Infant colic is one of those issues that can really challenge any parent. If your baby cries non-stop, curls up, turns red, and nothing seems to comfort them, it's normal to be worried. The good news: colic is very common, temporary, and there are real ways to relieve it.
In this guide, you'll find out how to tell if your baby has colic, when it usually appears, why it occurs, and what natural remedies can help. We also include a simple massage guide and a special section on the anti-colic bathtub.
How to tell if your baby has colic?
Although every baby is different, pediatricians usually identify colic with the well-known "rule of 3s":
- Inconsolable crying for more than 3 hours a day
- Occurring more than 3 days per week
- And lasting for more than 3 weeks
Typical signs of colic
If your baby shows several of these symptoms, it is very likely that it is colic.
Sudden and intense crying, almost always at the same time (late afternoon/evening).
Clenched fists and legs pulled up to the abdomen.
Hard abdomen.
Redness of the face.
Difficulty calming down even after eating, sleeping, or a diaper change.
Restless sleep after a crying episode.
When does infant colic appear?
Colic usually appears between the second and third week of life, peaking around the sixth week. The good news: it completely disappears between 3 and 4 months of age.
This stage feels eternal for parents, but it is temporary.
Why does colic appear?
There isn't a single cause, but several factors influence it:
Digestive immaturity.
The baby's digestive system is not yet 100% prepared. This causes gas and discomfort.
Air swallowed during feeding.
Either due to poor positioning, shallow latch, or an unsuitable bottle.
Overstimulation.
At the end of the day, many babies are overwhelmed by stimuli and cry to release tension.
Mild intolerance or sensitivity to milk components.
In some cases, cow's milk protein can cause discomfort (only a pediatrician can assess this).
Biology of crying.
Some babies simply cry more due to their temperament or neurological maturation.
Natural and effective remedies to relieve colic
Here are some options that usually help. I'll avoid a plain list and give you useful details so parents can understand how to apply them.
The special anti-colic bathtub
The so-called anti-colic bathtubs are designed to place the baby in a slightly upright position, with their back well supported and abdomen freer. This posture reduces pressure on the tummy and makes it easier for gas to move and pass more easily.
In addition:
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They prevent the baby from lying completely flat, which reduces the feeling of discomfort.
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They support the body ergonomically, creating a safe and relaxed environment.
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They allow warm water to act directly on the abdomen, providing gentle heat that relaxes intestinal muscles.
Many parents use them late in the afternoon or evening, precisely when colic tends to be most intense. The water, posture, and skin-to-skin contact of the moment help the baby calm down, regulate their breathing, and reduce the tension accumulated throughout the day.
Gentle warmth on the abdomen
Applying a warm (not hot) towel on the baby's tummy for a few minutes is a classic and very effective remedy for relieving colic. The heat acts directly on the intestinal muscles, helping them to relax and reducing the feeling of pressure that intense crying usually generates.
The trick is that it should be gentle, pleasant to the touch, and kept on only as long as necessary for the baby to feel more comfortable.
Extra tip: while the towel is working, you can accompany it with circular strokes in a clockwise direction. These movements follow the natural path of the intestine and promote the expulsion of gas, further enhancing relief.
Walking with the baby held close to the chest
Holding the baby close to your chest is one of the most effective and natural ways to relieve colic. The constant movement of walking, human warmth, and the stable rhythm of the adult's heart create an environment that regulates the baby's nervous system and reduces crying almost immediately.
In addition to being held in arms, many parents find even more comfort using:
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Baby wraps
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Ergonomic carriers
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Stretchy wraps
These systems keep the baby in an ergonomic position, with their back in a "C" shape and legs in a "froggy" position (spread and bent). This posture is not only safe and recommended for hip development, but also promotes the expulsion of gas because it reduces pressure on the abdomen.
The natural swaying of walking, combined with the feeling of containment and security, makes many babies relax, breathe better, and reduce discomfort. Sometimes, they even fall asleep in a few minutes.
Changing the type of bottle or nipple
In many cases, some discomfort comes from the air the baby swallows while feeding. Adjusting small details during feeding can greatly reduce gas and, therefore, colic.
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Check that no air enters during sucking.
Ensure that the nipple is always full of milk and that the bottle has a good anti-colic system. Correct inclination prevents bubbles and reduces air intake. -
Pause halfway through the feeding to burp the baby.
Stop feeding for a few seconds, sit the baby upright, and help them burp. This pause prevents air from getting trapped in the stomach and causing discomfort later.
These are small adjustments, but they make a big difference in how the baby digests, how they feel, and how calm mealtimes can be.
Natural infusions (only if approved by the pediatrician)
Some specific infusions for babies, such as fennel or mild chamomile, can help relieve gas and reduce abdominal tension. These herbs have natural digestive properties that, in small amounts and suitable formulations, can offer gentle and progressive relief.
However, it is essential that:
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They are formulated exclusively for infants (homemade infusions or adult ones are not suitable).
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They are administered in very controlled doses.
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They always have the pediatrician's approval.
Every baby is different, and some may have intolerances or sensitivities, so professional supervision ensures that the remedy is safe and appropriate for their case.
Calm routines at the end of the day
Creating a calmer environment can make a big difference in how a baby manages the end of the day. Dim lighting, less noise around them, and avoiding screens help reduce stimulation which, at those times, often proves excessive.
Babies have an immature nervous system, and when they accumulate too many stimuli—colors, sounds, movements, changes in environment—they can feel overwhelmed. This overwhelm easily turns into crying, and if they already have a tendency to gas or colic, the discomfort intensifies.
Slowing down, talking softly, using warm light, and creating a predictable environment helps the baby relax, breathe better, and enter a calmer state that makes the end of the day much more manageable.
How to massage to relieve colic
Massages are one of the most effective and natural methods. Here's a clear mini-guide so any parent can do it without fear.
Circular abdominal massage
- Apply baby oil or cream.
- Make circular movements clockwise.
- Maintain gentle, steady pressure.
- Why it works: you follow the natural path of the intestine, helping to move gas.
"I Love You" technique (very effective)
- Draw a vertical downward line on the left side of the abdomen (the "I").
- Then, draw an inverted "L": from right to left and then downwards.
- Finally, an inverted "U" from the lower right to the left.
Leg cycling
- Place the baby on their back.
- Move their legs as if pedaling a bicycle.
Do it gently, without forcing. This greatly facilitates the expulsion of gas.
"Tiger on the tree" posture
- Place the baby face down on your forearm.
- Their abdomen rests on your arm and their head is slightly elevated.
- This posture instantly relieves abdominal pressure.
Colic can test the patience and tranquility of any family, but it's important to remember something fundamental: it's no one's fault. It doesn't mean your baby is sick, or that you're doing something wrong. It's simply another stage of development, intense but temporary, that usually resolves before you know it.
Meanwhile, your presence, your calm—even if it's hard sometimes—and these small gestures of relief can make a big difference in how your baby goes through this phase. And if at any point the crying is too intense, persistent, or you notice something that doesn't fit the usual, it's highly recommended to consult a pediatrician to ensure everything is okay.
Accompany, breathe, and trust: this too shall pass, and very soon your daily life will be much calmer.
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