Natural Remedies for Babies with Colic

If you've ever found yourself pacing the floor at 2 a.m. with a red-faced, crying baby in your arms, you're definitely not alone. Colic can be so overwhelming, especially when you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to help.

The good news? There are some gentle, natural remedies for babies with colic that might bring your little one (and you) some relief.

What is colic?

Colic isn’t a specific illness. It’s a term used when a healthy baby cries a lot for no obvious reason, typically more than 3 hours a day, several days a week.

No one knows exactly why colic happens, but some of the most common theories include digestive discomfort (like gas or an immature gut), an overstimulated nervous system, or simply that some babies just take longer to adjust to life outside the womb.

Because digestive issues are one of the leading suspects, many natural remedies focus on helping ease tummy troubles, though not all do.

Natural Remedies for Colic

Here are a few natural remedies for colic worth trying.

• Back Rub. Lay your baby on their tummy across your lap and gently rub their back. The pressure can help relieve trapped gas, one of the common culprits behind colic.
• Warm Bath. A warm soak with baby bath wash can help relax a tense baby (and sometimes distract them from the discomfort). 
  
• Use an Anti-Colic Baby Bottle. Some baby bottles have an anti-colic valve which may help reduce air being swallowed.

• Colic Tea. This herbal tea blend is used by the nursing mum. The calming effects may transfer through breast milk.
• Burp More Often. Colicky babies often swallow a lot of air during feeds. Try burping more frequently, even during feedings, to help cut down on gas.
• Baby Massage. Use gentle, clockwise strokes on your baby’s tummy. This can help stimulate digestion and ease bloating. Use a calming baby balm to massage with.

• Soothing Sounds. White noise machines, soft humming, or even a gentle lullaby can calm your baby’s nervous system. You might feel silly shushing nonstop, but it works.
• Motion. Gentle rocking, going for a walk in the pram or a car ride may all help. Try a pram rocker if you need a break.
• Swaddling. Wrapping baby firmly in a swaddle may help with colic. Find out how to swaddle.

Every baby is different, and what works one night might not the next. Hang in there because colic usually peaks around 6 weeks and tends to improve by 3 or 4 months.

Until then, trust your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and try a few of these natural tricks to bring some relief. Let us know what works for you!

You can chat to other mums in our Facebook group, The Treehouse Tribe.