Natural Remedies for Colic That Actually Work
If you’re reading this at 3am with a screaming baby in your arms, tears streaming down your face, wondering if this will ever end — I see you, mama. I’ve been exactly where you are, pacing the hallway with my first bub, feeling utterly helpless as nothing seemed to soothe her tiny, tense body.
Colic is one of those parenting challenges that nobody truly prepares you for. That inconsolable crying, often for hours on end, can leave even the most patient mum feeling exhausted and defeated. But here’s the good news: there are gentle, natural approaches that have helped countless families find relief — and they might just work for yours too.
Understanding What’s Really Going on With Colic
Before we dive into remedies, it helps to understand what we’re dealing with. Colic typically affects babies from around two weeks of age and usually resolves by three to four months. It’s generally defined as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks — though any parent dealing with it knows those numbers barely capture the reality.
While the exact cause remains a bit of a mystery, most experts believe it’s related to an immature digestive system, trapped wind, overstimulation, or a combination of factors. The good news? Understanding these potential triggers gives us natural pathways to explore for relief.
Gentle Tummy Relief Techniques
Some of the most effective colic remedies don’t cost a cent — they just require your loving hands and a bit of patience.
The Colic Carry
This position was an absolute game-changer in our house. Hold your baby face-down along your forearm, with their head near your elbow and your hand supporting their nappy area. The gentle pressure on their tummy can help release trapped wind and provide comfort. My husband called it the “football hold” and honestly, it worked better than anything else during those early weeks.
Tummy Massage
About 30 minutes after a feed, try a gentle clockwise massage around your baby’s belly button. Use a natural, baby-safe oil like organic coconut or sweet almond oil to help your hands glide smoothly. The clockwise motion follows the natural path of digestion and can help move trapped gas along. I loved using a calming oil blend with a hint of chamomile — it seemed to relax both of us.
Bicycle Legs
Lay your bub on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion. This simple exercise can work wonders for releasing stubborn wind. You might even hear some satisfying little toots — music to a colic-weary mum’s ears!
Natural Supplements and Remedies Worth Trying
Sometimes our babies need a little extra support, and there are some beautiful natural options available.
Gripe Water
A classic remedy that’s been used for generations, quality gripe water typically contains ingredients like fennel, ginger, and chamomile. Look for organic formulations without alcohol, artificial colours, or unnecessary additives. Many Australian mums swear by it, and there are some lovely natural brands available that are perfect for sensitive little tummies.
Probiotics
Research has shown promising results for infant-specific probiotics, particularly strains like Lactobacillus reuteri. These beneficial bacteria can help support your baby’s developing gut microbiome. If you’re breastfeeding, you might also consider taking a probiotic yourself, as some benefits can pass through your milk.
Herbal Teas for Breastfeeding Mums
If you’re nursing, what you consume can affect your baby. Gentle fennel or chamomile tea can have a mild calming effect that passes through your breastmilk. Some mums also find that reducing dairy, caffeine, or gassy vegetables in their own diet makes a noticeable difference.
Creating a Calm Environment
Sometimes colic is worsened by overstimulation, and creating a soothing environment can make a real difference.
White Noise and Movement
The whooshing sounds your baby heard in the womb can be incredibly comforting. A white noise machine, the vacuum cleaner, or even a dedicated app can help settle an upset bub. Combine this with gentle rhythmic movement — rocking, swaying, or a drive around the block — and you’ve got a powerful calming combination.
Warm Baths
A warm bath can relax tense little muscles and provide welcome relief. Try adding a few drops of baby-safe lavender oil to the water, or simply enjoy skin-to-skin time in the bath together. The warmth and closeness can help reset both of your nervous systems.
Babywearing
Keeping your baby close in a carrier or wrap provides the warmth, movement, and heartbeat sounds that remind them of the womb. Many colicky babies settle beautifully when worn, and it frees up your hands — a genuine sanity-saver during tough days.
Looking After Yourself Through the Storm
Here’s something that often gets forgotten in colic conversations: your wellbeing matters enormously. A stressed, exhausted mum can inadvertently transfer that tension to baby, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
Please, please ask for help. Let your partner, mum, or a trusted friend take over while you have a shower, go for a short walk, or simply sit in another room with a cuppa. It’s not selfish — it’s essential.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s absolutely okay to place your baby safely in their cot and step away for a few minutes to collect yourself. A crying baby in a safe space is far better than a parent pushed past their limits.
When to Seek Additional Support
While colic itself isn’t harmful, it’s important to rule out other causes for your baby’s distress. See your GP or child health nurse if your baby has a fever, isn’t feeding well, has blood in their stool, or if your gut instinct tells you something else might be going on. Trust yourself, mama — you know your baby best.
Some babies also respond beautifully to gentle treatments like infant chiropractic care or osteopathy, which can address any physical tensions from birth.
I promise you, this phase will pass. Those endless evenings of crying do eventually become a distant memory, replaced by gummy smiles and belly laughs. Until then, be gentle with yourself, try these natural approaches, and know that you’re doing an amazing job simply by being there for your little one.
Have you found a natural remedy that worked wonders for your colicky bub? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below — your experience might be exactly what another exhausted mama needs to read today.
