If you’re here, chances are you’re dealing with the dreaded colic stage — hours of crying, sleepless nights, and wondering if you’ll ever drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot again.
Take a deep breath, mama. You’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. Colic is tough, but it’s also temporary. Here’s what I learned (the hard way) about soothing a colicky baby and surviving those first few months.
What Is Baby Colic?
Colic is usually defined by the “rule of threes”:
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Crying more than 3 hours a day
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At least 3 days a week
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For 3 weeks or more
In real life, it just means your baby is inconsolable no matter how many tricks you try. For us, it always hit in the evenings — my baby’s little fists clenched, legs pulled up, and face turned beet red. I felt helpless, and it broke my heart.
How to Soothe a Colicky Baby: Mom-Tested Tips
Here are the things that actually made a difference for us.
1. Adjust Feeding and Burping
Babies swallow a lot of air while feeding, which can make colic worse. Try:
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Burping more often during feeds
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Using slow-flow nipples to reduce swallowed air
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Keeping baby upright for 15–20 minutes after eating
2. Use Gentle Tummy Massage and Bicycle Legs
Massaging baby’s tummy in gentle clockwise circles or moving their legs like they’re riding a tiny bike can help release trapped gas.
3. Swaddle for Comfort
A snug swaddle (arms in or out, depending on baby’s preference) can calm the startle reflex and help baby feel safe.
4. Try White Noise or Motion
Vacuum cleaners, hair dryer sounds, or a white noise machine worked wonders for us. Combine it with slow rocking, a stroller walk, or a gentle bounce for extra soothing power.
5. Warm Baths for Relaxation
Sometimes a warm bath was the reset button we both needed.
Natural Remedies and Products That Helped
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Gas Drops or Simethicone: Sometimes eased discomfort.
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Gripe Water: A classic remedy — it worked on our worst nights.
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Infant Probiotics: Recommended by our pediatrician and made a difference after a few weeks.
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Baby Carrier: Being hands-free while keeping baby close saved my back (and my sanity!).
Always check with your pediatrician before starting any supplements or remedies — every baby is different.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Call your doctor if:
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Baby has a fever
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You notice blood in stool
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Baby is vomiting forcefully or seems very unwell
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Crying seems unusually high-pitched or painful
Sometimes what looks like colic can be reflux, allergies, or something else that needs medical attention.
Mama, This Is Temporary ❤️
Colic usually peaks around 6–8 weeks and improves by 3–4 months. It feels endless now, but one day soon you’ll have a happy, giggly baby — and you’ll be proud of how strong you were during this season.
Take care of yourself too: trade off with a partner, ask for help, and give yourself grace. You’re doing amazing.
