large, well-controlled trials have confirmed it works. Some formulations contain sugar or alcohol, so read labels carefully and ask a pediatrician before use. Bicycle leg exercises, where you gently move the baby’s legs in a cycling motion, are commonly recommended for gas. They are harmless and some parents report benefit, but no strong evidence confirms they reduce colic.

Step 6: Consider Probiotics Only With Pediatric Guidance

Probiotics have received significant attention for colic. The strain most studied is Lactobacillus reuteri. Some trials have reported reduced crying time in breastfed infants given this specific probiotic. Other studies have found no benefit. The evidence is genuinely mixed. A 2018 review in Pediatrics concluded that the evidence for probiotics in treating colic is not strong enough for a universal recommendation. The American Academy of Pediatrics has not endorsed routine probiotic use for colic. If you consider probiotics, discuss the specific strain and dose with your pediatrician. Do not assume all probiotics are the same. Different strains have different effects, and the supplement industry is not tightly regulated. For formula-fed infants, the evidence for probiotics is even weaker.

Step 7: Protect Parental Sleep and Mental Health

Colic takes a toll on parents as much as on the baby. Studies consistently show that parents of colicky infants report higher rates of fatigue, anxiety, and postpartum depression. This is not a failure of parenting. It is a predictable response to prolonged, unsoothable crying. Take shifts with a partner or trusted adult so each person gets at least four to five hours of uninterrupted sleep. Accept help from friends or family for meals and household tasks. If you feel overwhelmed, put the baby down in a safe place and step outside for five minutes. Call your pediatrician if you worry about your own mental health. Postpartum depression is treatable, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No baby has ever been harmed by a parent who walked away to calm down. Babies are harmed when exhausted parents lose control.

Step 8: Know When to Call the Doctor

Colic resolves on its own, but some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call your pediatrician if the baby has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, is not feeding well, shows signs of dehydration like fewer wet diapers, or has blood in the stool. Seek urgent care if the baby becomes limp, unresponsive, or has difficulty breathing. Also contact the doctor if the crying suddenly changes in character or intensity. A baby who was calm and suddenly screams inconsolably may have a different problem, such as an infection or an intestinal issue. Trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone. If something feels wrong, call. It is always better to ask than to wait.

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