Few things test new parents like hours of inconsolable crying. If your baby cries intensely for long stretches — often at about the same time each day — you might be asking how to soothe a colicky newborn. Colic is a common, usually temporary phase in which otherwise healthy infants cry frequently and inconsolably, typically starting within the first weeks and improving by 3–4 months of age [1,2]
This guide explains what commonly causes colic, practical natural ways to reduce distress, and how trusted, time-tested remedies like Woodward’s Gripe Water can fit into a gentle care plan. The aim is to give you clear, usable options for how to soothe colic naturally without confusing jargon. [4]
Clinicians often use the “Rule of Threes”: crying for more than three hours per day, on at least three days per week, for three weeks or more in an otherwise healthy infant — that’s the working definition of colic [2]. Most babies with colic feed, grow, and develop normally, even while crying more than other infants. [2,4]
Research shows colic usually arises from multiple factors — digestive immaturity, swallowed air and gas, sensitivities to feeds, sensory overload, and household/environmental stress all play a part. There’s no single guilty party, which is why a toolbox approach works best for parents. [3][4].
How a baby is fed matters: fast baby-flow bottles, poor latch, overfeeding or under-feeding, and imbalanced foremilk/ hindmilk can contribute to gas and fussiness. Adjusting feed pace and frequent burping often helps reduce episodes. [4][8].
Some babies have more sensitive nervous systems and find normal sensations overwhelming; immature sensory regulation can prolong crying and make soothing efforts more challenging [9].
Overstimulation (bright lights, noise, busy rooms), parental stress, and exposure to tobacco smoke are linked to more frequent or severe crying. Creating a calmer environment benefits many infants. [10][11].
Below are prioritized, research-informed strategies — from first-line soothing to sensory tools and safe OTC support.
Five minutes of steady carrying or gentle rocking has been shown to calm crying babies and may even promote a transport/sleep response in crying infants; rhythmic motion helps many settles quickly [12]. Carrying, walking in a sling, or rocking in a low-speed swing are practical options. [6]
A gentle clockwise abdominal massage and bicycle-style leg movements can help move trapped gas along the intestines and relieve pain. These techniques are simple and non-invasive and often reduce visible bloating and discomfort within minutes [5].
A warm (not hot) compress on the belly or a short warm bath relaxes abdominal muscles and can soothe an upset tummy. Use caution with temperature and never leave a baby unattended. [5]
A snug swaddle simulates the womb and helps many infants feel secure. Combine swaddling with dimmed lights and soft sound to reduce overstimulation and shorten crying episodes. [2]
Sucking is inherently calming for many infants. Pacifiers reduce crying in numerous studies, likely through the sucking reflex’s soothing effect. If breastfeeding, follow baby/feeding guidance for safe pacifier use. [5]
Some parents report benefits from very mild aromatherapy (e.g., diluted lavender) or homeopathic chamomile. Evidence is mixed and quality varies; only use products formulated for infants and follow safety guidance to avoid topical irritation or respiratory exposure [14].
Trials show Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 can reduce crying time in breastfed infants with colic; evidence for formula-fed infants is less clear. Consider probiotics as one tool — discuss product choice if you want to include it in routines. [3][16].
When parents want gentle, accessible relief for gas and indigestion, traditional gripe water remains widely used worldwide. Woodward’s Gripe Water (a heritage formulation widely trusted by families) is formulated to relieve common digestive complaints — gas, acidity and indigestion — that often underlie colic-type crying. Many parents report quick settling after a carefully measured dose, making gripe water a useful addition to soothing routines when used as directed. [15].
Colic is common and usually harmless, but certain signs require medical attention: fever, persistent green/projectile vomiting, blood in the stool, poor weight gain, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy. If you see these, seek care promptly [11][17].
Colic is a temporary—if trying—phase. The most powerful tools are calm routines, close comfort, and simple, safe remedies. By combining feeding adjustments, sensory calm, gentle motion, and selective, trusted OTC options like Woodward’s Gripe Water, many families find their way through colic with less stress and more sleep. You are not alone in this — better days are ahead. [1,2]
