Baby Colic Soothing Techniques: 12 Methods That Actually Work

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Raza, MD (Pediatrics) — ChildBloom Medical Review Panel. Last updated: August 4, 2026.

Editorial & affiliate disclosure: our guidance is written and reviewed by clinicians. ChildBloom may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, which never changes what our pediatric reviewers recommend.

Looking for clear answers about baby colic soothing techniques? This pediatrician-reviewed guide covers what matters, what to skip, the safety checks that count, and exactly when to involve your doctor — based on current AAP, CDC and CPSC guidance on baby colic soothing techniques.

Quick pediatrician summary: baby colic soothing techniques

Short answer: A pediatrician explains baby colic soothing techniques: what is normal, the real risks, red flags to watch for and exactly when to call your doctor.

This pediatrician-reviewed guide to baby colic soothing techniques keeps things practical: what genuinely affects your baby’s safety and comfort, what marketing you can ignore, and how to decide quickly. Our guidance on baby colic soothing techniques follows current AAP, CDC and CPSC recommendations.

If your baby cries for hours every evening, you are not alone. Colic affects up to 1 in 5 babies, and finding the right baby colic soothing techniques can feel like trial and error. The good news? Research-backed methods exist that truly help. This guide walks you through 12 pediatrician-approved strategies — from the famous 5 Ss method to probiotic drops — so you can calm your baby and finally get some rest.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Colic?
2. Signs and Symptoms of Colic vs Normal Fussiness
3. Possible Causes of Colic
4. 12 Baby Colic Soothing Techniques
5. Comparison Table of All 12 Methods
6. Creating a Colic Soothing Plan
7. What NOT to Do
8. Taking Care of Yourself as a Parent
9. Key Takeaways
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. When to Call the Pediatrician
12. Bottom Line
13. References

What Is Colic? {#what-is-colic}

Colic is a condition in healthy babies who cry for long periods without a clear cause. Doctors often use the “Rule of 3s” to define it:

• Crying lasts more than 3 hours a day
• It happens more than 3 days a week
• It continues for more than 3 weeks

Colic usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age. It peaks at about 6 weeks and typically resolves by 3 to 4 months.

How Common Is Colic?

About 20% of infants experience colic. It affects boys and girls equally. Babies who are breastfed and formula-fed both develop colic. It crosses all cultures and income levels.

The Period of PURPLE Crying

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome created the term PURPLE crying to help parents understand normal infant crying patterns:

• P — Peak pattern (crying increases over the first weeks)
• U — Unexpected (it comes and goes)
• R — Resists soothing (nothing seems to work)
• P — Pain-like face (baby looks like they hurt)
• L — Long crying bouts (can last hours)
• E — Evening (crying clusters in late afternoon and evening)

Understanding this pattern helps you know that your baby is not sick. The witching hour baby phase is temporary and will pass.

Signs and Symptoms of Colic vs Normal Fussiness {#signs-and-symptoms}

All babies fuss. But colic crying has distinct features. Here is how to tell the difference.

Typical Colic Signs

• Intense, high-pitched crying that sounds like pain
• Crying that starts and ends suddenly
• Clenched fists, stiff legs, and a tight belly
• Red face during crying episodes
• Crying that happens at the same time each day — usually evening
• Passing gas during or after crying bouts
• Difficulty settling even after feeding and diaper changes

Normal Fussiness vs Colic

Key point: A baby with colic feeds well, gains weight normally, and appears happy between crying episodes. If your baby seems ill or is not gaining weight, see your pediatrician right away.

Possible Causes of Colic {#possible-causes}

Scientists do not know the exact cause of colic. Most experts believe several factors work together.

Gut Immaturity

A newborn’s digestive system is still developing. The gut nerves may not yet coordinate well, leading to cramping and gas. This is why baby Gas Relief methods often bring some comfort.

Overstimulation

New babies receive a flood of new sights, sounds, and sensations. Their nervous systems cannot yet filter out extra input. By evening, some babies become overwhelmed and cry to release that tension.

Sensitivity to Formula or Breast Milk

Some babies react to proteins in formula or to foods in the breastfeeding mother’s diet. Cow’s milk protein is the most common trigger. This is one reason dietary changes appear on the list of fussy baby remedies.

Other Factors Researchers Are Studying

• Early forms of childhood migraine
• Hormonal shifts in the first months of life
• Imbalance of gut bacteria (microbiome)
• Gastroesophageal reflux (colic vs reflux can be hard to tell apart)

No single cause explains every case. That is why trying multiple baby colic soothing techniques often works best.

12 Baby Colic Soothing Techniques That Actually Work {#12-techniques}

Below are 12 evidence-informed methods. Not every method works for every baby. Try them one at a time so you can see what helps.

1. The 5 Ss Method (Swaddle, Side/Stomach, Shush, Swing, Suck)

Developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, this method mimics sensations babies felt in the womb.

How to do it:

• Swaddle — Wrap your baby snugly in a thin blanket. Keep the hips loose. Stop Swaddling when baby shows signs of rolling.
• Side/Stomach position — Hold your baby on their side or stomach against your chest. Always place babies on their backs for sleep.
• Shush — Make a loud “shhhh” sound near your baby’s ear. The sound should be as loud as the crying.
• Swing — Support your baby’s head and use tiny, fast, gentle jiggles. You can also use a baby swing set on a low speed.
• Suck — Offer a pacifier or let baby nurse. Sucking triggers a calming reflex.

Why it works: These steps activate the baby’s calming reflex, which is built into every newborn’s nervous system.

2. Tummy Time and Bicycle Legs

Gentle movement helps release trapped gas, which is a common source of discomfort.

How to do it:

• Lay your baby on their back on a flat surface.
• Gently hold their ankles and move their legs in a bicycling motion.
• Do this for 2 to 3 minutes, several times a day.
• Supervised tummy time while awake also helps build core strength and puts gentle pressure on the belly.

Tip: Do bicycle legs after feedings wait at least 20 minutes to avoid spit-up.

3. White Noise and Sound Therapy

White noise recreates the constant sound environment of the womb.

How to do it:

• Use a white noise machine, a fan, or a phone app.
• Place the sound source at least 7 feet from the crib.
• Keep the volume at about 50 decibels (roughly the level of a quiet shower).
• Try different sounds — some babies prefer a vacuum cleaner recording or a hair dryer sound.

Evidence: A 2019 review in Pediatrics found that white noise helped babies fall asleep faster in multiple studies.

4. Baby Wearing and Skin-to-Skin Contact

Holding your baby close reduces crying and supports bonding.

How to do it:

• Use a soft wrap or structured carrier.
• Keep baby’s face visible and chin off the chest.
• Skin-to-skin (also called kangaroo care) works well — place baby in just a diaper against your bare chest.
• Wear your baby during the evening witching hour if that is when crying peaks.

Why it works: Close contact regulates your baby’s heart rate, temperature, and stress hormones. Studies show that increased carrying reduces crying in the first months of life.

5. Warm Bath Routine

A warm bath can relax tense muscles and shift your baby’s focus away from discomfort.

How to do it:

• Fill the tub with warm water (about 100°F or 37.8°C).
• Hold your baby securely and let the water flow over their belly and back.
• Keep the bath to 10 minutes or less.
• Follow with a gentle lotion massage and a fresh diaper.

Best time: Try a bath about 30 minutes before the usual colic episode begins.

6. Gentle Tummy Massage (I Love You Massage)

Tummy massage can move gas through the intestines and ease cramping.

How to do the “I Love You” massage:

• Lay your baby on their back during a calm moment.
• Use a small amount of baby-safe oil or lotion.
• I — Stroke down the left side of baby’s belly (your right). This follows the path of the descending colon.
• L — Stroke across the top of the belly from right to left, then down the left side.
• U — Stroke up the right side, across the top, and down the left side, forming an upside-down U.
• Repeat each stroke 5 to 10 times with gentle but firm pressure.

When to do it: Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding. Do this when baby is calm, not during active crying.

7. Pacifier Use

Sucking is one of the strongest calming reflexes in newborns.

How to use it:

• Offer a pacifier between feedings or during fussy periods.
• If breastfeeding, wait until nursing is well established (usually 3 to 4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier.
• Choose a one-piece silicone pacifier that is easy to clean.
• Do not force it — if baby spits it out, that is okay.

Evidence: The AAP supports pacifier use and notes it may also reduce the risk of SIDS when used at nap and bedtime.

8. Motion and Car Rides

Rhythmic motion soothes many colicky babies.

Options to try:

• A car ride around the block
• A stroll in a stroller on a bumpy sidewalk
• A baby swing at a slow to medium speed
• Rocking in a rocking chair or glider
• Gently bouncing on a yoga ball while holding your baby

Safety note: Never shake your baby. If you feel frustrated, put the baby in a safe place (like the crib) and step away for a few minutes.

9. Dietary Changes

Some babies improve when you adjust what they eat — either through breast milk or formula.

For breastfed babies:

• The breastfeeding mother diet may help if you remove common triggers.
• Try eliminating dairy first, as cow’s milk protein is the most common offender.
• Remove all dairy from your diet for 2 to 3 weeks and watch for improvement.
• Other foods to consider removing: soy, eggs, caffeine, and cruciferous vegetables.
• Talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant before making major diet changes.

For formula-fed babies:

• Ask your pediatrician about switching to a hydrolyzed protein formula.
• These formulas break down proteins so they are easier to digest.
• Give the new formula at least 2 weeks before judging whether it works.

Important: Always consult your pediatrician before changing your baby’s diet or formula.

10. Probiotic Drops (L. reuteri)

One of the most studied colic treatments involves a specific probiotic strain.

What to know:

• Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is the strain with the best evidence.
• Studies show it reduces crying time in breastfed babies with colic.
• The usual dose is 5 drops (about 100 million CFU) once a day.
• Results may take 1 to 2 weeks to appear.
• Evidence is weaker for formula-fed babies, but some pediatricians still recommend a trial.

Safety: L. reuteri has a strong safety record in healthy term infants. Always check with your pediatrician before starting any supplement. These colic drops for babies are available over the counter in many countries.

11. Diminished Stimulation (Dark, Quiet Room)

Since overstimulation may drive colic, reducing sensory input can help.

How to create a calm environment:

• Dim the lights in the evening starting around 5 PM.
• Reduce loud noises and visitors.
• Take your baby to a dark, quiet room when crying begins.
• Use a white noise machine as the only sound.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (68°F to 72°F).

Why it works: A calm environment lowers the baby’s stress load. This is especially useful during the period of PURPLE crying when babies are most sensitive to stimulation.

12. Gripe Water and Herbal Remedies

Many parents ask about gripe water. Here is what the evidence says.

What is gripe water?

Gripe water is an herbal liquid that usually contains a mix of fennel, ginger, chamomile, and sometimes dill. Some formulations also include sodium bicarbonate.

What the evidence shows:

• A small 2015 study in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that a fennel seed extract reduced colic symptoms compared to no treatment.
• However, large, well-controlled studies are lacking.
• The AAP does not recommend gripe water as a first-line treatment.
• Some products contain sugar or alcohol — always check the label.
• The FDA does not regulate gripe water the same way it regulates medicines.

Bottom line: Gripe water is widely used and generally considered safe, but evidence is limited. Talk to your pediatrician before trying it. It should never replace proven infant colic treatment approaches.

Comparison Table of All 12 Methods {#comparison-table}

Creating a Colic Soothing Plan {#soothing-plan}

Trying every method at once will not tell you what works. Build a plan.

Step 1: Track the Crying

• Note when crying starts and ends each day.
• Track feedings, diaper changes, and sleep.
• After 3 to 4 days, look for patterns.

Step 2: Start With Low-Effort Methods

Begin with the 5 Ss, white noise, and a pacifier. These require the least effort and have the best track record.

Step 3: Add One New Method Every 2 to 3 Days

If the basics are not enough, add bicycle legs or tummy massage. Then try baby wearing. Keep a simple log.

Step 4: Build an Evening Routine

• 5:00 PM — Dim lights. Start a calm environment.
• 5:30 PM — Warm bath.
• 6:00 PM — Feed in a quiet room.
• 6:30 PM — Tummy massage and bicycle legs.
• 7:00 PM — Swaddle, white noise, and baby wearing.
• 7:30 PM onward — Continue soothing as needed.

Step 5: Reassess Weekly

If one method clearly helps, keep it. If nothing helps after two weeks, talk to your pediatrician about trying probiotic drops or a dietary change.

What NOT to Do {#what-not-to-do}

Some well-meaning advice can actually harm your baby.

• Never shake your baby. Even gentle shaking can cause brain damage or death. If you feel like you might lose control, put baby down in a safe spot and leave the room.
• Do not use medications without a doctor’s order. Over-the-counter gas drops (simethicone) have not been proven to help colic.
• Do not switch formulas too quickly. Give any new formula at least 2 weeks.
• Do not overfeed. A full belly can make discomfort worse.
• Avoid herbal remedies without checking labels. Some contain sugar, alcohol, or unlisted ingredients.
• Do not blame yourself. Colic is not caused by bad parenting.

Taking Care of Yourself as a Parent {#parental-self-care}

A colicky baby is exhausting. Your well-being matters just as much as your baby’s.

Signs You Need Support

• Feeling angry, hopeless, or numb
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
• Trouble sleeping even when the Baby Sleeps
• Withdrawing from friends and family

Practical Self-Care Steps

• Take shifts. If you have a partner, split evening duties.
• Ask for help. Let a trusted family member hold the baby for an hour.
• Step away safely. Put baby in the crib, close the door, and take 10 minutes for yourself.
• Call a helpline. The National Parent Helpline (1-855-427-2736) offers free, confidential support.
• Talk to your doctor. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable.

Remember: Taking care of yourself is not selfish. You cannot soothe your baby if you are running on empty.

Key Takeaways {#key-takeaways}

• Colic affects about 20% of babies and usually resolves by 3 to 4 months.
• The 5 Ss method is the most widely recommended starting point for colic relief.
• Baby wearing, white noise, and pacifier use all have solid evidence behind them.
• Probiotic drops (L. reuteri) show promise, especially for breastfed babies.
• Dietary changes may help if a food sensitivity is contributing.
• Gripe water is popular but has limited scientific support.
• Always rule out medical conditions before assuming colic.
• Parental mental health matters — seek help if you are struggling.
• This phase is temporary. Your baby will outgrow it.

Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

How long does colic last?

Colic usually starts around 2 to 3 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks, and resolves by 3 to 4 months. Most babies outgrow it completely by their fourth month.

What is the fastest way to soothe a colicky baby?

The 5 Ss method — swaddle, side/stomach hold, shush, swing, and suck — often brings the fastest relief. Combining two or three of these steps works better than any single one alone.

Can colic be prevented?

Colic cannot be fully prevented since its exact cause is unknown. However, responsive feeding, avoiding overstimulation, and early use of soothing techniques may reduce the severity of crying episodes.

Does gripe water actually work for colic?

Evidence for gripe water is limited. A small study on fennel extract showed some benefit, but large, high-quality trials are lacking. Talk to your pediatrician before using it.

Is colic the same as reflux?

No. Colic involves unexplained crying in a healthy baby. Reflux (GERD) involves frequent spit-up, back arching during feeds, and poor weight gain. Colic vs reflux can look similar, but a pediatrician can tell the difference.

What is the best probiotic for baby colic?

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has the strongest evidence for reducing colic crying, especially in breastfed infants. The typical dose is 5 drops daily.

When should I worry about my baby’s crying?

Call your pediatrician if crying is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, poor feeding, or if your baby is not gaining weight. These are not typical colic symptoms.

Can I give my baby gas drops for colic?

Simethicone gas drops are considered safe, but studies have not shown they effectively treat colic. Talk to your pediatrician before using them.

Does the mother’s diet affect colic?

In some breastfed babies, cow’s milk protein in the mother’s diet can worsen colic. Eliminating dairy for 2 to 3 weeks may help. Always consult a healthcare provider before making major diet changes.

Is it safe to use a baby swing for colic?

Yes, a baby swing on a low to medium setting is safe for short periods while you supervise. Never leave your baby unattended in a swing, and do not use it as a sleep space.

When to Call the Pediatrician {#when-to-call}

Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion. That means your doctor must rule out other causes first. Call your pediatrician right away if your baby has:

• A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Vomiting that is forceful or green/yellow in color
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Refuses to feed or feeds poorly
• Is not gaining weight
• Has fewer wet diapers than normal
• Cries in a way that sounds different from usual colic crying
• Seems lethargic or unusually hard to wake
• Has a bulging soft spot on the head
• Shows signs of breathing difficulty

These symptoms may point to an infection, intestinal blockage, or another condition that needs prompt treatment.

Bottom Line {#bottom-line}

Colic is one of the hardest challenges new parents face. The crying feels endless, and you may worry that something is terribly wrong. In the vast majority of cases, your baby is healthy and this phase will pass.

Start with the baby colic soothing techniques that have the best track record — the 5 Ss, white noise, baby wearing, and pacifier use. If those are not enough, add tummy massage, probiotic drops, or dietary changes under your pediatrician’s guidance.

Above all, take care of yourself. This is a season. It ends. And you are doing a good job.

References {#references}

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Crying and Colic.” HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
2. World Health Organization (WHO). “Infant and Young Child Feeding.” https://www.who.int
3. Sung V, et al. “Probiotics to Prevent or Treat Infantile Colic: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” BMJ, 2018.
4. National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. “Period of PURPLE Crying.” https://nationalcbsa.org
5. UK National Health Service (NHS). “Colic.” https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic
6. Johnson JD, Cocker K, Chang E. “Infantile Colic: Recognition and Treatment.” American Family Physician, 2015; 92(8): 706-710.
7. Harb T, et al. “Infantile Colic: An Update.” Paediatrics & Child Health, 2016.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Safe Sleep.” https://www.cdc.gov/safe-sleep

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition concerning your child. If you think your baby may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. The information in this article reflects generally accepted pediatric guidance as of the date of publication but may not apply to every individual situation.

Baby colic soothing techniques: quick pediatrician summary

If you read nothing else about baby colic soothing techniques: choose the option that meets current safety standards, fits your baby’s current age and weight, and that you can use correctly every single time without shortcuts. Consistency beats features. When two products are close, pick the simpler one — fewer parts means fewer ways to use baby colic soothing techniques unsafely.

Common mistakes parents make

• Buying for the baby your child will be in six months rather than the baby in front of you today.
• Adding extra padding, inserts or accessories the manufacturer did not test.
• Skipping the manual — most safety failures we see are correct products used incorrectly.
• Reusing older hand-me-downs that predate current safety standards or have been recalled.

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• Toddler Independence & Autonomy: A Parent’s Guide
• Toddler Hitting and Biting: Why It Happens and What to Do
• More Parenting Tips guides from our pediatric team
• Pediatrician’s Corner: evidence-based parenting answers

References and further reading

• AAP HealthyChildren.org parenting guidance
• CDC developmental milestones
• CPSC recalls and product safety alerts

Medical disclaimer

This article is general information, not individual medical advice. Every baby is different — talk to your own pediatrician about your child’s feeding, sleep, growth or development, and seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, fever in an infant under 3 months, or any sudden change in your baby’s behaviour.

Related pediatrician-reviewed reading

• Baby Massage Techniques
• Best Baby Probiotics for Digestion & Colic Relief
• Baby Clothing Guide
• The Pediatrician’s Guide to Baby Teething
• baby health & safety hub

References & further reading

• AAP safety & prevention
• CDC parent health resources
• CPSC recall database

Medical disclaimer: this article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. Always follow your own pediatrician’s guidance for your child.