Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Desperate.
If you’re reading this, you know firsthand the emotions that come with a colicky baby. It’s a helpless feeling when no amount of swaying, bouncing, or shushing seems to soothe a crying little one. And though it can feel incredibly lonely, you aren’t alone. Colic has a name because it’s common enough that it needed one. And though the causes aren’t fully understood, rest assured; some tried-and-true tools and techniques can help. Let’s talk through some ways you can move from chaos to calm.
First: What is colic, really?
A colic baby is one who cries frequently and intensely, usually in the evenings, for no clear reason. Pediatricians typically define colic using the rule of threes—crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. While the exact cause is unknown, many believe it could be related to digestion, overstimulation, or a developing nervous system that’s still learning to regulate.
Tools that can help
1. Babywearing
Consider this the happy version of the rule of three: A randomized control study of 99 mother-infant pairs in the journal Pediatrics revealed that mothers who carried their baby for at least three hours per day saw a 43% decrease in crying during the day, and a 51% decrease at night.
But holding a baby in your arms for three hours a day isn’t realistic for most parents (hello, meals and laundry and errands and work and pets and other children). Enter: Baby carriers—the hands-free solution for holding baby while staying hands-free to tend to life’s demands.
We created the Solly Wrap specifically for those early months of baby’s life when colic is at it’s peak—designed to ease the transition from mom’s belly to world by mimicking the cozy comfort of the womb. Buttery-soft, super breathable, and designed to fit snug against baby and wearer, the Solly Wrap allows babies to feel the steady rhythm of your heartbeat and the comfort of your movement—promoting a sense of security and calmness.
2. White noise and gentle motion
Researchers believe that part of what causes colic is sensory overload. After experiencing the soothing comfort, warmth, and hushed environment on the womb, babies may find life on the outside overstimulating. Sound and movement can mimic the environment your baby knew before birth. Try a sound machine with white or pink noise (think: steady rain or ocean waves), and consider rocking, swaying, or bouncing to soothe. A wrap makes this even easier—your baby gets the motion, and your arms remain free to take care of other things.
3. Warm baths and tummy time
A warm bath can work wonders on a colic baby. The water provides gentle pressure and heat that can ease tummy discomfort. Follow that with some tummy time on your chest (the wrap counts as tummy time!) to help release any trapped gas.
4. Feeding Position and Burping
In addition to relieving gas with baths and tummy time, consider how you feed and burp baby. Feeding in an upright positions and taking regular breaks for burping will help minimize gassiness. Wearing baby upright in the wrap after feeding can also help aid digestion.
Take Care of You Too
You are your baby’s safe place—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Let someone else take over when they can. Ask for help when you need it. Step outside for a breath of fresh air. Drink water. Eat something nourishing. Rest when you’re able.
And remember: Like all phases, colic won’t last forever. You’ve got this.
