You’re not alone. Newborns cry—a lot. Evening fussiness, wind and short sleep cycles are common in the early weeks. The good news? Small changes can help. Here are gentle, practical tips you can try today.
1. Swaddle Safely for Calm
A light, snug swaddle can help many babies settle by recreating that cosy womb-like feel.
How to do it well
- Use a breathable wrap or a zip-up swaddle.
- Keep hips and legs free to move naturally.
- Check your baby’s temperature—avoid overheating.
- Always place baby on their back for sleep.
- Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling.
Swaddling isn’t for every baby. If yours resists, try a sleeping bag with arms-out.
2. Try the Colic Carry
Also called “tiger in the tree”, this hold can be very soothing.
Steps
- Lay baby tummy-down along your forearm.
- Support their head in the crook of your elbow.
- Use your hand to hold baby’s thighs or lower tummy.
- Gently sway or walk around the room.
Why it helps: the tummy-down position gives light pressure on the abdomen, while your arm and body contact add comforting containment.
Safety tip: Keep airways clear, neck supported and movements slow.
3. Use White Noise or Soothing Sounds
Steady, low-volume sound can help switch off the startle reflex and reduce overstimulation.
Ideas to try
- White noise machine or a simple fan.
- Soft shushing near baby’s ear.
- Gentle lullabies or humming.
Keep the volume low and constant. If baby becomes more alert or cranky, turn it down or off.
4. Rhythmic Motion & Fresh Air
Calm movement and fresh air can be magic for an overtired baby.
Options
- Slow rocking in your arms or a rocking chair.
- A walk outside in the pram or baby carrier.
- A gentle pace around the house while you hold baby upright.
A small change of scenery and fresh air can help “reset” tricky evenings.
5. Gentle Tummy Massage or Bicycle Legs
A little wind can cause a lot of fussing. These light-touch techniques may help move gas through the intestines.
Tummy massage
- Place baby on their back on a soft surface.
- Warm your hands.
- Use clockwise circles (that’s the direction of digestion).
- Keep pressure very gentle and sessions short.
Bicycle legs
- Hold both ankles and cycle the legs slowly.
- Pause to bring knees to tummy for a second, then release.
More ideas here: relieve trapped wind.
6. Master Burping Basics
Burping during and after feeds can reduce trapped air, especially in the evenings.
Positions to try
- Over the shoulder: baby’s chin resting on your shoulder; pat or rub the back.
- Lap sit: baby sitting on your thigh, one hand supporting chin and chest; gentle back rubs.
- Tummy-down across knees: light pressure on the tummy with slow pats.
Switch positions if one isn’t working. Learn more step by step: burp a baby.
7. Adjust the Feeding Setup
Sometimes tiny tweaks to feeding can make big differences.
Bottle-feeding
- Try paced bottle feeding to slow the flow.
- Check the teat size/flow—too fast can cause gulping; too slow can cause frustration and more air-swallowing.
- Pause mid-feed to burp.
Breastfeeding
- Ask a lactation consultant or child health nurse about latch and positioning.
- Try laid-back or upright holds if let-down is fast.
- Keep baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds.
8. Create a Calm Environment
Newborns tire quickly. A simple wind-down routine lowers stimulation and makes it easier to settle.
Set the scene
- Dim the lights; reduce noise and screens.
- Try skin-to-skin contact under a light blanket.
- Warm bath, then feed, then a short cuddle in a dark room.
- Keep bedtime cues consistent: same order, same feel.
If baby revs up, gently step back to a quieter, darker space.
9. Offer a Comfort Reset
When nothing seems to work, press pause and reset.
- Try a contact nap or chest-to-chest cuddle.
- Offer a dummy if you use one (safe sleep rules apply).
- Swap caregivers for a few minutes so everyone can breathe.
- Take a short walk with baby held upright.
You’re not “spoiling” your baby—you’re meeting a need and protecting your calm.
10. Consider Gentle Herbal Support
Some families include Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid in their routine. It contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve wind, bloating and mild indigestion in babies. It’s alcohol-free and sugar-free, and is suitable from birth when used as directed.
- Learn about Colic & Wind Oral Liquid
- See how to use Infants’ Friend for dosage by age and mixing tips
(AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.)
When to Seek Medical Advice
Call your GP or child health nurse if you notice:
- Fever, poor feeding or fewer than 6 wet nappies/day after day 5
- Green/bilious vomit, blood or persistent mucus in stools
- Baby is very lethargic or inconsolable despite soothing
- You’re worried—your instincts matter
More reading: signs your baby might have colic or reach out via contact us.
Final Thoughts
Crying and colic phases are temporary. Small, consistent tweaks add up. Each adjustment might mean one calmer feed, one better burp, one soothing hold. You’re doing a great job, even on the tough nights.
If wind is part of your baby’s discomfort, explore Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid and our guides on relieving trapped wind and burping a baby for extra support.
