Daily Routine Tips for Colicky Babies

1. Set a Consistent Feeding Schedule

Babies thrive on routine, and colicky babies benefit from predictable feeding times. Smaller, more frequent feeds can reduce air swallowing and prevent overeating, which often contributes to gas buildup [2].

• Tip: Keep your baby upright while feeding to minimise reflux.

2. Burp Frequently During and After Feeds

Trapped air is a major cause of coli discomfort. Burping your baby midway through feeding and after every feed helps release air bubbles before they cause tummy pain [3].

• Try different positions: over the shoulder, sitting upright, or across your lap.

3. Create a Calm Feeding Environment

Overstimulation makes colic worse. Feeding in a quiet, dimly lit space can help your baby feed more calmly and reduce the risk of swallowing excess air [4].

4. Use Gentle Tummy Massage

Massaging your baby’s tummy in slow, clockwise circles helps stimulate digestion and reduce colic-related discomfort [5]. Studies suggest infant massage may reduce crying episodes in colicky babies.

5. Try the “Bicycle Legs” Exercise

Moving your baby’s legs in a gentle cycling motion helps release trapped gas and relieve bloating [6].

6. Offer a Warm Bath

Warm water relaxes tummy muscles and calms babies during colic episodes [7]. It also provides sensory comfort, helping to reduce fussiness before bedtime.

7. Use White Noise or Rhythmic Motion

Colicky babies respond well to soothing rhythms and sounds. White noise, humming, or gentle rocking can mimic the comforting womb environment [8].

Comfort cues recreate the safe, rhythmic environment your baby knows best.

8. Hold Baby Upright After Feeding

Keeping your baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeding reduces reflux and gas retention [9]. A baby carrier can help parents do this comfortably.

9. Establisha Soothing Evening Routine

Colic peaks in the evening. A predictable calming routine—such as a warm bath, dim lights, gentle massage, and lullabies—helps your baby wind down [10].

10. Stay Patient and Seek Support

The most important of all colic tips for parents is to stay calm. Stress can increase a baby’s fussiness. Colic usually resolves by 3–4 months of age, so support from family or alternating caregiving shifts can ease parental exhaustion [1,11].

Bonus: Considering Gentle Remedies

Parents often turn to traditional remedies, such as gripe water, for digestive relief. A trusted formulation such as Woodward’s Gripe Water—made with natural ingredients like dill seed oil and sodium bicarbonate—has been used for generations to ease gas, bloating, and colic discomfort. Always ensure the gripe water you choose is an approved formulation and safe for infants.

Conclusion

Caring for a colicky baby can be overwhelming, but small, consistent adjustments to feeding, soothing techniques, and evening routines can bring relief. These tips for colic relief not only comfort your baby but also help you feel more in control during challenging times.

Remember: colic is temporary. With patience, the right strategies, and trusted remedies, calmer days and restful nights are within reach.

References

1. Lucassen PL, Assendelft WJ, Gubbels JW, van Eijk JT, van Geldrop WJ, Knuistingh Neven A. Effectiveness of treatments for infantile colic: systematic review. BMJ. 1998;316(7144):1563–1569.
2. Savino F. Focus on infantile colic. Acta Paediatr. 2007;96(9):1259–1264.
3. Wessel MA, Cobb JC, Jackson EB, Harris GS, Detwiler AC. Paroxysmal fussing in infancy, sometimes called colic. Pediatrics. 1954;14(5):421–435.
4. Canivet C, Jakobsson I, Hagander B. Infantile colic. Follow-up at four years of age: still more “emotional”. Acta Paediatr. 2000;89(1):13–17.
5. Çetinkaya B, Başbakkal Z. The effectiveness of massage therapy in reducing colic symptoms in infants. Turk J Pediatr. 2012;54(6):632–639.
6. Hall B, Chesters J, Robinson A. Infantile colic: a systematic review. J Paediatr Child Health. 2012;48(2):128–137.
7. National Health Service (NHS). Colic – self-help tips. NHS UK. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/
8. Long T, Johnson M. Living and coping with excessive infantile crying. J Adv Nurs. 2001;34(2):155–162.
9. Heine RG. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, colic and constipation in infants with food allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;6(3):220–225.
10. Barr RG. Colic and crying syndromes in infants. Pediatrics. 1998;102(Supplement E1):1282–1286.
11. St James-Roberts I, Halil T. Infant crying patterns in the first year: normal community and clinical findings. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1991;32(6):951–968.