Colic, Gas, Crying: What Worked for Me (And Might Work for You)

Published on: May 3, 2025

Baby colic and gas : If you’re a parent holding a crying newborn at 2 a.m., wondering what’s wrong, know this: you’re not alone. Infant colic affects up to 40% of babies, causing intense, unexplained crying that can last for hours—usually peaking in the first 3 months of life.

All babies cry. But some cry a lot — for hours, sometimes for no clear reason. If you’re holding your baby in the middle of the night, feeling helpless while they clench their fists and pull their legs, you’re not alone. It could be normal gas. But it could also be colic — or a sign that something else is going on.

Baby colic and gas are incredibly common in newborns. They’re part of the adjustment as your baby’s digestive system matures. But as a parent, it’s hard to know when to stay calm and when to worry. How do you tell the difference between normal discomfort and something that needs medical attention?

This article will help you understand the basics: what causes colic and gas, what symptoms are typical, and when you should contact your pediatrician. You’ll also get simple, evidence-based tips for soothing your baby and taking care of yourself in the process.

Let’s break down the 5 warning signs that your baby’s discomfort might be more than just gas — and what you can do about it, starting today.

What Is Baby Colic?

Colic is traditionally defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 consecutive weeks in an otherwise healthy infant (StatPearls, 2023).

Possible Causes

• Immature digestive system
• Gut microbiota imbalance
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Overfeeding or underfeeding
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Overstimulation from the environment

The reassuring news? Colic usually resolves on its own by 3–4 months of age.

What Actually Helped Baby Colic(From One Mom to Another)

1. Baby Massage

Gentle clockwise tummy massages made a noticeable difference. I’d warm my hands first and softly press in circular motions to help trapped gas pass.

2. Warm Baths

Giving my baby a warm bath during her usual “witching hour” seemed to soothe her body and calm her crying episodes.

3. Probiotics

Adding Lactobacillus reuteri drops, as recommended by our pediatrician, reduced crying time over a few weeks (American Family Physician, 2015).

4. Feeding Adjustments

Ensuring she burped after every feed—and not overfeeding—helped prevent excess gas buildup.

5. White Noise

Playing gentle white noise mimicked the womb and helped her settle faster during crying spells.

6. Swaddling and Gentle Rocking

Swaddling securely (but safely) combined with rhythmic rocking calmed her nerves and seemed to shorten episodes.

7. Maternal Diet Changes (If Breastfeeding)

I trialed eliminating dairy for two weeks, which appeared to reduce her discomfort—though the evidence is mixed (PubMed, 2013).

Things That Didn’t Work (But Might for You)

I tried gripe water, gas drops, and herbal teas—with little success. But many parents report positive results, so it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While colic is common and harmless, excessive crying can sometimes mask other issues. Contact your healthcare provider if your baby has:

• Fever
• Vomiting (especially green or forceful)
• Blood in stool
• Poor feeding or weight gain
• Lethargy or reduced responsiveness

Your instincts as a parent matter. If something feels off, trust them.

The Emotional Toll of Baby Colic

No one warns you how hard it is to hear your baby cry inconsolably. Research shows that infant colic can increase parental stress, anxiety, and even risk of postpartum depression (BMC Pediatrics, 2019).

If you find yourself overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless—put the baby down safely in the crib and take a break. Call a partner, friend, or hotline. You matter too.

Takeaways

There’s no perfect cure for colic. What worked for me might not work for you—and that’s okay. This phase is tough but temporary. You’re not failing; you’re surviving.

Above all: ask for help. Let others cook, clean, hold the baby so you can nap. Caring for a crying newborn takes a village—and you deserve support.

Want more guidance? Visit vittafemme.com for evidence-based articles and listen to our podcast for real stories from parents like you.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for concerns about your baby’s health.

References :

1. StatPearls. Infantile Colic. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519512/
   
2. American Family Physician. Infantile Colic: A Clinical Review. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(7):577–582.
   https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/1001/p577.html
   
3. Szatkowski A, Kandel R. Maternal hypoallergenic diet for treating infantile colic. Pediatrics. 2013;131(6):e1572–e1580.
   https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-1795
   
4. Olsen AL, Reeder MR, Magnusson BM. Impact of infantile colic on parental stress and depression. BMC Pediatr. 2019;19:1422.
   https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1512-2