Colic is something many parents hear about before their baby arrives (and often hope to avoid). But for some newborns, it becomes part of daily life in those early months. It’s usually described as intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby, often at the same time each day, that can last for hours.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, many parents turn to gentle, time-tested remedies at home to help make their little one more comfortable. These small, nurturing actions may not “cure” colic, but they can help soothe your baby and give you both some relief.
Understanding Colic – What’s Really Going On?
Colic isn’t a sign of anything you’ve done wrong, and it doesn’t mean your baby is unwell. It’s a term used for frequent, prolonged, and intense crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant.
You might notice:
- Crying that lasts more than three hours a day, several days a week
- A red or flushed face during crying
- Clenched fists or stiffened body
- Knees drawn up towards the tummy
- Passing wind or seeming more unsettled after feeds
The exact cause of colic is still debated, but it may be linked to:
- Trapped wind – babies swallow air when feeding or crying
- Immature digestion – their gut is still developing
- Overstimulation – newborns can be sensitive to noise, light, and activity
- Emotional needs – sometimes they simply need extra comfort and closeness
For more signs and guidance, see our signs your baby might have colic page.
Time-Tested Old Home Remedies for Colic in Babies
Parents have been finding creative, gentle ways to comfort colicky babies for generations. These remedies focus on relaxation, reducing trapped wind, and providing the closeness and reassurance babies crave.
Try a Warm Bath
Warm water can work wonders for both body and mind. A bath helps relax tense tummy muscles, may aid digestion, and offers a calming change in environment.
Tips for making bath time soothing:
- Keep the room warm so baby doesn’t get chilled when coming out
- Check water temperature with your wrist or elbow — it should be warm, not hot
- Dim the lights and use a gentle voice or hum softly
- Limit the bath to 5–10 minutes to avoid overstimulation
Use Gentle Tummy Massage
A light, warm-handed tummy massage can help ease pressure from trapped gas. Always move your hands in a clockwise direction, following the natural path of digestion.
How to do it:
- Place baby on their back on a soft blanket.
- Warm your hands by rubbing them together.
- Gently trace small circles on the tummy, starting under the ribs and moving down.
You can combine this with leg exercises (see “Bicycle Legs”) for extra comfort. More techniques are in our guide on relieving trapped wind in babies.
Offer Soothing Holds
Sometimes all a baby needs is a different position. Certain holds can help release trapped air while giving them comfort.
Try these:
- Tiger in the Tree – Baby lies tummy-down along your forearm, head supported by your elbow, legs straddling your wrist.
- Upright cuddle – Baby’s chest against yours, with their chin resting on your shoulder.
- Skin-to-skin – Baby lies against your bare chest under a blanket; warmth and heartbeat sounds are deeply calming.
Switch positions if one doesn’t seem to help after a few minutes.
Try Bicycle Legs
Bicycle legs help move trapped gas through the intestines.
How to do it:
- Lay baby on their back on a safe, soft surface.
- Hold their legs gently and move them in a slow pedalling motion.
- Combine with gentle tummy pressure — bring both knees towards the tummy for a second before releasing.
It’s often easiest after a nappy change or before bedtime.
Use White Noise or Gentle Sounds
Many babies find constant, gentle sounds reassuring because it mimics the noise they heard in the womb.
Options to try:
- A white noise machine or phone app (set to a safe volume)
- Soft lullabies or humming
- Gentle “shushing” close to their ear
- A recording of heartbeat or nature sounds
Keep sound consistent and low-volume to avoid overstimulation.
Keep Baby Upright After Feeds
Holding baby upright for 20–30 minutes after a feed allows gravity to help keep milk down and reduce air bubbles in the stomach.
Extra tips:
- Pause mid-feed for a quick burp, especially for bottle-fed babies
- Use slow-flow teats to help reduce swallowed air
- If breastfeeding, check latch to minimise gulping
Swaddling for Comfort
Swaddling can recreate the snug feeling of the womb, helping babies feel safe and secure.
Safe swaddling guidelines:
- Use a light, breathable wrap
- Allow room for hips and legs to move naturally
- Always place baby on their back for sleep
- Stop swaddling once baby shows signs of rolling
Consider Herbal Support Traditionally Used for Colic Relief
Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve wind, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
It’s:
- Free from alcohol, sugar, and artificial colours or flavours
- Suitable for use from birth
- Trusted by Australian families since 1935
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
When to Seek Additional Support
If crying lasts more than three hours a day, several days a week, or you’re worried about your baby’s feeding, growth, or comfort, contact your healthcare professional. You can also contact us for product-related questions.
Final Thoughts
Colic can test the patience of even the calmest parent, but it’s a phase that will pass. In the meantime, these gentle, practical remedies can help comfort your baby while giving you a sense of control and connection. Remember — you’re doing a great job, and every cuddle, song, and gentle hold is helping your little one feel loved and supported.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
