How is colic treated for babies?

Answered on 11th January 2016

Colic will often get better within a few months and treatment options are limited. However, there are some practical measures that can be taken to try and reduce any discomfort that your little one is experiencing. There is no ‘best’ way to comfort your little one – all babies are different and will respond in their own way to any efforts you make to relieve their colic. Remember that the ‘inconsolable crying’ is the main symptom of colic so sometimes whatever you do will have no effect. Your baby may still continue to cry and cannot be consoled. Don’t feel that you are doing something wrong!
Some babies respond well to being held tightly when they are crying with colic, or wrapped tightly in a blanket or a sling. Sitting your baby upright during feeding to prevent them from swallowing lots of air may also help reduce symptoms. Some parents also believe that the best bottles for colicky babies are those that use a fast flow teat to prevent excessive air being swallowed.

It is always important to burp your baby after a feed by sitting them upright or holding them against your shoulder, making sure to support their head and neck. Then, gently rub their back and tummy until they burp. There are a number of measures that babies also like and may help to soothe their colic. Being pushed in their pram, driven around in the car or given a warm bath may also work for your little one.

If you are breastfeeding, avoiding drinks that contain caffeine such as tea and coffee may help your little one’s colic. Some mothers also find that spicy food or alcohol can worsen their little one’s symptoms.