5 Natural Remedies for Baby Colic That Actually Work
What Is Baby Colic?
Colic is defined as crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks — in an otherwise healthy baby. It affects up to 25% of newborns, typically starting around 2-3 weeks and peaking at 6 weeks. The good news? Most babies grow out of it by 3-4 months.
But in the meantime, those hours of inconsolable crying are exhausting for parents and distressing for babies. If you are looking for safe, natural options to try, here are 5 remedies that have helped thousands of families.
1. Herbal Baby Tea (Chamomile, Fennel & Ginger)
Herbal teas have been used for centuries across cultures to soothe colicky babies. A landmark study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that chamomile tea significantly reduced colic symptoms compared to a placebo. Fennel and ginger work together to reduce gas, ease digestive cramping, and calm the nervous system.
How to use: Look for USDA-certified organic blends specifically formulated for infants, like Babies Magic Tea. Steep for 5 minutes, cool to a safe temperature, and offer 1-2 oz before or after feeding.
Safety note: Always choose teas that are pediatrician-approved and formulated for the age of your baby. Avoid teas with licorice root (anise) for babies under 6 months.
2. The "Tiger Hold" (Colic Carry Position)
This position involves draping your baby face-down along your forearm, with their head near your elbow and legs straddling your wrist. The gentle pressure on the belly combined with movement can bring surprisingly fast relief during an episode.
Pro tip: Pair this position with gentle rhythmic patting on the back and white noise — the combination mimics the womb environment that babies miss.
3. Baby Gripe Water
Gripe water is a traditional remedy made with herbs like ginger, fennel, chamomile, and lemon balm. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the GI tract and reducing gas pressure. Unlike antigas drops that use simethicone, natural gripe water works holistically with no synthetic chemicals.
What to look for: Choose alcohol-free, preservative-free options. Our Baby Gripe Water is crafted specifically to complement Babies Magic Tea as a complete colic relief system.
4. Bicycle Leg Exercises
Gas trapped in the intestines is one of the primary causes of colic pain. Gently moving your babys legs in a bicycle pedaling motion helps to physically move that gas along and can provide relief within minutes. Do this for 3-5 minutes, 3-4 times a day, ideally before feedings.
5. Probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri)
Growing research supports probiotics for colic relief. Lactobacillus reuteri, in particular, has been studied in multiple clinical trials and shown to reduce daily crying time by up to 50% in breastfed infants. A pediatrician can guide you on dosage for your babys age and weight.
What About Diet If You Are Breastfeeding?
Some research suggests that a breastfeeding parents diet can contribute to colic in sensitive babies. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), and citrus. Consider an elimination trial of 2 weeks to see if removing these helps.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
While colic is distressing, it is not dangerous. However, contact your doctor if your baby:
- Has a fever
- Is not gaining weight
- Has blood in their stool
- Is vomiting frequently
- Seems to be in severe pain, not just fussy
The Bottom Line
Colic can feel relentless, but you are not powerless. Herbal tea, gentle positioning, gripe water, exercise, and probiotics are all evidence-supported options that have helped countless families get through this challenging season. Combining 2-3 of these approaches — especially herbal tea as a foundation — tends to produce the best results.
Our Babies Magic Tea was formulated by a pediatrician and made with USDA-certified organic herbs to be gentle enough for day 1. Thousands of parents have shared how it helped their babies — and helped the whole family sleep again.
