Colic in Babies – What It Is and What You Can Do

I'm so glad you're reading along again! With my blogs, I hope to support parents in their parenting journey. Parenthood is wonderful, but it can also be intense and challenging. Don't get discouraged — those tougher moments are part of the process. You're allowed to enjoy it, even on the days that feel a bit harder. Happy reading!

What Are Colic Pains?

Colic pains occur because your baby's digestive system is still developing. The intestines need time to learn how to digest food properly, and in the beginning, this doesn't always go smoothly. Food often moves too quickly through the digestive tract and isn't fully broken down. This can cause gas to build up, which leads to cramping.

Swallowing air — for example, when drinking greedily — can make the symptoms worse.

Colic is completely normal and occurs in almost all babies during the first months. It's harmless but can be very uncomfortable — for your baby and for you as a parent. When your little one cries a lot and is hard to soothe, it's normal to feel unsure or even worried. That's completely understandable.

How Do You Recognize Colic?

Colic typically occurs during or shortly after a feeding. Your baby may:

• Cry intensely and be difficult to calm

• Pull up their legs or kick their legs

• Clench their fists tightly

• Arch their back (hollow back, head backward)

• Pass gas frequently

The intensity varies greatly between babies. Some are only unsettled for short periods, while others may cry for hours.

What Can You Do to Relieve Colic?

Fortunately, there are several ways to help your baby:

1. Pay Attention to Feeding

Breastfeeding

• Let your baby empty both breasts well. The "hindmilk" contains more fat and keeps them full longer.

• If your baby drinks too greedily, they may swallow a lot of air or mainly get the watery foremilk, which can worsen cramping.

Bottle Feeding

• Avoid switching brands or types of formula too often; this can stress the digestive system.

• Offer the bottle calmly and with attention.

• Use a teat with a small opening or an anti-colic teat/bottle.
  

• Make sure the teat is completely filled with milk to prevent swallowing air.

2. Warmth and Relaxation

• Place a warm cherry pit pillow or hot water bottle on your baby's tummy (always with a cloth in between).

• Give your baby a warm bath, possibly together with you.

• Carry your baby in a sling or baby carrier; the physical closeness and gentle movements often provide comfort and calm.

3. Movement and Positioning

• Gently "cycle" your baby's legs to stimulate bowel movement.

• Lay your baby on your forearm or thigh with their tummy facing downward (the "tiger in the tree" position).

• Hold your baby in a curled-up position, similar to the fetal position.

4. Baby Massage

👉 Also see my blog about baby massage.

5. Medication

There are products such as Infacol, Sab Simplex, or Sinababy that may help reduce gas. Not every product works for every baby, so always consult your doctor or child health clinic before trying anything.

When Do Colic Pains Go Away?

Most babies naturally outgrow their cramps. Around 3 to 4 months of age, the digestive system is more developed and the symptoms usually disappear.

In some cases, the discomfort may have another cause, such as:

• Cow's milk protein allergy

• Reflux

• Excessive crying (crying babies)

If you're unsure, or if you're worried because your baby cries excessively or isn't gaining weight well, always contact your GP or child health clinic.

⚠️ Note: Do not give fennel tea or other "home remedies" without professional advice. Some products once considered harmless are now discouraged.

My Personal Experience

I remember very well that my second son had a lot of trouble with tummy cramps. He drank quickly—first breast milk, later bottle feeding—and remained restless. At first, I thought he wasn't getting enough milk, but in the end, it turned out he was drinking too fast, swallowing air, and hardly getting any hindmilk.

Those moments can be confusing as a parent. You quickly think your baby is hungry, but giving more milk often has the opposite effect. It can even worsen the symptoms.

What helped for us:

• Feeding more calmly

• Taking more frequent breaks

• Making sure he burped well after every feeding

• Regular tummy massages or warm baths—these helped him, but also gave me a moment of calm.

In Conclusion

A lovely book to read and learn even more tips:

Thank you for reading this blog. Take good care of yourself — and in doing so, your little one as well. Until next time!

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