How to Soothe a Colicky Baby: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Relief

How to Soothe a Colicky Baby: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Relief

It can be overwhelming for parents to take care of a newborn baby, but it can be extra stressful when your baby cries for long hours at night. A lot of parents worry about “Why is my baby crying so much at night?” In a lot of cases, the reason for this crying is colic. It is a common phase that every baby goes through, even if they are healthy.

However, you need to worry as there are ways to soothe a colicky baby. In this guide, we will explain colic symptoms in babies, what causes colic in newborns, and the colic remedies for newborns that really work. We will also walk you through bottle choices and why the right bottle matters for colicky babies.

What Is Colic?

Colic is when a baby cries for longer hours without any reason, and they are also healthy. According to doctors, colic is about the rule of three. If a baby cries more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, and if it has been going on for more than three weeks, then the baby has colic.

A lot of parents even say that the baby’s crying gets worse in the evening. That’s why many call it colic baby nighttime crying.

Signs and Symptoms of Colic in Babies

The colic symptoms in babies are actually very common. Look for these in your baby.

       Crying that is intense or loud.

       Red or flushed face

       Clenched fists and a tense body

       Drawing legs up toward the tummy

       Arching the back

       Difficulty being soothed even after feeding

It does not mean that every time a baby is crying, it is due to colic. But if your baby’s crying is similar to these symptoms, then it is usually a sign of colic.

What Causes Colic in Newborns?

There is no known reason for colic, but these are some factors that may be contributing to it

       Weak digestive system

       Swallowed air during feeding

       Too much stimulation or tiredness

       Fast bottle flow or bad feeding posture

Understanding these triggers helps you apply gassy baby relief tips that make a real difference.

How Long Does Colic Last?

The usual time period a doctor has identified for colic is that it starts when a baby is only 2 to weeks old, and it gets really intense when a baby is six weeks old. But colic starts to fade when the baby is three to four months old.

For parents, this period can feel endless and very tiring, but every baby outgrows it.

How to Soothe a Colicky Baby: Simple Techniques That Often Work

Every baby reacts differently, so you might need to try things one by one. Here are some colic baby treatment at home techniques parents use.

1. Hold and Comfort Your Baby

Sometimes babies just need your warmth. Skin to skin, slow rocking, or holding them upright against your chest helps their body relax.

Try these:

• Hold baby upright
 • Swaddle gently if it calms them
 • Walk slowly around the room

Being close helps your baby settle and calms their nervous system.

2. Improve Feeding Technique and Choose the Right Bottle

A lot of colic comes from swallowed air. Changing how you feed and what bottle you use can reduce a lot of discomfort.

Here’s what helps:

• Keep your baby slightly upright while feeding
 • Avoid fast-flow nipples because they make babies gulp
 • Match nipple size to your baby’s age
 • Try Mubsie Silicone Baby Bottles, which are designed to reduce air intake

Using a bottle built for colic is one of the easiest ways to manage how to relieve gas in babies without medicine.

How a Standard Bottle Can Contribute to Colic

Many parents don’t realize that a standard bottle could make colic worse:

     Flow too fast: Babies gulp milk instead of sucking calmly, swallowing excess air

     Fail to support proper latch: Air enters at the sides of the mouth, increasing wind and discomfort.

     Lack proper venting: Negative pressure inside the bottle forces the baby to swallow more air

Poor feeding rhythm also reduces exposure to enzymes in saliva that aid digestion, potentially disrupting breastfeeding if combining breast and bottle feeding.

How Mubsie Helps Reduce Colic

Mubsie Silicone Baby Bottles are designed to protect natural feeding instincts and reduce colic:

     Air intake: Anti-colic venting directs air away from milk, preventing trapped wind

     Flow control: Extra-slow flow lets the baby feed calmly

     Latch support: Teat shape promotes a deep, natural latch

     Natural feeding motion: Supports instinctive peristaltic feeding, draws saliva into every feed, aiding digestion and gut health

Parents who switched to an anti-colic baby bottle Pakistan said their babies cried less and fed more calmly after switching.

3. Burp More Frequently

Trapped air can cause discomfort. After each feed, gently pat or rub your baby’s back in circular motions.

Extra gassy baby relief tips:

       Hold the baby upright for 10–15 minutes after feeding

       Lightly move their legs in a bicycle motion.

       Avoid overfeeding or gulping air.

4. Use Soothing Motions and Sounds

Many babies respond well to repetitive, gentle motion or soft sounds.

Techniques:

       Rocking in a chair or baby swing

       Soft shushing or humming

       Walking around with your baby in your arms

       Playing gentle white noise or lullabies

These help settle your baby’s nervous system and support other colic baby treatment at home practices.

5. Natural Comfort Methods You Can Try

You don’t need anything fancy. Simple home methods bring comfort.

• Warm baths help relax the tummy
 • Gentle tummy massage before the crying peaks
 • Slightly upright sleep position helps digestion when you learn how to reduce baby gas after feeding

Just make sure everything you try is safe for newborns.

When You Should See a Doctor

Reach out to a doctor if your baby shows:

• Fever
 • Vomiting
 • Weak or unusual cry
 • Poor feeding
 • Weight loss

If something feels off, trust your instincts and contact a doctor.

Supporting Yourself As a Parent

Colic is stressful for everyone. Feeling frustrated, anxious, or exhausted is normal.

       Remember: this phase is temporary.

       Take breaks and ask for help.

       Connect with other parents for support.

FAQs

Does colic happen only at night?
 Most of the time, colicky babies cry more in the evening, but crying in daytime can also happen.

Can colic be prevented?
 There are no prevention techniques for colic, but using anti-colic baby bottles can help.

How do I know if my baby has colic?
 If your baby cries for long periods, clenches their fists, draws their legs up to their tummy, and if this occurs for more than 3 hours a day, then this signals colic.

Do feeding bottles affect colic?
Yes. Regular bottles can make babies swallow air and feel gassy. Best feeding bottle for colic Pakistan like Mubsie Silicone Baby Bottles help reduce air and make babies more comfortable.

How can I relieve gas in babies?
 Burp your baby frequently, hold them upright, and do gentle bicycle legs.

Final Thoughts

Not knowing how to soothe a colicky baby can be difficult and overwhelming, but when you use the right techniques and an anti-colic baby bottle from Mubsie, you can relieve your baby’s discomfort and can also find some peace for yourself.

Colic can feel overwhelming, but it is temporary. With patience, gentle soothing methods, and the right feeding support, your baby can find relief, and you can find some peace of mind.

 Shop Mubsie Silicone Baby Bottles and reduce colic symptoms.

Back to blog