Caring for a colicky baby can be overwhelming. Long bouts of crying, squirming, and fussiness often leave parents searching for effective ways to provide comfort. While colic is not dangerous, the constant crying can affect both the baby’s and parents’ well-being. One of the simplest and most effective approaches to easing discomfort is exploring different positions for colic newborn relief.
In this guide, we’ll explore safe, natural, and parent-approved positions that can help soothe colicky infants, relieve trapped gas, and make those tough evenings a little easier.
Colic is generally defined as intense crying that lasts more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for three weeks or more in otherwise healthy babies [1]. One of the most common triggers is trapped gas and immature digestion [2]. This is why experimenting with positions that encourage colic gas relief in infants can make a big difference.
Alongside positioning, many parents also find comfort in trusted, gentle, and natural remedies like Woodward’s Gripe Water, which has been used for generations to provide gentle relief from gas, acidity, and indigestion—common culprits behind colic discomfort.
Evidence shows certain positions can provide the colic gas relief infants need, moving air through the digestive tract and reducing pain signals. Since colic isn’t caused by illness but by a combination of immature digestion, swallowing air, and extra gas, strategies focused on gentle movement and position changes can be a reliable form of natural colic relief for newborns. [13]
Here are some tried-and-tested positions that can help soothe your baby naturally.
Place your baby face down along your forearm, with their head resting near your elbow and your hand supporting their tummy. Gentle pressure on the abdomen can help release trapped gas [3].
Hold your baby upright against your shoulder and gently pat their back. This position not only comforts your baby with your heartbeat but also aids digestion by keeping the stomach aligned [4].
Sit your baby on your lap, facing sideways, while supporting their chest and head. A slight forward lean can encourage burping and ease stomach pressure [5].
Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a pedalling motion. This can help release gas and improve bowel movement, promoting natural colic relief for newborns [6].
Hold your baby face down along your arm with their legs straddling your elbow. This position provides tummy pressure and can instantly soothe fussiness caused by colic [7].
Cradling your baby in your arms and gently rocking them mimics the womb’s motion. It helps calm overstimulation and supports digestion [8].
Keeping your baby’s head higher than their stomach while feeding reduces the chances of swallowing excess air and minimises reflux-related discomfort [9].
While positioning works wonders, combining it with other techniques can provide a more comprehensive comfort.
While searching for solutions, it’s important to avoid unsafe or outdated practices:
Instead, rely on proven safe methods like positions, gentle massage, and time-tested remedies such as Woodward’s Gripe Water for added comfort.
Colic usually resolves on its own by 3–4 months of age [12]. However, consult a paediatrician if:
Finding the right positions for colic newborn relief takes patience and experimentation. Whether it’s the soothing “colic carry,” upright cuddles, or bicycle legs, these techniques provide comfort while supporting digestion and easing gas. Pairing these natural methods with gentle, trusted remedies like Woodward’s Gripe Water can bring much-needed relief to both babies and parents.
Remember, colic doesn’t last forever. With safe strategies, supportive positions, and plenty of love, you can navigate this challenging phase with confidence.
