How to Soothe a Colicky Baby for Better Sleep

25 October 2025

Let’s be real—having a colicky baby is like being in a never-ending loop of trying everything, hoping something will finally work. The frustration, the tears (yours and theirs), and the sleepless nights are enough to make any parent feel like they’re just holding it together with hope and caffeine. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there are ways to help your little one (and yourself) catch some precious Zzz’s.

Colic isn’t forever, but when you're in the thick of it, it sure feels never-ending. If you're looking for real-life strategies, plenty of compassion, and a whole lot of support, pull up a seat (or, more likely, bounce while reading this), because we’ve got some baby-soothing magic coming your way.

What Is Colic Anyway?

Before we dive into solutions, let’s quickly define what we're up against.

Colic is when an otherwise healthy baby cries for more than:

- 3 hours a day
- 3 days a week
- For at least 3 weeks

It usually starts around two to three weeks after birth and often peaks around 6–8 weeks. The good news? Most babies outgrow it by the time they’re 3 to 4 months old. But until then, it’s a bumpy ride.

Now you might be wondering—why is this even happening? The truth is, doctors aren't 100% sure. It could be digestion issues, sensitivity to stimulation, or just an immature nervous system. Whatever’s behind it, colic is tough—but manageable.

Signs Your Baby Might Be Colicky

Let’s play baby detective first. How do you know it’s not just standard baby fussiness?

Look for these common colic signs:

- Crying that seems more intense in the late afternoon or evenings
- Crying that comes in predictable patterns or episodes
- Facial expressions of pain (think clenched fists, furrowed brows)
- Pulling knees to their chest or arching their back
- Trouble sleeping or waking frequently

Sound familiar? Okay, now let’s get into what can actually help.

1. Swaddle Like a Pro

Swaddling mimics the cozy quarters of the womb and can help soothe an overstimulated baby. But here's a little tip: tight enough to feel snug, loose enough so baby’s hips and legs can move.

Why it works: A snug swaddle gives your baby a sense of security. It’s basically the baby version of being wrapped in a warm, comforting burrito—who wouldn’t love that?

Bonus tip: Try swaddling with a light, breathable muslin blanket during warmer months and switch to a swaddle sack for colder nights.

2. The Magic of White Noise

Silence isn’t golden for babies—it’s suspicious. Your womb was noisy! There was a constant whoosh of blood flow and your heartbeat pounding like a remix on repeat. Enter: white noise.

How to use it: Use a white noise machine or app (even a fan works) to create a consistent hum that can help your baby fall—and stay—asleep.

It blocks out jarring household noises and reminds your baby of the womb. Basically, it's a lullaby for their nervous system.

3. Try the "5 S’s" by Dr. Harvey Karp

This one’s a game-changer. If you haven’t heard of Dr. Karp's "5 S’s", prepare to be amazed.

They are:

1. Swaddling – already covered, but top-tier!
2. Side or stomach position – hold baby on their side or tummy (not for sleeping, just soothing).
3. Shushing – white noise, shhhh-ing sounds, etc.
4. Swinging – gentle motions like rocking or bouncing.
5. Sucking – pacifier, clean finger, or bottle/breast helps soothe them.

You can do these individually or combine them. Once you find your baby's perfect combo, you'll be one step closer to peace.

4. Belly Time (for Gas Relief, Not Exercise!)

Sometimes that crying is really just baby's way of saying, “My tummy hurts!” Gassiness is sneaky and surprisingly dramatic in tiny tummies.

Try this:

- Lay your baby on their belly across your forearm.
- Gently rub their back.
- Or bicycle their legs while they lie on their back.

You might even get a satisfying toot. (Parenting wins come in funny packages, don’t they?)

5. Check Feeding Habits

Sometimes colic-like symptoms are tied to how or what your baby is eating. Here’s what to consider:

If You’re Breastfeeding:

- Could something in your diet be affecting baby? Dairy, caffeine, spicy foods—all potential triggers.
- Is baby swallowing excess air? Try burping more frequently during feeds.

If You’re Formula Feeding:

- Try switching formula (with your pediatrician’s okay).
- Use anti-colic bottles that reduce air intake.

Quick reminder: Always consult your pediatrician before making any feeding changes.

6. Warm Baths and Baby Massages

This one’s a treat for both of you. A warm bath can be soothing for a fussy babe, and a simple baby massage afterward? Heaven.

How to do it: After a bath, gently massage your baby’s tummy in clockwise motions. You can also rub their back or gently run your fingers down their arms and legs.

Use a baby-safe lotion or oil and talk or sing to them while massaging. It’s calming, bonding, and may help ease gassy discomfort.

7. Embrace Motion

If you’ve ever walked aimlessly around the house at 2 a.m. bouncing a baby, you're doing it right. Babies love movement.

Try:

- Gentle rocking in a rocking chair
- Walking in a baby carrier or sling
- Bouncing on an exercise ball while holding them
- Car rides (yep, sometimes it comes to that)

Movement mimics what they felt in the womb, and for many babies, it’s like a reset button.

8. Watch Baby’s Wake Windows

Overtired babies do not go quietly into the night (or nap). In fact, they usually scream.

Keep an eye on wake windows—the ideal amount of time your baby should go between sleeps:

- Newborns (0–6 weeks): 45–60 minutes
- 6–12 weeks: 1–1.5 hours

When you catch those early sleepy cues (yawning, zoning out, rubbing eyes), get them down quickly. Timing can be everything.

9. Trust Those Instincts

You, my friend, are the expert on your baby. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that gut. Colic is common, but it’s never a bad idea to loop in your pediatrician—just to rule out reflux, allergies, or other health concerns.

Plus, it’s always helpful to have a medical teammate in your corner.

10. Take Care of You Too

Seriously, this matters more than you know. Caring for a colicky baby is exhausting—physically, emotionally, mentally. You need a break from pacing the floor and listening to that endless “wahhh.”

Tag in your partner, a friend, a grandparent. Sit down. Shower. Scroll Instagram guilt-free. Take naps. Eat something that isn’t leftover goldfish crackers from the diaper bag.

Remember: You cannot pour from an empty cup, and you’re doing an amazing job.

A Few Bonus Tips from the Parent Trenches

Sometimes the best tricks come from other sleep-deprived parents who’ve tried literally everything. Here are a few crowd-favorites:

- Tummy time on your chest – skin-to-skin + warmth = colic kryptonite.
- Vacuum or hair dryer – that weird white noise works shockingly well.
- Babywearing – magical for both your hands and their little nervous system.

When to Call the Pediatrician

While colic is normal, it’s also normal to wonder, “What if it’s not just colic?” Contact your pediatrician if:

- Your baby isn’t gaining weight
- Vomiting is frequent or projectile
- You notice blood in their stool
- They won't eat or sleep at all
- Something just seems… off

Trust your gut. Always.

Colic Does End (Promise!)

Right now, it might feel like you’re living in a never-ending episode of "Cry Baby: The Loud Sequel." But hang in there. This is a season—tough and wearying, yes—but just a season.

Eventually, the colic fades. Your baby will sleep more, cry less, and you’ll start to feel human again. One day, you’ll look back on these days, amazed by your strength, your creativity, and your resilience.

Until then, keep bouncing, shushing, and loving that colicky little bundle. You're doing better than you think.

Final Thoughts

There’s no magic button that stops colic (unfortunately), but there are dozens of ways to make your baby more comfortable—and help you both sleep better.

Try several of these techniques and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Find what soothes your little one and stick to it like a bedtime ritual. Be patient, give yourself grace, and remember—this too shall pass.

You're not just surviving colic—you’re parenting like a pro.